Grossology

Why oh why can't I cook. At school my roommates would always put me in charge of the salad for our Sunday dinners. I've messed up so many things it's ridiculous! Tonight it was homemade mac n' cheese. I mean you wouldn't think it would be too difficult to make, but yes it apparently is. It basically turned out to be boiled plain noodles with hunks of random cheese. I don't know how to explain it, just know it was gross and Clifford was nice enough to eat it even when I forbid him from it.

On a more random note.. Jimmy Dean has come out with Chocolate Chip Pancake and Sausage on a stick. Like a hot dog... I seriously thought it was a joke at first. Wow America...just wow....

The memories...

We're watching Blues Brothers courtesy of the wonderful Netflix Instant Watch. Sing it James! Another round goes down in television history as we finished the Shield, some good stuff. Had date night over at Humdingers with their half pound burger a nice little hole in the wall, one day I will have to tackle their one pounder. The Joy Theater is closed until further notice... bummer.

Hands on Portland

One of my classes this semester is Leadership for Change. Its been a pretty good class so far... the teacher involves us a ton which is good and I'm never wishing class was over because the discussions are usually pretty interesting. We are required to do 6-8 hours of community service this term. The one I signed up for was scheduled today in Hillsboro at the Hillsboro Family Resource Center. They help low income families in the area. They get donations of clothing and food and then they allow families to come once a month and get the clothing and some food that they need. Its a really cool place that helps those who are really in need. Our job was to sort through the donations that they receive. I will admit it was a little boring and I had a red neck middle aged man next to me making fun of The Shins (they were playing 94.7 which I was really grateful for). I love The Shins! How dare he! But, I am happy I could help and I am grateful for wonderful organizations like this one whose only purpose is to help and make people's lives better. It makes me feel good that there are still good individuals out there who want to help people and not just gain riches and status *cough* verizon *cough*.....  

---Brynn---

As an aside it's funny how people eat. This is something that has limited our diet and the food we prepare on a nightly basis. I come from a 2% milk home though I was never inclined to down the white stuff. But when I get in the mood for cereal I can down a whole bag for myself but it has to be just right, chocolate and lot's of it, with milk filled to the brim. Brynn is just a little bit different... rice milk just covering the bottom and she's down with anything, funny how things work.

---Clifford---

The quest

I think one of the greatest mysteries of adulthood is that where to find the perfect meal for the right price. I am convinced that there is no way you can find it at those fifty dollars a plate joints nor does the thrift of Little Ceaser's pizza satisfy my taste buds. Whether it's a nice big bowl of pasta, the tenderest steak, or the perfect pork fried rice it's a journey every couple has to take. Now we've got the rice pinpointed to a place in Beaverton (though we keep going up and down Barbur in hopes of finding something closer to home) yet Brynn's Chow Mein with pan fried noodles are hiding out in some kitchen somewhere in Portland. But our quest to finally find "our place" that continues to prove to be quite elusive. We love Gravy for it's breakfast menu and Mississippi Pizza (though it doesn't come cheap) for it's pies. Doughnuts are always fun at Voodoo and the Mango Yogurt drinks from Indian restaurants always brings the taste of that most delicious fruit close to home.

Might as well call it MAGIC!

I don't know how our parents did it and I wish they would do it again. Nothing beats a home cooked meal which are few and far between at the Eiffler household. Between classes and our hectic work schedule you won't find our hand that busy in the kitchen. It's not that Brynn and I cannot cook or lack the instruments to cook but when I think about putting together a meal I just default to the same things I have for over six years; Ramen, Burritos, Pasta. Maybe I get fancy whip out the Forman and cook up some grilled cheese but if the food doesn't come from a box, bag, or restaurant counter it doesn't seem to make it on our table. As newlyweds i've read that the habits we form now will carry on when we have kids, I sure hope they love Oriental flavor. Time will what may come but we have been making more of an effort to cook (which led to that fantastic roast this Sunday that pushed Brynn over the edge into becoming a "flexatarian") and with a little more digging I think we will be able to find recipes that work for us and become staples so that our kids will one day yearn for a little bit of dad's mac and cheese and mom's coke salad. By the way, when do we lose the newlywed moniker...?

