I’ve been an Atlanta resident for exactly one week, and as happy and at home as I feel here, I miss my friends I met through work. This time last year I left Chicago for Michigan on much different terms (going through a divorce, feeling lost, unsure of the future) and now it’s the complete opposite—all thanks to my support system who helped me through difficult times back home.
I wouldn’t be the confident woman standing in Atlanta today if I didn’t have these friends by my side this past year. I only wish they were here with me. 💛
I wrote about my weekend in Grand Rapids and still can’t comprehend how perfect it was! I’ve been reflecting on my year in Michigan, what it’s like to be moving now vs. what it was like to move this time last year during the height of my divorce… It’s been an extremely cathartic and spiritual process. And with that, I can’t help but be grateful for the month I’ve had thus far.
The beginning of something beautiful with Alex 💛Leaving “my Alex” and running into one of my best friends Alex at the Atlanta airport!Reuniting for drinks with my high school golf coach!Golfing at sunrise with my dad 💛A fun weekend with an old friend, and a few new ones ☺️My dad wanting to take Linley to Home Depot!Hitting up Two James in Detroit with one of my best friends 🍸Linley stalking a baby raccoon in the neighbor’s shedMaking new friends with an old one 💛A fun night in Ann Arbor with Emily and Zac!Morning walks with LinleyBrewery Nyx last weekend 🍻Ladies night!A much-needed beach day with one of my oldest and closest friends 💛Homemade pizza with one of my oldest and closest friends (and her lovely husband!)Even Linley made a new friend this month!
Photos taken Thursday, August 3 through Monday, August 21, 2023.
I had the best time on the west side of Michigan this weekend! As I approach my move-in date in Atlanta, I’ve been cherishing every moment with my closest friends here.
One of my coworkers-turned-friends is also celiac, and we hit up an all GF brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan called Brewery NYX. I haven’t had such good beer in over eight years! The food, the beer, the laughs… I definitely needed it! I had such a fun afternoon with this lovely group of ladies.
After parting ways with Danielle, Tara, Maggie and Cheryl, I headed to my friend Crystal’s to hang out with even more wonderful ladies! Crystal and two of her girlfriends who I’ve become close with this year – Sam and Mercedes – invited me to an all-female event called “The Sorry Papi Tour – The All Girl Party,” which featured Latina DJs, an all-female staff AND all-female audience! It was wonderful! I haven’t felt so safe being myself and dancing like I do in a club EVER. It was such a great feeling reuniting with Sam and Mercedes, and of course seeing my dear friend Crystal is always a treat. My ladies and me had the best night (I just wish I remembered more of it, haha!)
Last but not least, I woke up around 10:30am on Sunday (which is rare for me!) and I headed west to Holland, Michigan where I’d be meeting one of my best friends from college. KayLee and I have been close since 2015 and it was amazing to hang out with them on different terms. In June when I saw them last, we were both going through a hard time. Now, we’re both out from it and are on the other side. Talking with KayLee on the beach, swimming and grabbing some good grub was much-needed – and a great ending to a great weekend!
I could easily say something like “I just wish I had more time with everyone” and of course that’s true… but nothing about my weekend felt rushed or inauthentic in any way. I value(d) all parts of my weekend – including my phone calls with friends on the way there and back – and couldn’t have asked for anything more. Until next time, Grand Rapids!
Photos taken Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, 2023.
I have so much to be grateful for heading into my final month in Michigan 💛
Lunch with my favorite ladies!Dinner with Emily and the ‘rents!Meeting new people and eating great food!Concerts with Emily!Reuniting with my cousin and meeting her fiancé!Hanging out with my brother from another mother!Celebrating my dad’s milestone!
I hadn’t visited my former home since I moved out last September, and man did it feel great to be back!
Last fall I was slowly rebuilding my life after divorce and some unexpected health problems. Although I left Chicago with my head held high, it was extremely difficult to part ways with KP—who has quickly become one of my closest friends. We met spring of 2021 through remote work before I even relocated from the Detroit area, and we’ve been unstoppable ever since. (She’s my friend I crashed the bachelor party in New Orleans with… just sayin’!)
A couple months ago, KP shared that she received free tickets to Sad Summer Fest—which is essentially a watered-down version of Warped Tour. I couldn’t pass that up! I took the train out last Friday and spent the long weekend with one of my best friends, laughing and dancing our time away.
Once we parted ways, I walked along Lake Michigan prior to catching my ride, and I caught a beautiful glimpse of the city. It made me smile from ear to ear knowing how far I’ve come from feeling incredibly broken to fully reestablished and healed. Before bed I also received a video call from someone I care about, which was a great way to round out my first night back in Chicago. 💛
The next day was also well spent at a cute little breakfast spot and some much needed beach time at Caffe Oliva. As soon as we parked near Navy Pier, it started down pouring, and KP and I huddled under an umbrella for nearly twenty minutes! It was worth it because the conversation and best vodka crans in the city were flowing.
