My mother-in-law Cheryl tagged me, so here it goes!
4 Jobs I've had
1. Official war plane movie-watcher at GenM.
2. Campus/Metro assit. editor at The Daily Universe.
3. Photographer at The Daily Universe.
4. Circulation Manager and Associate Editor at Utah Valley Magazine
4 Places I've lived
1. Orem, UT
2. Nauvoo, IL
3. Provo, UT
4. Um, Orem again.
4 Favorite Foods
1. Orville Redenbacher regular butter popcorn
2. Potatoes
3. Hagan Daas ice cream
4. Asparagus
4 Websites I visit
1. Blogger
2. GMail
3. Facebook
4. MyFamily.com
4 Places I'd rather be
1. Italy
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
3. Southern France
4. Nauvoo
4 Favorite Movies
1. Stardust
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
3. Shakespeare in Love
4. Notting Hill
4 People I tag
1. Betsy Brown
2. Brittany Andersen
3. Rissa Merkley
4. Whitney Tanner
Friday, August 31, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Back to School No More
While everyone is going back-to-school shopping and buying all new pencils, notebooks and school clothes, I am entering the world of "official adulthood." No more back-to-school madness for me, and truth be told, it's a little sad. I remember taking my list sent out by the teachers to Staples with my mom and we'd weave up and down the isles looking for just the right notebook or the cutest mechanical pencils. I'd delight in picking out folders and binders and dream of being the most organized and stylish girl in my class. I'd pack up my back-pack and set it in my bedroom, all ready to go for the first day of school.
I'd pick my outfit out weeks in advance, and the night before school started, I'd lay it out on my floor. I usually tried to go to bed insanely early so I'd be sure to be well rested. I always got up way before the sun so I could make sure my hair was just right and my clothes looked just as cute as it did when I picked it out.
Ah, those were the days. As I got older, I became less and less consumed with back-to-school festivities. Towards my later years in college, there were times when I wouldn't even buy the books until weeks into the class, when we finally needed them for our first assignment. Often, I went to the first day of school without a back-pack and just bought a pencil in the bookstore on my way to class. I guess after sixteen years of school, the "first day" starts to lose its charm.
Luckily, as the magic of a first day of school wears off, it is replaced by the excitement of a full-time career job. I started on Thursday at Utah Valley Magazine, and I couldn't be happier. I love the office environment and everyone I work with, and I'm excited about what I'll be doing there. I feel blessed to be given this opportunity - and now I'm dying to go "back to work" shopping at See Jane Work, where they have the CUTEST office supplies I have ever seen. In fact, I'm thinking of ordering one of these mouse pads (pictured above) just because I can.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Tagged!
I was tagged by the worlds most outstanding florist, Audrey at Studio Stems. I guess the deal is I'm supposed to post 10 random things about me, so here it goes!
1. I just got a job at Utah Valley Magazine as the Circulation Manager/Assistant Editor. Yay for me!!
2. Popcorn and ice-cream are my two favorite food groups. They're food groups, right?
3. Ever since I was little, I have loved to read. I read everything in my house growing up at least three times -- and this includes all the Don Aslett cleaning books my dad got for free while doing promotional videos for him. I used to get grounded from reading.
4. When I'm stressed and need to calm down, I usually cook or clean. I dunno, maybe those Don Aslett books paid off!!
5. I love to travel. I love everything about traveling. My ideal job would be to travel the world and get paid for the articles I write and the pictures I take along the way.
6. I don't eat meat. I just don't like it. So don't try and make me eat it.
7. Magazines are my weakness. I love reading design magazines, fashion magazines, photography magazines and travel magazines. And now I have a job working for a magazine!
8. My dad is my hero. He is such a good example of one who lives a Christ-centered life. He is also the hardest working person I know. He is incredibly visionary and knows how to makes his dreams a reality.
9. Although some women dread becoming like their mothers, I don't think that'd be such a bad thing for me. My mom is incredible with people and has no problem making friends wherever she goes.
