{Real Talk}: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Hey everyone!

I've noticed July 1st has become a time of reflection for me. It is the beginning of a new fiscal year at telefund and Moffitt when everything restarts. It's the middle of summer break for Madi. It's also the day my Grandma passed away last year. It always causes me to look back and therefore look forward but especially this year.

In case you haven't heard yet: were moving. It's a good thing, Madi got into Duke University for his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree and it's a three year program. When he first got in: I was ecstatic for him! He worked SO hard and we had always talked about moving out of state to a new place "one day". We had talked about living where there are seasons "one day". We had talked about getting married "one day". And how cool would it be to go to Duke "one day"? And then he got in. And all the excitement hit us so fast, this is an amazing opportunity, how could he turn it down? 

Now "one day" is quickly approaching. Since it is freaking amazing and I am so incredibly proud of him for getting into Duke and we talked about all of this in context over our seven year relationship, I didn't realize it would also hit me so hard that we are leaving the one place we've been basically forever. We're leaving both of our families, a lot of our friends, my amazing job, in state tuition, and a lot of memories behind. It's not as easy of a transition as I thought it would be the day we heard he was accepted, but that being said I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. 

It is exciting and it is still just as amazing of an opportunity. And it is good timing: no kids, newly married. It's just harder than I thought it would be to pick up and leave this place. I don't deal well with change, although I've encountered huge changes throughout my life especially in the past ten year. I HATE moving, not just because it's annoying AF to pack and physically move things but it also is a big change. You get comfortable, and I was definitely comfortable here in this stage of life: dream job, close but not on top of family, living in a place for two years without moving. 

And then I remembered the verse Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" and I was like wow that's one thing that doesn't change. One thing that has always been consistent in my life when everything else has failed. Definitely a solid point to focus on. I kind of needed to take a step back and be like okay maybe change is okay. Even though right now it seems impossible to live so far from family, leave the job I love, but this is where were at in life. I'm sure some people who moved for school before or are moving super far from family now are like wow olivia you're making this a huge deal when Durham isn't even that far. I get it, but it has been something I have struggled dealing with. 

You know how I talked about how "one day" turned into now? There's a pretty cool quote from One Tree Hill, a show I love, that I posted below and it is so true to my life.

So that's all for now, just wanted to share some of what's been going on over here!

- Olivia

My Random Addictions: Movies with Meaning

Hey everyone,

So yet another example of a random addiction I have: watching movies with good meanings. Those movies that hit you right in the heart and make you want to change the world or change your life for the better. There's a couple movies I love that come to mind that have amazing meanings. And if you haven't seen them: watch them!

1. The Giver:

Okay so obviously another Book->Movie example that a lot of people were required to read in school. This is a stand up for what you believe in movie and do the right thing. It's about a "futuristic" town that is a utopia where people are assigned a job once they turn a certain age. Jonah, the main character, gets assigned to be the receiver of memories (basically a huge job) and learns about how the world wasn't always as perfect as it now seems. The things people are doing to keep the utopia perfect, they don't realize are wrong. It's a great message about morals and I loved the book and thought they did a pretty good job with the movie.

2. The Family Man:

This movie is an older one but one of my alltime favorite movies to watch at Christmas time. I saw it for the first time at my Grandmas house when I was probably in junior highschool and became obsessed. The plot is about a New York City business man who decides to take an internship instead of staying with his college girlfriend. The movie shows his love for money and sex and basically how is has it all but still feels like something is missing. He basically wakes up one day and is living his life as if he never left for his internship but instead has a family and is living a way less luxourious life. The ending isn't cliche and it definitely gives a good message!

3. The Pursuit of Happiness

Okay if you've never seen this movie: go watch it now! It's with Will Smith and his son Jayden and goes through a mans struggle to provide for his family and how he will do whatever it takes to take care of his son. This movie is amazing. Like so amazing it makes you cry. And laugh. And cry. It's so real it hits you right in the heart every time. 

4. About Time

This movie came out in 2013 and it was totally under spoken. It was one of those movies you saw the trailer for but wrote off because you weren't really sure what it was about and looked like just another romantic comedy. Well it's way more than that. I actually made Madison sit down and watch it because it has such a good message. 

So those are some of my favorites! There are many, but I'd love to hear what yours are!! Can't wait to update you all on wedding tips and books I've read once I get back into the groove of life!

Thanks for keeping up,

Olivia :)

Bora Bora: Our Dream Honeymoon

Sunday night we got back from the trip of a lifetime: our honeymoon in Bora Bora! We shared pictures, but wanted to share memories and tips for people considering the long trek to the beautiful French Polynesia. This post may be a little long winded, but I wanted to share as much detail as possible!

