Breast Cancer Awareness Month
9:06 AM
With a family that has a history of all kinds of cancer, I am very much an advocate of cancer awareness, research and support. We have done Race for the Cure and Relay for Life, but I am always concerned that we just do not have enough involvement from the general population. Usually people involved in those events have someone close to them who has been afflicted with cancer. But I really believe it will take everyone's effort to cure these unfortunate diseases. That being said, I was watching the Today Show this morning and they had an opportunity through this organization called an Army of Women. It was started by Dr. Susan Love who believes it takes research on healthy women to understand why they eventually become unhealthy. As a healthy woman you sign up to give blood, urine, what ever they need in order for them to find a cure for breast cancer. It is at least something to think about if you are a healthy woman who wants to end Breast Cancer. I know I don't mind giving a little blood to save someone's life. And for those of you who know how I do with needles, that is saying a lot!

Labels: Just Jen
Road Rage- WHY??
9:41 PM
I am still fuming! Tonight as I drove home from watching my husband's band play their last run of their show before I see them again at the football game this Friday, I was happy. It is Labor Day, I am finally feeling better (since I had been sick all weekend) my husband had the day off to spend time with me, and then in turn I was able to support him by watching his kiddos at the end of practice. So as I drove home, I was happy and feeling like I had a pretty good day. That was until this truck, like the picture above, decided he had to ruin it! So here's the story...
I was driving (like I said earlier) and this truck (much too large to be safe on the road. But what do we Americans know about that? As long as it is bigger than my neighbors and get the chicks, who cares right?) pulls p behind me and starts flashing it brights. Now I went to U of A in Tucson, so I am familiar with freeway etiquette. If you are driving in the left hand lane, the "fast lane", and you are going to speed limit, you should pull to the right for slower cars. I got that. However, I was going over the speed limit and there was a car to the right of me. So I couldn't get over. While contemplating my dilemma I decided I would wait for the car to my right to pull far enough forward that I can get over and let this truck, who apparently has to get somewhere right now or else the world is coming to and end, go ahead of me. As I am thinking this through the truck pulls into the right hand land and pushes up on the car that is there. Then when it is right besides me, starts to run me off the road. I kid you not. AND it was pulling a freaking boat, so I had to get all the way into the median just so I wouldn't get hit. Oh, I was pissed!!
So, since I have been in two major accidents, both by drivers who were jerk offs and had no reason to be driving the way they were, I decide to follow this guy (or girl, I have no idea) just to make sure they had what they deserved coming to them. By the way, this is not recommended. No by me, the gal I spoke with at 911 emergency and the DPS guy I spoke with on the phone. But I didn't care. I wanted justice. I was seriously so caught off guard that someone would actually do something like that to another human being. What if I didn't notice he was obviously in a hurry and was oblivious to his bad choice. I would have been highway food. I drive a Camry for crying out loud. Not a F250 carrying a boat!
So long story short, I finally followed him long enough for the police to catch up and pull the truck over. They called me and said the police officer would call me back. So here I am waiting to nail this guy when the officer finally calls. Hopefully justice was done. If not, head this advice: It is never that important that you should endanger someone else's life. I know I drive borderline grandma sometimes, but hey, I am safe. And I do not have to live with the fact that I ruined someone's (maybe lots of people's lives) just because I was impatient and self-centered.

Labels: Advice, Just Jen
My Current Obsession
9:47 PM

So I think I am going to make this a regular blog item. I get obsessed really easily, and it kind of controls my life (in some ways ;o). I am sure some of you can relate. Well, for those of you who didn't follow my other blog, I am a complete American Idol fanatic. I love to sing! And I would like to think that people enjoy listening to me sing. But right now I am obsessed with American Idol's sister show,
So You Think You Can Dance. Just like singing I love to dance. But I am awful. Terrible. No good. Just plain sad really. In fact, one of the sole reasons my husband and I had a brunch wedding is so we didn't have to put ourselves through dancing in front of others. But it is quite a comical night at the Thye household following an episode of
So You Think You Can Dance. We try everything, salsa; tango; contemporary (which Josh thinks he is really good at, hehe) and my personal favorite, crunk (is that even how you spell it?) And you have to love Mia Michaels. That girl's choreography just leaves me speechless. All of the choreographers are fabulous really!! So, my TIVO and I are friends as long as it records this latest obsession of mine. Check it out. Dancing will just make you smile!
Labels: Just Jen
Bright Event Gallery- March Table
5:36 PM
Every month the
Bright Event Gallery comes up with a table design meant to inspire you to take your event decor to the next level. I was very excited and jumped at the opportunity to design the March table. Taking from the inspirational Rubik's Cube, I designed a table that screamed 80s icon, while using a very modern, monochromatic color combination of red, orange and yellow. Thanks to everyone who helped make this design come together!

