{Real Talk} Where Will You Be in 5 Years?

Hello readers,

So today someone asked me, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?". It was a random question, nothing that required a philosophical answer for an interview or school, but nonetheless got me thinking. 5 years ago at this time, I was a junior in high school with about a month left in school. I spent a good majority of my time dreaming of what my life would be like once I graduated from high school the next year. I never would have predicted a lot of things that have happened in the past 5 years: Madi and I getting engaged, bringing home a golden retriever pup before I was done with school, my mom being diagnosed with cancer, Madi's dad passing away. Obviously life throws you thinks you can't predict, but mine has been a whirlwind. At the time, I thought I was going to attend the University of Florida then after a year transfer to Duke University, where I assumed Madi would be going for graduate school. I also thought I would be ripping open my acceptance letters to Med School to be an OB/GYN. Well, clearly that was NOT what God had in mind. And I am so happy my plans didn't go as planned.

5 years from now hopefully: I will be married to Madi, about to celebrate our four years of marriage anniversary, Nike will be six, Madi will be done with PT school, we will be expecting or have had a child. I hope to still be working as an RN in oncology or obstetrics. Possibly living in Tennessee or North Carolina.

So we shall see in 5 years, huh? Has anyone else been asked this question and before answering done a quick reflection of where you were 5 years ago today and what you thought you'd be doing? It really is mind opening. You can't predict where God will bring you, but his plan is always better than the one you had worked out for yourself!

Thanks for keeping up,
- Olivia

#BookWorm : The Fault In Our Stars

Hello everyone,

As of late, with finals coming up and people having more time to read leisurely I have had many people ask me what I am currently reading or what I would recommend. Well I decided to start a new section of my blog called #BookWorm since that perfectly describes my life. If you have ever been to my room AKA Colton's room AKA soon to be Christian's room at my mom's house, it is a library. Legit. Probably over a couple thousand books. If you have been to my apartment in Tampa,  you will notice in our guest room the two book shelves crammed with more than one row of books. And if you know anything about me, you probably know that I am a published author. Clearly I have a passion for literature. Reading is a gift. People don't understand that. As much as I love movies (and the good Lord knows I do) I would rather be able to read a great than watch a movie of it. Anyways back to the point. So what I am currently reading is the book that has everyone talking: The Fault In Our Stars (TFIOS).

This book is only a typical popular book in about two ways: 1) It is a #1 NYT Bestseller. 2) It has a love story. Those two items don't shy me away from it, and if romantic novels aren't your thing: don't worry it isn't what you think it may be. I found out about this book from my little soon-to-be sister-in-law as she told me well before it was popular that it was her favorite book of all time. When people say that to me, I generally like to give the book a try. It is a fairly newly published book, in 2012 I believe, but since the announcement of the movie coming out it has become huge. Now I am the girl who HAS to read the book before seeing the movie. Always. So I decided to pick this one up and add it to my long list of books I want to read this summer. I was just starting Nicholas Sparks' new book The Longest Ride (which was fantastic to my surprise because I'm not really a country gal) and decided to finally move TFIOS up the list. Legit read this thing in 40 hours and worked 24 of those 40 hours. Sleeping about 8 of them. So basically I read it pretty quick.

Overall view on the book: It was amazing. As everyone says they did, I also cried. Of course. It is truly a story that grabs you and makes you want to read it in 8 or so hours. It is an easy read, great characters, interesting plot, and overall is fantastic. I can't say it ended the way I wanted it to, and the last chapter kind of ended in a spot that made me grab for more. But overall I did really enjoy it and would recommenced it to anyone. I am adding John Green's other popular book Looking for Alaska to my list of things to read! If I had to rate it, 9/10. The ending just gets to me.

I am really looking forward to the movie, although I don't really care for Shailene Woodley I think she could fit the part with her personality pretty dang good. I also have mad respect for her actually cutting off her hair. I am planning on bringing a box of Kleenex with me to the theater (considering I cried while seeing the trailer for it when we saw Divergent).

So what else is on my list you may ask? Here ya go. Random, yes. But that is what I love.
Next up: Vanishing Acts- Jodi Picoult
Wicked- Gregory Maguire
Dear John- Nicholas Sparks (yep never read it)
A Stolen Life: A Memoir- Jaycee Dugard
Growing Up Duggar- Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar
Looking for Alaska

Anyways what's on your summer reading list? Do you have one? Have you read The Fault In Our Stars? What did you think? Keep me posted!

-Olivia :)

My Random Addictions: Frozen vs. Tangled

Hey guys,

Well this one isn't obvious is it ;). Disney Movies are clearly my favorite genre of movies. Tonight I watched Frozen with my mom, finally. I know so crazy for me, right? Usually I'm on the ball and see new Disney movies in theaters but I didn't get a chance to see that one. Anyways here are my thoughts on the new hit: Frozen.

Things I love:

1. LOVE LOVE LOVE the music. Definitely had a great soundtrack. Idina Menzel has always been amazing, but I loved seeing Kristen Bell in a new way!

2. LOVE that its an original plot. Based off a Hans Christian Anderson book, but not like it too much besides a snow queen. I didn't like Brave too much, because it reminded me of brother bear, but with a Scottish twist. Like legit same plot.

3. Love Ana's quirky character. So adorable. Can I be her?
4. The Scandinavian scene, died. Probably because I am 50% Scandinavian... #finnishlife #wehadasaunagrowingup

Things I liked, but were similar to other Disney movies (AKA similar to Tangled):

1. Kristoff and Sven. Adorbs, but I have a heart for Flynn Rider and Maximus. Basically a similar idea, except Scandinavian and a reindeer.

2. Both stories sort of start out about being locked up in something. A tower. A castle. Same theme, different song. When will my life begin vs. For the first time in forever. 

3. Hair changing color because of magic and having one strand stay that way the whole movie? Same exact thing. Interesting that they put that in both.

My overall personal opinion: really enjoyed Frozen and will be adding it to my movie collection some day, but Tangled was better. Probz because I want to be Rapunzel, letting a floating lantern go is on my bucket list, and Mandy Moore is ahhhmayzing :). LOLJKnotreallyiactuallyloveher. 

If you've seen Frozen, but have yet to see Tangled, GO SEE IT. Srsly. Buy it because you'll watch it over and over like me. I can even get Madi to willingly watch that one! Shocker, I know. It's that good. Not sure I can say the same about Frozen. Anywhoooo, what did you guys think? If you've seen both, which did you prefer and why? I've heard almost everyone say they liked Frozen more except a one person, but I'm curious, now that I have seen it, to know why! 

Thanks for reading,

- Olivia :)

P.S. Oh and happy Easter to everyone! Remember why we celebrate and how lucky we are to be here! We wouldn't be without the truest and most selfless sacrifice ever. Be grateful :)