-Clifford

The weekend and pizza

I love Mississippi Pizza. They offer some of the best pizza in the city (though like a lot of the specialty shops they are grossly expensive, twenty one bucks for a pepperoni when you can get a cheese from Rovente's for a mere eight) and one of the most eclectic lineups for entertainment choices. I know that throughout the week they offer karaokee (at least they used to as I have some firsthand knowledge), quiz shows, and a spelling bee but every once and while bands sneak in there to play shows. This is is what (for me) Portland is about. Any night of the week is open (once Brynn has her birthday) to go out and enjoy the sounds of the city. What makes these dulcet tones better are when your friends are the ones producing them as you can take pride in their sublime skills (yes you do detect a hint of jealousy). On a night usually reserved for work, Brynn and I found ourselves with no commitments and at the Atlantis Lounge (part of Mississippi Pizza) listening to Canoe (or half of). I got to know Matt and Sofia back when (there were part of "If bears were bees")we were in the branch and with interest have been able to follow them (as much as one can with the whole mission thing, exile in Salem, etc) so it was good to reconnect with them and what they have been up to. They played a wonderful set, trying out a few new songs and I think that Brynn and I agree that Matt's voice is one that would lull you to a sweet dreamy sleep. So glad we went after a year of quiet (last concert was Mason Jennings in Eugene).
Speaking of returns to old haunts, Sunday saw a special event occur that may happen only once in a lifetime. A papal eclipse. While I was sharing my feelings of gratitude Frank (acting Pope) entered the Vatican creating the ultimate line of power during the Vatican's Thanksgiving. After years of plans, dreams, backstabbing, wars, and empty promises (roller coaster in the front yard, anyone?) it was good to be back among friends giving and receiveing a little love (also known as Marion Berry pie and just about every delicious food that I could stuff in my mouth), the Vatican will always have a special place in my heart.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving my peeps. Perhaps a leftovers potluck this weekend?

Alas the mighty Zornanus has fallen!

My bad luck continues. No matter the cool event that I procure whether from the dark recesses of my mind or the shady corners of the web I just can't seem to get a cool adventure off the ground. Whether it's "mystery" soda at Safeway, a free show at the planetarium, or finding scaries at the Deaf school I think I can claim that I am the king of misadventure. Alas there was no screening Gentleman Broncos last night as the woman in the turquoise raincoat informed us that the studio had canceled it at the last minute. Darn, darn, darn! We did end up going to the most exquisite restaurant (to at least try one time, a bit on the expensive side but well worth the experience) the Claim Jumper. After bypassing the twenty minute wait by choosing to eat outside (not to bad considering the massive space heaters hanging over the table). Their food for the most part is anything to get excited about but the dessert... simply fantastic! We ordered the I declair eclair which is a massive eclair filled with custard, situated on a brick of ice cream, and surrounded by a fortress of whipped cream. Only ten dollars it's well worth the price (you are basically buying a cake) and definitely it's something you need a small army help to finish.

Worst of all as I typed post this morning I wandered over to Wilco's website to get info about their show in February at the Schnitz. SOLD the heck OUT! Which makes this day already rate a one. Maybe I shouldn't have even gotten out of bed. What makes me even more bitter (which I am prone to become) is the fact that other shows aren't sold out thus raising the sentiment that those cities don't deserve such a precious band. My message to Canada and the Midwest... a plague on both your houses.

Sunday dinner

Food is the quickest way to my heart. Bar none. One of the things that i've grown to love is spending Sunday with friends and having food, drinks, and games. This is a tradition that dates back to the days of Vatican I (ps very excited for the Vatican's Thanksgiving, Brynn and I are totally there) and one that remains dear to my heart. Hanging out around the firepit, kicking back a few, and relaxing. The week lying ahead never mattered because you were guaranteed to always be in good company. Now that tradition is revived in some form as we make our rounds in the Maplewood Ward, eating and greeting, getting to know the other couples of the ward. Granted the dynamics are a bit different with the odd kid thrown in here and there, negotiating bed times and shoe off rules, but it's just as great. The setting is reminiscent of the traditional American Sunday dinner, though admittedly growing up in my home we didn't have one, it was always guaranteed that we would be home to spend time with family because Sunday was usually a day that our busy bee activities didn't intrude to lure us away from the hive. I am so happy that we are in Portland, surrounded by so many friends and making new ones.