Once we had a little time in the sun and a good laugh at KP’s crocheted pants tan line, we drove back to my interesting Airbnb so we could rest and get ready for a fun night out! I then met KP at her place to hang out with Jinx and decide on where to go for dinner. The obvious choice was grabbing espresso martinis and breakfast for dinner around the corner before hitting the late night comedy show. Although some of the comedians weren’t as strong as others, one guy in particular made the evening worth it. I wouldn’t have wanted to sit through any of that with anyone other than KP!
Sunday was chill because we didn’t even meet up until 11 or so, but we ate leftovers and did some thrifting in Andersonville. KP and I also received free coffee drinks at a local cafe because she’s befriended everyone there of course! I seriously can’t wait for our next adventure together. 💛
Photos taken Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
What a weekend in Hell, Michigan! Haha ☺️ Linley and I pulled up and barely got a spot around 9:30pm on Friday evening, and met Zac around 9:45/10 (which was just enough time to get the tent pitched!) Lin was a little anxious but overall he was a good boy 😌
Zac and I laid in the hammock, and talked about anything and everything until 4am! The only bad part was that a black cat came up and scared Lin and Zac, but no complaints aside from that.
It was a little rainy through the night and Saturday morning, so we decided to drop Linley off after talking for hours in the morning. I loved having such fun yet deep conversation with Zac the entire weekend 😀
It was great chatting with Zac and my parents in Fenton! The rain ended up being a blessing, even though I missed Linley so much. My dad gave me a big compliment about my heart, and it really made Zac light up—which melted my heart even more! After talking about Fenton and the home’s history (my parent’s home was built in 1837!), we left and met Emily back in Hell around 2:30/3pm.
Tubing was fucking epic! We finally got our shit together around 4/4:30 and hit the water by 5pm. Every single part of the float trip was perfectly imperfect—from getting stuck in the cascades to peeing in the Huron River. I loved every second of my time with Emily and Zac yesterday (and the Dirty Detroit I made didn’t hurt, either!!!)
The evening was a little rowdier than expected, but of course still fun 😂 I woke up this morning to find myself in the tent alone… so we know what happened haha! All in all, it was a much needed trip for all of us 💛
Media taken Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9, 2023
I’ve been having an excellent summer after a turbulent spring, and I couldn’t be more thankful for my new and old friends this season.
The first shoutout goes to my dear friends Andy and Shawn, who hosted me for the second time in Atlanta this year — resulting in the final decision to make it my soon-to-be new home! 🤗
I’ve also been blessed with seeing four concerts in June (Dermont Kennedy at Meadowbrook, the music of Hans Zimmer at the Redford Theatre, The Rare Occasions and Summer Salt at El Club, and Ben Folds at The Soundboard — all epic Detroit venues). I have a varying taste in music and it was great to experience each show with old friends, where we even made new friends along the way. When Emily and I visited El Club in mid-June, we befriended Kevin and Marianne — who both joined our company picnic, and who I danced the night away with after a Detroit Tigers baseball game a couple weeks ago. My life is essentially a series of fortunate events – especially in regard to befriending strangers – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They definitely deserve my second shoutout.
Linley is the best hiking and beach buddy around, so he gets my third shoutout of the summer. Most of you have probably seen my hiking and beach photos from a few weeks ago, but in case you needed a reminder (or at least needed to see some fluffy cuteness in the sand)…
Emily’s part of my second shoutout, but she and Jenna are granted the fourth because they’re two of the best coworkers-turned-friends I could ever ask for. We floated the cascades at Argo Park in Ann Arbor, and for those of you in the area, I would highly recommend it. Emily and I also floated with our buddy Zac last weekend, but that deserves a post of its own. Emily and I also hit up Taco Fest in Royal Oak and Kensington Metropark on the Fourth of July; she’s quickly becoming one of my best friends. 💛
Aniya – my Little Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program – has been in my life for almost a decade now. She’s truly the little sister I never had but always wanted, and more. I was able to spend quality time with her and her family a couple weeks ago, and the UNO games got a little too competitive! Being around Aniya and her family always warms my heart — especially given how strong our bond has been after all this time. Aniya and her family get my fifth summer shoutout.
My sixth and final shoutout for this post goes to my mom (aka: “Party Dawn!”) because she’s the best road-trip and apartment-hunting partner in crime around. We drove down from Michigan to Atlanta in one day, looked at five or six apartments the next day, and turned around that Sunday. Although we weren’t in the city on Fourth of July itself, spending the long weekend with her was so worth it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any photos together, but she did take some of the pup and me.
