Aubrey Marie: January 2015

So living in the technologic generation makes it super easy to get caught up in all the new toys and must have's of 2015.

Smartphones give us an easy access to all the social media websites. "Hi Facebook, good morning Instagram, let me tweet about how I don't want to get out of bed."

I can see when that special someone.. or not so special someone is responding.. or not responding, I can receive missionary emails as soon as they hit send *grateful*, I can access my bank account and transfer money for those needed shopping sprees, there's endless amounts of games that I can play and best of all- I can watch Netflix anytime anywhere so that I never have to converse with human society ever again! *haha you think I'm joking.. McDreamy has my heart*

but enough about how we're all buried in our phones and how we're starting to run into poles because of it.

I'm 20 years old and everyone tells me "You are at the prime dating age!!" Well THANK YOU! WILL YOU GO OUT FOR ME BECAUSE DATING IS HARD!!

lol at my rant but seriously. Sure there's some of you out there that would respond with "well you need to stop making it hard" and my response to you is one finger in the air as I walk away. haha no it isn't but I would if I wasn't a nice person.

But really. It's hard to mesh with people. It's hard to open up to people. It's hard to understand if this person is wanting you to be their booty call or if they're actually interested in you. *I am not and never will be a booty call type of girl so don't even try* Buuuuut. It really is hard and whenever I talk to my friends they're right there with me.

Wanna know my number one reason as to why dating is hard?

The oh so DREADED games. I get it. They're fun and playful and can even help gain interest from someone you like! No harm in them until you've reached the following 3.

1. "I'm just not in a place to commit to you"
*a few weeks later is in a committed relationship. You could have just told me you're not interested!!*

2. "I'll text you back in 4 hours because I want you to pull all your hair out and make you think I'm unobtainable."
*ew. Just ew!!*

3. "Oh heyyyy you just met the other girl that I'm seeing.."
*HAHAHA not okay. Let me just cry myself to sleep*

Why can't we be honest with each other?

Why can't we be upfront about our feelings?

We're afraid of rejection. We're afraid of being viewed as overly-obsessive or creepy. I feel that way and I'm sure many people feel that way-and I don't blame them! It's scary for me to tell people how I feel-- like seriously. I'm probably the WORST person at it. But I've been able to do it. I've been able to tell guys that I don't see them that way and ya know what? I survived. It may have been awkward but we were able to move on and build really good friendships! -no joke. Some of my best guy friends have been a result of us being honest with each other and accepting that we wanted to be JUST friends.

GAME CHANGER!

How about when you're into someone, you ask them out! *great idea, I know. I came up with it all on my own* How about you text them back when you can and you have a conversation instead of dragging it out for days. How about when you don't feel it with someone you tell them kindly instead of never talking to them again. *That would help the awkward run-ins at school not be so awkward* How about we love each other and realize we're all humans with feelings.

We're all guilty of the games but we need to realize where the line is drawn-and if there is no line-DRAW ONE. You know when you're being a douche bag. so STOP IT.

If you're genuinely interested in someone go after them! I'm not promising that everything will work out but be patient and kind and let things fall into place how they should.

Love

aubrey

*cheesy selfie to go with my hopeless romantic-ness*

2014. Seriously what a year. When a new year starts, you get all excited cause you're going to make this year the best one yet! right? Well for me it's always been a little different. I was never into the goal setting and the "New Year Resolutions" because to be honest I just suck at them. Of course I'm excited for a new year, a fresh beginning, but I like to take the days as they come. I set goals throughout the year because it's easier for me to take little steps at a time. "This week I'm going to go running at least 3 times" "This week I'm going to read my scriptures and write in my journal every night." "I'm going to attend the temple this week." -Like I said, small but easier for me to handle.
I am excited for 2015 but I wanted to take a second to reflect on my 2014.

2014 was the most challenging yet rewarding year of my life.

Some night's I'd go to sleep hoping I'd sleep forever. Some days I never wanted the sun to set. I was pushed in the Gospel more than ever before and I learned some valuable lessons. When crying, I was comforted. When happy, I was unstoppable. I'm a go getter and always have been, and that's okay. I've learned more and more how to comfort people.. even though I still stink at it most of the time. I've forced out the I love you's. Those 'awkward silences' aren't so awkward anymore. People you love do hurtful things. I've learned that even though you didn't think you'd survive, you do. But most importantly I've learned to rely on my Savior. He fills in the cracks and helps me see how beautiful life can be. I've learned how important the Gospel is in my life and how much happiness it can and has brought me.

Cheers to 2014! The year I am most grateful for thus far.

I took pictures of my oh so hot roommates!