Great paper and stationary products from
The Invitation Lady.

Beautiful, versatile linens by
BBJ Linens.

Hip, unique rentals from
Tri-Rentals.

Fitting floral arrangements by
Avant Garden.

And magical pictures by
Melissa Jill Photography.

Have fun with your table decor!
Labels: All Things Wedding, Just Jen, What's Going On Around Town
Josh's 1/2 Ironman
5:22 PM
Well, he finally did it. After breaking his knee in four places, my husband decided he would some day accomplish a 1/2 Ironman. Since it came to Phoenix, his desire grew even more. I am proud to say that this October, he did it. He finished his triathlon, and it only took him seven hours. (I personally can think of a lot of things that I would rather do for seven hours, but that is not the point...)

Getting ready to swim 1.2 miles in Tempe Town Lake. Gross!

Transitioning into the 56 mile bike.


Now to run 13.1 miles. Ouch!



There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I am so proud of you babe!!
Labels: Just Jen
Welcome to the World: El Tigre! (a.k.a. "Grey")
7:58 PM

So if you have never had the joy of introducing a new cat to one who already rules your household let tell you how it goes. First you scare the poor thing half to death by taking him to the mean vet who sticks thermometers up you know where, banana flavored de-wormer in his mouth, and medicine in his eyes that makes him freak out to the point of near hysteria. Then you drive it in the car (a thing that no cat enjoys, especially after seeing the vet) to your house which is warm, comfortable, and safe, right? WRONG! So wrong... One sniff from Miss Belle (queen bee at our house) and the hissing/growling/hiding ensues. My house was chaos for five days. These kids hated each other. I had three emotional breakdowns and had no idea what to do with them. They weren't eating, drinking or going to the bathroom because they wouldn't leave their perspective hiding places. I thought I was doing a good thing by rescuing a kitty off the streets and giving Belle a friend to play with. Boy was I wrong, until day 6. All of a sudden they both came out from hiding and decided they loved each other so much they could never be a part. Now they play together, eat together, watch TV together, and sleep together. It is super cute. But man those five days were torture. So if you are looking into getting a new pet, take my advice. It is fun, but man you should be prepared because it is not easy. Those little stinkers!

Not sure if they like each other yet, but man is Grey trying...so hard.

On the ottoman together, their favorite spot to watch TV.



This is certainly one of my favs. He is so stinkin' cute!!!
Labels: Just Jen
30th Birthdays, Oh my!
7:26 PM

So, apparently, being born in '77 was the thing to do. My husband and I have attended/been invited to a number of 30th birthdays this year. Even friends I didn't know I had turned 30 and wanted to celebrate with me. Who knew??? But my favorite celebration was with my college roommate and very good friend Jenn, in Tucson. Even though I am married, and will be for five years in December, I still miss living with all my girlfriends. We had some good times. Let me tell you. There is really nothing like living with your closest friends. Those that laugh with you, cry with you, live life with you. Friends that will last a lifetime, no matter what. When I left my friends to get married I felt like Monica crying out, "...I have to live with a boy!". (If you are a Friends fan you know what I talking about.) I still feel like screaming that some days. (P.S. I love you honey!!!) But for a couple of hours, in the comfort of a living room, with a couple of glasses of wine, I was able to see my good friends again, talk like we had never experienced such distance, and celebrate Jenn. I love this girl! She is one that will love you unconditionally, support you whole heartily and pray for you like no bodies business! She is amazing. One of a kind. A precious blessing that I will be forever grateful for. Happy Birthday Jenn!!

Just us girls...

The Beautiful couple, Jenna and Pete. Love you guys!

And the birthday girl herself. Go Bick for being the best husband ever and setting up such an amazing night!
Labels: Just Jen
My New Blog!!!!
4:11 PM

Well it is finally here. Yay! And for those of you who know me, this was quite a task. Maybe now I will be excited to blog again. I want to thank Ryan at
One Red Key for creating such a beautiful blog (to match my beautiful website) and Melissa Jill at
Melissa Jill Photography for the cute shot above. (That was right before we had some very yummy Pei Wei. Love Chinese food!!!) Stay tuned for some fun new blogs: my new kitty, fall weddings, my hubby's first 1/2 Ironman, and other fabulous reads! Until then...
Labels: Just Jen
Alison & Chris' Wedding
9:20 PM
Alison and Chris' wedding was truly a dream. With warm rich colors,
Sassi looked amazing! But not nearly as amazing as Alison.

Labels: All Things Wedding, Dreams Do Come True, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Just Jen, People You Should Know..., What's Going On Around Town