I look forward to more Friday dinners with my parents, outdoor adventures and fun times with friends before my next chapter next month. My heart is full but my coffee cup isn’t, so until next time: Thank you for following on this incredible journey! ☺️
My time with Andy and Shawn was everything I needed in one weekend: Relaxing, fulfilling with both profound and hilarious conversation, explorative and engaging. I desperately needed a weekend like that with two people I have recently been able to call friends.
My coworker and friend Andy, with her husband Shawn!
As soon as Andy and Shawn picked me up from the airport, I knew I was in for a great weekend! Andy and I became closer during our in-person team on-site back in August, and Shawn is an absolute gem. They both have been married before and have found true love in each other—which really inspired me as I somewhat begin my journey to find my true love and begin anew. The three of us stayed up until one or two in the morning catching up, and the rest of the weekend was full of laughs, great conversation and time outdoors.
Celebrating Lunar New Year!
Between exploring new places with somewhat new friends, spending time breathing in what felt like crisp, autumn air and spending hours laughing and learning with their South African friends, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend with better people!
Cheers to more weekends together!
Photos taken Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22, 2023
On New Years Eve, I sat with a couple girlfriends on the west side of Michigan, as we wrote down our “resolutions” (I put that word in quotation marks because I like to think of it as more ‘aspirational’ than specific, quantifiable ‘goals’). January has been an exceptionally hard month: seeing my ex-husband for the first time since our divorce and leaving Chicago, losing my dad’s best friend who we weren’t able to see prior to her passing, no longer being able to trust one of my male friends because he led me to believe he was someone he wasn’t, and my depression overall rapidly getting worse. Each month, I’m going to track my progress on each of my wishes for no one other than myself — but feel free to tag along if you wish.
Wish #1: ???
I decided to keep this one to myself for now, but plan to write more about this when the time is right.
Wish #2: Travel to South Africa, & plan other trips…
One of my best friends and her husband recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia from Johannesburg. Andy and I have worked together since the spring, and we became extremely close after all the project managers got together in person in August. Andy and Shawn are the kindest, funniest, most supportive people I could ask for in my life right now — both as individuals and as a couple. They’ve both been through difficult divorces in the past, and inspire me and give me hope that my true love exists — and that I’ll find him someday soon, without settling or compromising my beliefs or self worth. I visited them in Atlanta last weekend and I seriously needed all the laughs, time outdoors, lazy mornings watching TV and meeting more of their South African friends in the area.
Coincidentally, I’ve wanted to visit South Africa since I was about 10 years old. Andy and Shawn really want me to tag along with them the next time they return home. Whether that’s this summer or sometime in 2024, I look forward to my time with them, and to the other adventures abroad that are on the horizon for 2023.
Wish #3: Figure out my health bullshit!
As it turns out, I did indeed have a kidney infection, NOT a gallbladder or pancreas issue. Thank goodness I visited the Women’s Hospital of UofM, or else I probably would’ve had my gallbladder removed unnecessarily. If I still experience symptoms, I’ll be returning to the urologist for further testing, but for now I should be in the clear and my levels – and pain – are stable. I also made an appointment for my back problems and although my spine will never look the way I’d like it to, it was a relief to know that it “isn’t noticeable” to the average person — and now I can start planning for a new tattoo.
Wish #4: Find home in a physical place the way I have found home in myself…
I love who I am: I love how I look, I know what I deserve and I wouldn’t change anything about who I am as a person. HOWEVER, I do not feel at home here in Michigan. I left Michigan for a reason (or, several reasons…) and just because Chicago wasn’t my home either, doesn’t mean that I have to settle for less than I deserve here. Sure, some really good things have come out of me being here again, but my time here has been full of letdowns, false problems, and physical, emotional and mental pain. Maybe I’ll receive a permanent residency permit so I can live in Toronto. Maybe I’ll move somewhere closer to one of my best friends on the east coast. Maybe I’ll move to Charlotte, North Carolina because I had the best time with some of the best people this summer. Or maybe I’ll go somewhere totally new. The overwhelming possibilities are endless, but not all those who wander are lost.
Wish #5: More ink!
As previously mentioned, I’m planning my next tattoo, but am also working on finishing my foot/ankle and really want to get my dog’s paw print on my other ankle soon.
Wish #6: Find a passion – new or old.
I’m definitely getting back into music. As a kid, I was able to play three or four different instruments and found that music was a great outlet for me. Maybe I’ll get back into the piano or play something totally new — either way, I’m excited to explore this more. I also want to start swimming laps at a local gym every day, but am waiting until I relocate because figuring that out is like swimming laps in and of itself!