Day One: May 31st, 2015

So I don't even know where this day began or ended. Our flight from Bora Bora departed on time from Orlando and checking in was a breeze (or so we thought at that time). We arrived to LAX late, about 11pm our time but our next flight didn't leave til 2am EST (11pm Pacific Time). By the time we got on our plane to Tahiti, we were exhausted. Luckily our AWESOME travel agent Katie with Ever After Honeymoons booked our seats as the two separate from the row of four so we got to be by ourselves comfortably (or as comfy as you can get on an airplane). Air Tahiti Nui gave us two meals, "dinner" and breakfast but we were so tired we both slept through dinner. They also provided ear buds, a blanket, a small pillow, eye mask, socks, and earbuds to listen to their screens. Each seat had an individual screen with movies and a USB port to charge your phone or other small device. That was a huge plus! 

Day Two: June 1st, 2015

By the time we got to Tahiti we were on minimal sleep and ready to crash. We still had our last flight to Bora Bora though, so we tracked on to the gate where we were greeted by a tour company that provided us with leis, cold water, and a cold washcloth to freshen up with. They walked us to the counter to check in and we were on our way. We FINALLY arrived in Bora Bora to a gorgeous view and unfortunately a missing bag. Thank The Lord for real that the Intercontinental is the best and found the bag, got it on the next flight and we got it the next day. We spent our first day exploring the hotel and hanging out in the awesome bungalow! We were super impressed with the service and helpfulness of the hotel concierge and staff throughout the day. We finally got to start relaxing! They had a day room we could use to shower and get ourselves freshened up so we did that before having lunch and heading to our bungalow! We slept the rest of the afternoon and caught up on our sleep and ordered room service for dinner!

Day Three: June 2nd, 2015

We started our morning off with the breakfast buffet and found out that it is the best meal of the day by far! So many choices, and unlimited is a bonus! We were lucky enough that it was included with our stay. After stuffing our faces we headed to the main dock for our snorkeling excursion! We got to swim with black tip sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and many different fish. It was an awesome experience and we got to take a lot of videos with our new GoPro. Madi was even brave enough to feed the sting rays! The excursion took about four and a half hours and by the time we got back we were super tired. After a quick shower we ordered lunch via room service and then took a "nap". We went out to the Sands for dinner and got to watch the sunset on a hammock since we missed it from sleeping the day before. So beautiful!

Day Four: June 3rd, 2015

On our forth day we slept in and went to breakfast. We started the day off slow, napping and Madi worked out. Then came time for jetskiing and Madi couldn't wake up! So I went by myself, not wanting to waste what we already paid for and it was amazing. I'm so glad I didn't skip it! I haven't been on a jet ski in probably ten years and have never driven one but luckily neither had most of the other people and it didn't take long for me to figure it out. We also got to crack coconuts and learned how they grow and such. Bora bora is the perfect coconut climate and they have lots hanging around. When I got back Madi was much more lively and we ordered an early dinner and watched One Tree Hill in our bungalow. I fell asleep pretty quick after spending all day in the sun!

Day Five: June 4th, 2015

Our morning was once again early with our Jeep Safari starting at 8:45 meaning breakfast was at 7:15! We went over to the main island and left straight from the other Intercontinental: Le Moana. The ride was bumpy but we got to learn so much about Bora Bora: the culture, their school system, medicine, history. We even got to see the US Bunker and canons built for WWII. And the views: WOW. Incredible. Well worth the trips up and down the bumpy mountain. We even got to visit a local artist and there was some incredible work! We wished we had enough room to take home a painting to hang in our new home! After our jeep tour we walked to a local restaurant where Madi finally got his chicken breast :). It was the best lunch we had in Bora Bora for sure! Next we took a bus to Vaitape, the local village that had small shops and markets. It was fun to explore, much cheaper than the hotels souvenirs and we got to see the Polynesian people in their natural culture. 

Day Six: June 5th, 2015

After our breakfast buffet we headed to the spa for a day of relaxation. I had been super excited for this since we booked the spa day since my terrible back can always use a good massage and Madi had never had a massage before. Verdict from him: nothing exciting but it was nice. We spent time enjoying our bungalow and then did a sunset sail, which was Madi's favorite thing on the whole trip. It was nice to relax on the water and sail again. That night we got to see a polynesian dance show and have an "around the world buffet". It was awesome! And Madi made me get up on stage when they asked for volunteers. My verdict: I'm a white cheerleader and cannot shake my hips.

Day Seven: June 6th, 2015
Our last day we had a hard time getting up because we knew we had to checkout. We spent the day watching One Tree Hill episodes and enjoying our view from the hotel bar after we checked out. I ran into a BCS alumna from my freshman year cheer squad which was so awesome! I also could have sworn that I saw Ludacris at LAX and Madi actually did meet a professional body builder. We spent the next twenty three hours traveling on planes and in finally arrived home on June 7th, technically June 8th at 1am. Our honeymoon was the best, we had so much fun! The traveling was not fun, but at least our flights were on time and we didn't have to run to catch a plane! We were happy to be home and see our puppy, but miss the gorgeous view of the mountain. We made a video (link is below) of our adventure with our awesome go pro from the week!

http://youtu.be/Q4ARrVGJ_Dg

Can't wait to share more about our wedding and everything else we have going on! It's going to be a busy summer!

Thanks for keeping up,
- Olivia :)