10. The sound of a keyboard typing is one of the most soothing sounds. I loved working in a newsroom where all day you could hear the tiny tapping of keys all over the room.
And I am tagging:
Alyssa Williams
Annie Jacob
and Macie Stratton (this means you have to get a blog Mace!!)
1. I just got a job at Utah Valley Magazine as the Circulation Manager/Assistant Editor. Yay for me!!
2. Popcorn and ice-cream are my two favorite food groups. They're food groups, right?
3. Ever since I was little, I have loved to read. I read everything in my house growing up at least three times -- and this includes all the Don Aslett cleaning books my dad got for free while doing promotional videos for him. I used to get grounded from reading.
4. When I'm stressed and need to calm down, I usually cook or clean. I dunno, maybe those Don Aslett books paid off!!
5. I love to travel. I love everything about traveling. My ideal job would be to travel the world and get paid for the articles I write and the pictures I take along the way.
6. I don't eat meat. I just don't like it. So don't try and make me eat it.
7. Magazines are my weakness. I love reading design magazines, fashion magazines, photography magazines and travel magazines. And now I have a job working for a magazine!
8. My dad is my hero. He is such a good example of one who lives a Christ-centered life. He is also the hardest working person I know. He is incredibly visionary and knows how to makes his dreams a reality.
9. Although some women dread becoming like their mothers, I don't think that'd be such a bad thing for me. My mom is incredible with people and has no problem making friends wherever she goes.
10. The sound of a keyboard typing is one of the most soothing sounds. I loved working in a newsroom where all day you could hear the tiny tapping of keys all over the room.
And I am tagging:
Alyssa Williams
Annie Jacob
and Macie Stratton (this means you have to get a blog Mace!!)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
A season of change
I feel like I've been neglecting the main reason I set up this blog, to keep our loved ones updated on the lives of Jason and Jessie Evans.
A lot has happened since the last post. First of all, I've been interviewing with Utah Valley Magazine for a job that I'm just dying to get. I got a call from the publisher on Friday saying they were putting together a job offer for me, so we'll see what the offer is come Monday.
Second, because of this potential job in Orem, and because neither Jason nor I are currently students, and because Jason's job is in Orem, we see no reason to stay in our apartment in Provo. Things really fell into place for us on this one. I happened to run into Jason's aunt and uncle on campus. They have a son getting married this week and he and his bride have nowhere to live and mentioned they'd be interested in our apartment if we decided to move. Then my brother mentioned his girlfriend's parents are looking to rent out their basement apartment. Long story short, it's an amazing deal and so close to both Quomation and Utah Valley Magazine that we just couldn't resist. We sign contracts tomorrow.
I helped Rebekah Westover shoot another wedding yesterday, it was such a good experience. I'll be posting pictures of both this wedding and the last sometime this week -- so keep checking back!
My brother Geoff came home on Thursday from D.C. where he was selling alarm systems for APEX. It was fun being able to spend time with him before he headed down to Price where he'll be attending the College of Eastern Utah studying something in the computer graphics department.
I realize this is a long post, so I'll make it worth it with pictures.
1. My mom and me playing with Boston.
2 & 3. Boston, isn't he cute? I can't believe he's already 14 months!
4. Geoff and his new hair, I guess it's hot in D.C., and even hotter with hair.
5. Jason, isn't he handsome?
A lot has happened since the last post. First of all, I've been interviewing with Utah Valley Magazine for a job that I'm just dying to get. I got a call from the publisher on Friday saying they were putting together a job offer for me, so we'll see what the offer is come Monday.