Wish #7: Heal from my marriage, time in Chicago, friendships ending…
It’s nearly impossible to put a timeline on this one. Progress isn’t linear with this one! Some days I feel on top of the world; others I feel like I’m drowning in my own depression, feeling like the universe is kicking me while I’m down. Seeing my ex-husband earlier in the month was necessary for my own healing, yet it was one of the saddest, heartbreaking things I’ve done. Being around someone you loved and who loved you for nearly a decade… and not being able to be with them in that capacity anymore… unless you’ve tried remaining friends with the person you thought was your soulmate is… hard to explain. It’s soul-crushing. I would give anything to go back to the good times where we both were happy — but my ex-husband doesn’t exactly feel the same way. I had to stare acceptance in the face and truly accept that things will never be as they were. Typing that even now – nearly a month later – feels daunting and depressing.
However… I am opening my heart where and when it needs to be open. I’m not only setting boundaries, but am finally adhering to them. I’m creating space for new friendships and new love, and although I’m losing hope, I haven’t fully given up yet. I wish I didn’t have to struggle this much and feel all this hurt within my heart — but I can only hope it all has to be worth it on the other side.
Wish #8: More bonding experiences with Lin!
I majorly need to step this one up. Because I live with my parents at the moment, Linley has shared the love between all three of us — making it hard to have that quality time I need with him. I hope to plan more adventures with Linley: before, during and after we relocate somewhere new. He’s the best dog in the whole world, and is my favorite adventure buddy!
Wish #9: More reading, cooking, exploring, saying “yes” and “no” when I want…
Saying “no” – even when it’s best for me – is still something I feel extremely guilty about. This is probably one of my biggest personal hurdles I need to jump leaps and bounds over this year. The good news is that I’m reading and cooking much more than I have in the past, and the exploring is still going strong! Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, my dad and I made homemade gluten free calzones and fish and chips. I’m excited to try even more recipes with the people I love most!
Wish #10: Finding community who loves and accepts me for me…
For the first time in my 29 years of life, I finally have this at work. I can be myself, crack my jokes, bring my personality to all of my projects, consultants and client teams, and feel valued for my contributions. I have never had community in my own family, or in my physical location. I hope to find this when I leave Michigan as well; I want to find that group who I feel deeply connected with and not for the sake of “fitting in” — but truly belonging as I am.
Although I am grieving my marriage and what I’d hoped was “home” in Chicago – and despite some of the hardship I’ve endured since being back in Michigan – there are several moments and people I am beyond grateful for.
It’s been challenging to put all of my emotions into words lately (both positive and sad), but I will say this: If you made me smile or gave me hope in these last few months, thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💛
Last Friday was one of the most challenging days I have had. It was personally and professionally a really difficult day, and I certainly needed some relief. I was excited to hit the road and head east toward Grand Rapids, Michigan to spend some much-needed quality time with my friend Crystal. She has been a constant during my year in Chicago, and I had actually never hung out with her in Michigan even though she lives there. It was nice to go her way and do some camping before the summer’s over.
Being me, I had let Crystal know that I was emotional. It was a long drive, and a long day in general, and I was mentally exhausted. Little did I know that Crystal had the best surprise waiting for me at the campsite!
With Linley in tow, I parked by her and saw someone else get out of the car. Of course I was polite, but I thought it was strange that she would invite someone else along when we had talked about quality time with just the two of us (three of us including the pup!). Who greets me at my driver side door but Donna! Donna has been one of my best friends since high school, and that’s how I actually met Crystal, and I started crying. Donna’s gesture and Crystal’s surprise were two of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. The entire weekend solidified that there are great people in my life, and there is always light in the darkness.
We spent the entire weekend reading tarot cards, floating down the river, cooking delicious meals and drinking by the campfire. I got great sleep both nights, and had such a great weekend away with two of my best girlfriends. I can’t wait to do it again!
Media taken Friday, August 26 through Sunday, August 28, 2022
Last weekend, one of my closest friends in Chicago and I took a Linley to Cashton, Wisconsin for some fun on the farm!
KP is not as outdoorsy as I am, but we both have a deep appreciation for being immersed in nature and unplugging. About a month and a half ago, we found this cute little Airbnb in Wisconsin and knew we had to check it out and stay there before the summer ended. This quaint little family farm had donkeys, chickens, and even a turkey that tried to peck at my feet! He succeeded, and I made the mistake of wearing open toed sandals the whole weekend!
The ironic thing about the trip is that I am a project manager, which means that I literally get paid to be organized and plan assignments. Here I am being the most unprepared traveler from the get, haha! What I thought would be a one and a half or two hour drive instantly turned in to four one-way, and I didn’t bring all the cooking supplies and equipment that we needed. However, we had the best time, laughed our way through the ill-preparation and made makeshift utensils—and actually prepared some solid food over the fire.
We laughed the evening away with some board games, gin and tonic, and more exploration of the farm. My only regret is that I wish we would’ve had more time there together, but the time we had was more than well-spent. We even braved the cold river where fisherman were catching trout! It was the kind of peacefulness and quality time that we both really needed. And of course, Linley had the time of his life too!
Traveling with the Traceys 