Watching the World Cup in Atlanta

July 20, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

I can’t put into words how grateful I am to be living in a city that hosted the World Cup. Not only did Alex and I have the amazing opportunity to go to a game, but we enjoyed watch parties throughout the city with our closest friends.

From seeing our wonderful Mayor Andre Dickens speak in Old Fourth Ward Park (where Alex and I got married last year), to cheering for Spain in a crowd of Saudi fans at the Mercedes Benz stadium, and watching the final game with our besties, it was an incredible month here in Atlanta. I’m already grieving! I’m so proud of my city, my friends and my chosen family for making this such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Thank you, ATL, for being a great host city for the World Cup!

Watch party for the first US game in our neighborhood

Enjoying the Spain-Saudi game with one of our best friends and his dad on Father’s Day

Watching Mexico win with friends

Watching the US win another game

Enjoyed seeing Spain win with our closest friends

Foreign Exchange & Study Abroad Programs: Why They’re Important

June 13, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Foreign exchange and study abroad programs have changed my life, even since before I was born. In the 80s, my grandparents wanted to host a foreign exchange student so my mom and uncle could experience a new culture right at home. They welcomed Kjell into their family, and I finally got to meet him in person in 2016 (our photo together was taken in 2022 during my second visit).

When I was in high school, I met Saskia, who was a foreign exchange student from Germany, and instantly became my best friend. 15 years later, she’s still my bestie and I can’t wait to see her get married in Germany this October! Here we are also pictured in 2022.

Speaking of weddings, I can’t forget to post about Carolyn! Carolyn and I were roommates when we studied in France, and we’re from completely different walks of life. She’s been my best friend for 12 years now, and I’ve seen her get married (I was even her MoH!), seen her have two daughters… I can’t wait to see her next month!

My grandparent’s openness toward other cultures and people encouraged mine, and that’s something I wish I could thank my grandpa for today. 🥹

Nervous about hosting a foreign exchange student? Do it anyway! It can benefit you for generations, like it has with my family. Nervous about taking the trip? Go anyway! You never know who you’ll meet; it could be a bestie for 12 or 15 years, like the two that I have!

A rainy weekend in Asheville

June 2, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

It’s hard to believe that we returned from one of my favorite places over a week ago. Asheville, North Carolina has been such a special place for me ever since I first volunteered there in 2015. Asheville is where I’ve had some of my best hikes, have met some of my closest friends and even considered it to be a potential home.

Last weekend Alex, two of our best friends, Linley and I all headed to the mountains for what was supposed to be a weekend full on sunshine, hiking and outdoor time. Instead, we got rained on 95% of the time and had to deal with that during most of our hikes. We still made the most of it and it was fun to get away for a long weekend.

We hiked some new spots, some of my previous favorites (including Cedar Mountain, which I wrote about in my latest post!) and enjoyed quality time together. We even ate at a newer place downtown called Posanas, where Linley got to enjoy his own doggie dinner, too!

Rain or sun, I would highly recommend heading to Asheville for your next mountain getaway! I can’t wait to go again.

Comparisons

May 31, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

We all do it: we compare ourselves to others, we compare present day to the past… it’s human. And last weekend I couldn’t help but compare where I’m at now vs. where I was at in 2022.

Linley and me hiking in Asheville (2022)

On my trip back at Chicago from Asheville in 2022, Linley was by my side through some hard times. One of my best friends called me on my drive to tell me that she was expecting her first child, meanwhile I was telling her that a divorce was in my foreseeable future. I was so excited for all my close friends going through such amazing milestones in their lives, meanwhile I was at the loneliest point in my marriage and physical location of Chicago.

Linley, Alex and me hiking at the same spot in 2026

Last weekend I took Alex and some of our friends to the same spot Linley and I enjoyed four years ago. Although it was rainy, we made the most of it. And it’s really similar to my life right now: it’s a literal and metaphorical rainy season, but I’m making the most of every moment and am enjoying the rain as it comes.

To think in 2022 I was struggling in my family dynamics, certain friendships, my marriage, location and career. Now my biggest worry is that I won’t be able to make it as a solopreneur, but have never felt more loved and supported.

Photos taken in 2022 and 2026 in Asheville, North Carolina

Celebrating Alex in North Georgia

May 21, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Alex’s birthday was Saturday, and we had a great time in the mountains of North Georgia! We started our morning with a hike on Blood Mountain where we had stunning views all around us. It was a nice spot to rest, and we even saw a blue lizard scurry nearby.

After our hike, we grabbed lunch at a local spot in downtown Dahlonega that we love so much. We sat outside, enjoyed some sweet tea and seafood, and Linley got even more attention than our birthday boy.

After realizing that Linley had a tick on him in the car (we’re all good, thank goodness!), we enjoyed more stunning views at a winery Alex loves. I’m doing an alcohol-free year but I enjoyed a Sprite while Alex enjoyed a glass of red wine. All three of us were basking in the sun and enjoying the moment together.