Second, because of this potential job in Orem, and because neither Jason nor I are currently students, and because Jason's job is in Orem, we see no reason to stay in our apartment in Provo. Things really fell into place for us on this one. I happened to run into Jason's aunt and uncle on campus. They have a son getting married this week and he and his bride have nowhere to live and mentioned they'd be interested in our apartment if we decided to move. Then my brother mentioned his girlfriend's parents are looking to rent out their basement apartment. Long story short, it's an amazing deal and so close to both Quomation and Utah Valley Magazine that we just couldn't resist. We sign contracts tomorrow.
I helped Rebekah Westover shoot another wedding yesterday, it was such a good experience. I'll be posting pictures of both this wedding and the last sometime this week -- so keep checking back!
My brother Geoff came home on Thursday from D.C. where he was selling alarm systems for APEX. It was fun being able to spend time with him before he headed down to Price where he'll be attending the College of Eastern Utah studying something in the computer graphics department.
I realize this is a long post, so I'll make it worth it with pictures.
1. My mom and me playing with Boston.
2 & 3. Boston, isn't he cute? I can't believe he's already 14 months!
4. Geoff and his new hair, I guess it's hot in D.C., and even hotter with hair.
5. Jason, isn't he handsome?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Lance & Jen's Wedding
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to assist one of my favorite photographers, Rebekah Westover, with shooting a wedding. I hope to have a few of my pics to post soon, but for now check out her blog, where a few of my pictures were featured!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Yummy Eggplant Recipe
Last night I tried out a new recipe from my "Essentials of Healthful Cooking" cook book and Jason and I loved it!! Despite the lengthy directions, it really was an easy dish to make - and according to my cookbook, it's high in protein and low in cholesterol, which is always a good thing. Pair this with a fresh salad or a side of pasta for a filling meal.
1 globe eggplant
Kosher salt
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 can (14 1/2 oz) whole or diced plum (Roma) tomatoes with juice
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup (4 oz) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Cut off the stem end of the eggplant. Standing it upright on the cut end, cut the eggplant vertically into 8 slices, each about 1/2 inch thick. (I used my mandolin and it worked wonderfully.)Finely chop the outer slices, which are mostly skin, and reserve. (Instead of chopping by hand, I used my food processor.) Sprinkle both sides of the 8 eggplant slices lightly with salt and layer them in a colander set over a plate. Place a second plate on top to weight them down and let stand for 1-2 hours. Rinse the slices well and pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 400.
Lightly brush both sides of each eggplant slice, using 2 teaspoons of the olive oil for all of the slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them until the bottoms are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Meanwhile, in a large, nonstick frying pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the onion (which I also chopped in my food processor) and reserved copped eggplant and saute, stirring until tender, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and their juice and half of the basil and bring to a boil, breaking up the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and season with pepper. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and a grind of pepper and stir to blend.
Have ready a shallow, 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Place 4 of the eggplant slices in a single layer in the dish. Divide the ricotta mixture evenly among the eggplant slices, spreading it slightly. Top with half of the tomato mixture, dividing it evenly among the slices, the top with the remaining4 slices. Spoon the remaining tomato mixture over the top, dividing evenly. Sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the eggplant is heated through, about 25 minutes. Remove from the 0ven and sprinkle with the remaining basil.
1 globe eggplant
Kosher salt
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 can (14 1/2 oz) whole or diced plum (Roma) tomatoes with juice
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup (4 oz) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Cut off the stem end of the eggplant. Standing it upright on the cut end, cut the eggplant vertically into 8 slices, each about 1/2 inch thick. (I used my mandolin and it worked wonderfully.)Finely chop the outer slices, which are mostly skin, and reserve. (Instead of chopping by hand, I used my food processor.) Sprinkle both sides of the 8 eggplant slices lightly with salt and layer them in a colander set over a plate. Place a second plate on top to weight them down and let stand for 1-2 hours. Rinse the slices well and pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 400.
Lightly brush both sides of each eggplant slice, using 2 teaspoons of the olive oil for all of the slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them until the bottoms are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Meanwhile, in a large, nonstick frying pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the onion (which I also chopped in my food processor) and reserved copped eggplant and saute, stirring until tender, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and their juice and half of the basil and bring to a boil, breaking up the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and season with pepper. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and a grind of pepper and stir to blend.
Have ready a shallow, 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Place 4 of the eggplant slices in a single layer in the dish. Divide the ricotta mixture evenly among the eggplant slices, spreading it slightly. Top with half of the tomato mixture, dividing it evenly among the slices, the top with the remaining4 slices. Spoon the remaining tomato mixture over the top, dividing evenly. Sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the eggplant is heated through, about 25 minutes. Remove from the 0ven and sprinkle with the remaining basil.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Anywhere but here
As I sit and study for my statistics exam today, trying to figure out how to calculate upper and lower limits with 95% confidence and how to determine the value of the test statistic and other such mumbo-jumbo that has no relevance in my life, my mind keeps wandering to Europe. If only our bodies could wander as easily as our minds. In honor of my longing, I decided to post a few pictures from my European travels.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Monday, August 6, 2007
8 things about me
I was "tagged" by my friend Brittany and now get to share with you 8 things about me...
8. My favorite thing in the whole wide world is cuddling with my husband in bed all weekend long. I swear, Monday always comes too soon.
7. I'm the worst procrastinator. For example, I have a test to study for and a story due tomorrow. And I'm blogging.
6. I long to live in a home with a big porch and a garden where I can grow all my own vegetables.
5. I can't stand rude drivers.
4. I love Chinese takeout.
3. When I grow up, I want to be a photographer/interior decorator/famous writer/mother/culinary artist.
2. Hair/face products are my weakness.
1. I can consume at least one bag of popcorn by myself on a daily basis and not tire of it. Same thing goes for ice cream.
Okay, I'm now tagging Cheryl, Stacey and Emily!!
8. My favorite thing in the whole wide world is cuddling with my husband in bed all weekend long. I swear, Monday always comes too soon.
7. I'm the worst procrastinator. For example, I have a test to study for and a story due tomorrow. And I'm blogging.
6. I long to live in a home with a big porch and a garden where I can grow all my own vegetables.
5. I can't stand rude drivers.
4. I love Chinese takeout.
3. When I grow up, I want to be a photographer/interior decorator/famous writer/mother/culinary artist.
2. Hair/face products are my weakness.
1. I can consume at least one bag of popcorn by myself on a daily basis and not tire of it. Same thing goes for ice cream.
Okay, I'm now tagging Cheryl, Stacey and Emily!!
French Silk Pie
Last night I was in charge of desert for my family dinner, and wanting to avoid our typical Chocolate Churchmouse Cake (which is tasty, but way over-done at my house) I came across this delish recipe for French Silk Pie.
1 baked pie crust
1 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
4 oz unsweetened chocolate squares*
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1 pint whipping cream
1. In microwave, melt chocolate, set aside to cool.
2. In medium bowl, cream butter. Gradually add sugar, cream well.
3. Mix in melted, cooled chocolate and vanilla.
4. Add eggs, 1 at a time. Beat five min. each and scrape bowl occasionally to incorporate all sugar.
5. Beat until smooth and no grains of sugar remain.
6. Spoon and smooth into pre-baked pie crust.
7. Chill until set, about one hour. Meanwhile, whip the cream.
8. When pie is chilled, cover with whipped cream and serve. You may also top with chocolate shavings.
*Unsweetened chocolate squares may be substituted with chocolate baking powder. 3 Tbs powder plus one Tbs oil equals one ounce.
1 baked pie crust
1 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
4 oz unsweetened chocolate squares*
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
1 pint whipping cream
1. In microwave, melt chocolate, set aside to cool.
2. In medium bowl, cream butter. Gradually add sugar, cream well.
3. Mix in melted, cooled chocolate and vanilla.
4. Add eggs, 1 at a time. Beat five min. each and scrape bowl occasionally to incorporate all sugar.
5. Beat until smooth and no grains of sugar remain.
6. Spoon and smooth into pre-baked pie crust.
7. Chill until set, about one hour. Meanwhile, whip the cream.
8. When pie is chilled, cover with whipped cream and serve. You may also top with chocolate shavings.
*Unsweetened chocolate squares may be substituted with chocolate baking powder. 3 Tbs powder plus one Tbs oil equals one ounce.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Uglies
With Jason engrossed in Harry Potter, I just had to find something to keep me just as involved -- and I did.
"Uglies" is the first in a trilogy by Scott Westerfield. It's set in the future, when the human race as we know it has allowed themselves to be ruined by the dependence on oil. The civilization that follows is determined to solve all the problems the previous generations have suffered through, including making everyone "equal" by turning them pretty at the age of 16. "Uglies" follows the adventures of Tally, an almost 16 "Ugly" determine to shed her flawed skin and join the rest of the Pretties in their special town. Until, that is, she learns the truth.
I just finished this book and can't wait to start on the second, "Pretties." I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The Skinny
It was my turn to write the "Skinny" column for Wednesday's "Life and Style" section of The Daily Herald. I'd completely forgotten about it until the night before it was due (don't tell my editor!) so I had to quickly come up with something, and here it is:
Harry happens: I vowed I would not let it consume my life. I tried diligently to put it down and walk away, but I am too weak.
This confession is my first step to recovery. I will never let another Harry Potter book control my life -- which I feel safe saying, since I just finished the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series.
My sweet husband surprised me with "The Deathly Hallows" the day before my birthday. I casually picked it up and started into the first chapter, forgetting how addicting the works of J.K. Rowling can be.
With much difficulty, I attempted to put the book aside and go about my normal day-to-day tasks, but to no avail.
For the first time in our marriage -- of two whole months now -- we spent a Saturday in silence. Me, with my nose buried in a book, and Jason finally experiencing a day without me pestering him to stop playing "Warcraft."
When Saturday evening rolled around, I had made the journey with Harry through more than half the book and was not ready to stop, but by some unknown power from deep within, I was able to close the book for a few hours to enjoy a birthday outing with aforementioned husband, Jason, only to return and spend a few more hours alongside my favorite fictional friends battling the darker forces.
I finished the book on the afternoon of my birthday, while family members busied themselves with preparing my birthday dinner.
My husband was relieved to see me finally emerge from behind the book and promised me he would never again buy me a book on my birthday -- he'd much rather spend time with me instead.
I guess it's payback time. Jason just started reading "The Deathly Hallows."
I suppose I deserve it.
-- Jessie Evans
Harry happens: I vowed I would not let it consume my life. I tried diligently to put it down and walk away, but I am too weak.
This confession is my first step to recovery. I will never let another Harry Potter book control my life -- which I feel safe saying, since I just finished the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series.
My sweet husband surprised me with "The Deathly Hallows" the day before my birthday. I casually picked it up and started into the first chapter, forgetting how addicting the works of J.K. Rowling can be.
With much difficulty, I attempted to put the book aside and go about my normal day-to-day tasks, but to no avail.
For the first time in our marriage -- of two whole months now -- we spent a Saturday in silence. Me, with my nose buried in a book, and Jason finally experiencing a day without me pestering him to stop playing "Warcraft."
When Saturday evening rolled around, I had made the journey with Harry through more than half the book and was not ready to stop, but by some unknown power from deep within, I was able to close the book for a few hours to enjoy a birthday outing with aforementioned husband, Jason, only to return and spend a few more hours alongside my favorite fictional friends battling the darker forces.
I finished the book on the afternoon of my birthday, while family members busied themselves with preparing my birthday dinner.
My husband was relieved to see me finally emerge from behind the book and promised me he would never again buy me a book on my birthday -- he'd much rather spend time with me instead.
I guess it's payback time. Jason just started reading "The Deathly Hallows."
I suppose I deserve it.
-- Jessie Evans
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