Happy Birthday Jake!

June 7

Jacob is my oldest brother...I was so young went he left home I have few memories of him.


1. He loves lightning storms. It seemed the best monsoon storms would show themselves at night. Jake would wake me up and he and I (plus Jena & Jordan) would watch the lightning light up the sky. 


2. I was really sad when Jacob was leaving on his mission. We went outside and watched the clouds go by as we laid side by side on our trampoline. We talked of the future and how I was going to miss him while he was gone. He did his best to console me...


3. Jake was actually the person who baptized me! I was only one in my family who had an option. I was happy to be his first baptism.


4. Jake & Shan drove all the way down to Lake Tahoe from CA to pick me up so we could spend the weekend together. Jake is one of the fastest drivers I know, besides Dad and myself! ; )


5. While living in Provo, I remember receiving an early morning phone call. It was Jake! His timing couldn't be more perfect. I was in need of some brotherly counsel. 


6. Jake & Shan drove all the way from Texas for my wedding. I am so glad they came, although I was disappointed we didn't get to spend a lot of time together. Once again, Jake came through...I was frazzled {to say the least} on my wedding day. My spirit seemed unsettled. As I drove to where they were staying to pick up my Mom, I decided I needed a blessing. Jacob bestowed the most beautiful blessing. I will never forget it...


Among all these memories, I admire Jake for his amazing ability to write. Words are his medium. I try to write as he does...


Oh and I can officially thank Jake for creating the most nicknames for me: floppy, beefy, fatty, beans...I'm sure there's more. 


With all that said...I am glad I was able to remember my eldest brother. Once again...Happy Birthday Jake!

SheROX 2010: See Jane Run

May 8, 2010

Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, Arizona

Team See Jane Run 2010

All of us girls (mostly Okland's) were competing on behalf of Lisa Jane Okland. Lisa had an extreme love for outdoors and for athletics. From what I know of her, she was an amazing dancer and a preseverant tri-athlete! Lisa passed away in October 2009, so the Okland's rallied together to compete in the SheRox Triathlon in her honor.

 

The Swim

{me giving a peace sign to Tommy--haha}

The race started an hour earlier this year, which means we had to get into the water and hour earlier, which means it felt extra freezing at 73 degrees! I could barely catch my breath the entire swim, even swallowing five big gulps of Tempe Town Lake water. {ew gross} The whole time I was thinking "wow I'm really swimming in Tempe Town Lake--and I can't turn back now."

...almost to the finish line

Done with the Swim!

Transition--on to the Bike!

Biking!

Biking was the event I trained most for this year--and it happened to be my favorite event. I felt like I did way better than last year. I actually pushed myself and felt way more comfortable on a road bike.

...almost to the REAL finish line!

The run kills me every time! It is so hard for my legs to transition from the bike to the run! This event is where I could stand to improve the most. There's always next year!

I finished!

I was able to shave some time from last year's time, but not much! I am so proud of all of the other girls that competed for the first time. Not only did they finish, but they finished under two hours! Cheers to them!

Tommy!

Tommy is so amazing. This boy woke up with me @ 5:15 A.M. just so he could come watch me--and take pictures! It was so fun to see him before and after my swim...and I also scoped him out while I was biking. Thanks for cheering me on Tommy!

 

...and here are the rest of my fans!

A special thanks to Tarryn McCormick who relayed with two other people. Tarryn was brave enough to compete in Tempe Town Lake--while being pregnant. It was so fun to have her there--and she was even nice enough to stay and cheer me on.

Mother's Day

Tommy and I were able to celebrate Mother's Day with both of our Mom's this year {and Grandma Doris}. My parents came down from New Mexico to attend my Aunt & Uncle's farewell that happened to fall on Mother's Day. It was a treat to have them down, even if it was just for the weekend.

Because my parents had to be back to New Mexico for work the following Monday, we had our little Mother's Day celebration at Cafe Rio on Saturday night. We enjoyed the time we got to spend with my parents.

 

Larry & The Jude even embraced the heat and waited for me at the finish line at my 2010 SheRox Triathlon. I think Janelle was more excited that I finished than I was! I love being supported by those I love. It was great to share my finish line glory with them. {Tri Post coming soon...}

On the real Mother's Day Tommy and I celebrated with Mama Kath. We enjoyed a nice Sunday dinner with her {compliments of Tom}. All of us kids pitched in to have all of the Curtis family home videos turned into dvd's. Tommy and I still haven't had the chance to watch any--but I can't wait!

Last but certainly not least--THE SUNS BEAT THE SPURS--to finish them off for good! It was a true 4-0 sweep...on to the next. Watch out L.A--this is our year!