Before we knew it, it was time to head home. We look forward to next time!

Photos taken Saturday, May 16, 2026

❤️V🧡O💛T💚E💙!!!💜

May 19, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Today I voted for women.

Today I voted for a community that accepts me – and has always accepted me – more than my own family has.

Today I voted for immigrants; ALL immigrants.

Today I voted for people who don’t look like me.

Today I voted for the ones who are working hard but don’t have enough free time or money in their bank accounts to show for it.

Today I voted for Mother Earth and everyone living here.

Today I voted for vaccine health.

Today I voted for peace, transparency and positive action.

Today I voted for democracy.

Are you voting for yourself, or are you taking your neighbors into consideration, too? Let’s think about ALL people when we vote, or else we’ll end up in a similar situation again…

We may not be able to fully reverse what’s been happening since orange man, but we can take action and vote. One person can’t do everything but everyone can do something.

Finding community in adulthood

May 17, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

I started my own business this year because I once felt extremely lonely: lonely where I lived, lonely in my own family, lonely in my workplace and even lonely in some of my friendships. According to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, over half of adults in the United States feel lonely and isolated from others. I want to help others who feel how I used to just a handful of years ago. It’s incredibly important to find community whether you’re going through a major life change like relocation, a breakup or divorce, job loss (or like me: a combination of all three) and more.

I’m sharing who makes up part of my new community because it’s possible for anyone who feels lonely to feel supported and loved; I can promise you that! One year ago I was really wondering if my community was truly stable here – because my life is normally filled with instability and chaos – and it is as strong as it can be. And that’s what everyone deserves. 🫶

Linley and me at an Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club event

Celebrating with my Aunt, Uncle and pup cousin, Ellie!

Atlanta United game with our best friends

Hanging out with our friends Devin and Colin

Dinner with Joss, who is also part of the Atlanta dog mom group!

Happy birthday to my best friend! 💕

May 14, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Carolyn and I started as blind roommates in France, and we’ve been best friends ever since. Cheers to dozens and dozens more years of friendship and even more after that! 🥰

April Appreciation for Atlanta

April 13, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Between 404 Day and now, it’s been a solid month here in Atlanta. We’ve explored new places, revisited some favorites and felt a sense of community with our neighbors (especially Amy because we got to watch her sweet girl, Larkin, this month!)

I look forward to what the rest of April and beyond has in store!

Sweetwater Creek + 404 Day

April 5, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

On Friday, I wasn’t feeling the best, but I knew a hike with Linley would help me sweat out my cold in addition to making my heart feel good. We revisited Sweetwater Creek State Park for some light hiking and beautiful views. My mom also had the day off, so we talked on the phone like the good ole days. And as usual, Linley got lots of attention and four young women were adoring him, so I gave them each a treat to give to Linley. He was in heaven!

Being with Linley always makes my day, especially when we can be outdoors together.

And yesterday’s 404 Day celebration in Atlanta was a ton of fun! We strolled through our favorite neighborhood in the city, watched Linley play at Piedmont Park, picked up some plants at Flora and Fauna, and enjoyed an afternoon in our own neighborhood.

I’ve been beating myself up all week about random sh*t, and honestly, I need to stop because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Media taken Friday, April 3 & Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Atlanta, GA.

Rock Lobsters game in Athens

March 30, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Alex took Linley and me to Athens, Georgia for our first visit yesterday! We walked around town and UGA’s campus before going to the game where Linley, and other dogs, were part of the main event. Everyone at the game and involved in the game were amazing and we’ll definitely be back for another fun day of hockey!

Linley was basically a celebrity and everyone was taking photos of AND with him all day! A woman we met at a brewery before the game even came up and said hello again. Seeing Linley love and get love back always melts my heart.

Alex signed Linley up for a race on the ice after the first period, and since Lin had been a daddy’s boy all day, I held Linley on the ice so he would run to Alex. However, Linley got cold paws, literally and figuratively, and didn’t want to leave my side! Although Lin didn’t win the race, he won in everyone’s hearts. Going backstage and on the ice was really cool (pun intended) for all three of us in the Tracey Trio!

Life is good and Linley was fast asleep in the stands and on the ride home.

Media taken Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Athens, Georgia 🦞

Loving spring in Atlanta 🌸

March 27, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Don’t get me wrong: I love our roadtrips and weekends away. But there’s something extra special about being home in Atlanta this time of year. It’s not nearly as drastic as Michigan’s winter-to-spring transition, but laying out in the sun, listening to soul music in the park nearby is something I don’t take for granted here.

The last couple weekends have been so much fun, and I know this weekend will be no exception. We’ve even stayed busy during the week, because there’s no point in living for the weekend (in my humble opinion 😉).

Here’s some highlights that have brought me sheer enjoyment and smiles from ear to ear: