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 love Alex. I love Vancouver. I love Seattle. I love all the memories made and food we ate and drinks we downed and laughs we shared. This adventure couldn’t have gone any better. As bittersweet as it was to leave Vancouver – and inch toward concluding our trip altogether – I know my move to Atlanta is approaching and I couldn’t be more excited about my/our future.
Alex and I stopped at a Chinese bakery on our way out of the city on Sunday, and ironically ran into Uncle Joe and Aunt Trish again! We shared some quick hugs and laughs regarding the situation, then bounced to get through customs and return the rental car in Seattle at a decent time. When the representative at customs asked how we knew each other, we both looked at one another and said, “We’re dating,” all giddy like we were kids again haha.
Our afternoon was spent wandering around Pike Place after dropping off the car and our bags, and I started to feel like myself again (my nightmares and wildfire smoke ingestion made me feel like I’d been in a fog all morning). Another Irish pub drinks and food, along with enjoying Alex’s company through the market as we checked out different stores, made everything better. I’d been to that area only once before, and holding Alex’s hand this time made for a much different and insurmountably fulfilling experience. We freshened up, met his cousin Jason for drinks at a local bar, and even made a new stranger-turned-friend Jennifer!
As enjoyable as a day I’d had with Alex, the best was yet to come; Alex had been on a boat tour a few days prior but recommended we go together at sunset this time. It didn’t disappoint! In fact, it was nothing short of magical (sorry, Disney!) With white wine and chips in tow, Alex and I snuggled up next to each other and soaked in the sun and the views. We saw other ships pass by and the sunset was awe-inspiring. The photos Alex and I took together are perfect representations of how much fun I was having—and how much I deeply care about this man. Heck, we even saw orcas, which I didn’t even see in Iceland! It was super sweet because Alex waited for me by the ladder from the bathroom, and helped me up so I could watch the whales with him. 💛
I always pose with both our drinks, so I made Alex do the same 😅🙈Posting this one for you, Alex, because it’s your favorite ☺️One of my personal favorites 🤩
Seeing the city at night was super cool, despite it being “the end.” Alex and I were given a blanket to cuddle up in and we definitely made the most of it. What an amazing bookend to an unforgettable vacation! Instead of seafood one last time, we went to a sketchy McDonald’s and enjoyed eating in bed before spending one last night in the Pacific Northwest together. I can’t wait to spend more time with Alex once I move in a few days; I miss him already.
Saturday was *even more* sentimental for me. After some subpar Turkish coffee, Alex and I hit the bike rental place and rode through Stanley Park for a few hours in the morning. I’d done rides along Lake Michigan in Chicago and Mackinac Island and other cities, but I’ve never done anything like that with a guy—especially *my* guy. I was enjoying the views but being behind Alex really distracted me, haha! I felt like a kid again, riding downhill with my legs stretched out and yelling “woo!” I even took a dip in the ocean and wished I had my swimsuit on. To my surprise, I wasn’t sore from the uphill trek and every visitor should rent a bike and check out Stanley Park.
Although nervous, I was excited to meet Alex’s uncle, aunt and some family friends at a Chinese seafood restaurant just outside of Vancouver. I felt incredibly welcomed and Alex made me feel important—truly like a priority in his life, and in his family. I’m glad I wore a dress instead of pants because all the scallops, shrimp dumplings, crab paella and mango pudding I ate was out of this world! And the conversation was as filling as the food. Alex, his Uncle Joe, Aunt Trish and I even went to a Chinese market in the mall afterward and it was nice to have that extra time with them.
After a much-needed late afternoon nap and refresh, Alex and I meandered through a local block party, where Alex bought me some art and we shared some drinks and laughs at a local Irish pub with live music. Every moment like this makes me fall for him more and more; I haven’t felt this intrigued in and this important to anyone ever before.
There was another restaurant Alex spotted that was near our waterfront bar the night before, so we obviously had to check it out! It was our last night in Vancouver before heading back to Seattle, and I was savoring the espresso martinis, seafood and memories with Alex tenfold.
I wrote about Alex’s and my seaplane experience, but the rest of our Friday in Vancouver was just as incredible!
My buddy Eli – who we met up with in Seattle – recommended we check out Cactus Club and Jade Dynasty for drinks and dim sum, respectively. Alex and I wandered around Vancouver and although we saw some rough things in the streets, it was nice to hold Alex’s hand and talk to him about my past. Being able to share that with someone who is curious about me as much as I’m curious about them is unique and special and something I’ll never take for granted.
After great food and drinks (Eli’s recommendations didn’t disappoint!), we freshened up and headed back out for an evening stroll along the water. We took some goofy photos, shared some laughs, decided we’re too poor to ever own a yacht, and even heard some live jazz music on our walk to a beautiful waterfront bar. Alex and I enjoyed some fancy drinks, I indulged in more oysters and soaked in the view and good conversation. We decided to hit up a Malaysian place on our walk back that piqued our interest earlier on the trip.
When Alex and I first matched online, he was telling me about his much-anticipated solo trip to Vancouver—including his seaplane tour. I’d never been on a seaplane and thought this was totally badass! Before Alex and I even met in person earlier this month, he asked me to join him on the trip, noting that he didn’t want to go solo AND really wanted me to join him on the adventure. I was extremely flattered (I still am!) and can easily say this was one of the coolest experiences of not only Vancouver, but of my travel memories to-date.
Despite the check in process being a tad clunky and disorganized, the chaos was worth it and the plane rides couldn’t have gone smoother. The plane was super small, and Alex had the opportunity to ride up front on our way to the first island. I was giddy and excited and happy for him! I was pumped he was able to experience something like this—especially when he’d booked these flights months ago. I was also able to ride in the front after Alex, before finally being able to sit next to him once more. I would’ve been happy and excited had he not been able to add me to his reservation, but I’ll be forever grateful to have this memory with Alex. Alex, if you’re reading this, thank you for yet another unforgettable memory together!
Before I begin to write about my adventures in the Pacific Northwest, the jaunt from my house to the Detroit metro airport deserves a shoutout. I survived what was probably my scariest driving experience to-date (yes, even worse than the Michigan winter blizzards!) and met incredibly kind strangers along the way. The women getting on the airport shuttle and the passengers next to me on my flight to Seattle were amazing—as was the badass shuttle driver who pulled off this stunt:
I couldn’t wait to see Alex again after not seeing him for a few weeks. Our weekend in Atlanta was perfection and I couldn’t wait to be in his arms and presence once more. I also felt lucky enough to still meet his best friend (also coincidentally named Alex!) even though my flight was delayed a couple hours.
Before heading north to Vancouver, Alex and I met one of my coworkers-turned-friends Eli, who I’d actually never met in person until then. We ate delicious sandwiches and talked as though we’d all known each other for quite some time. Eli is seriously the sweetest and I’ll miss working with him very much! It was great to meet up and I know we’ll stay in touch.
The drive, the border crossing, and the much-needed map were all great and easy. I can’t put into words how much simply being next to Alex and experiencing all these little things with him means to me; I never thought I’d ever find love again – or at all – and I can honestly say that I’ve *never* had anything quite like *this.* Alex has quickly become my best friend.
We enjoyed drinks at a local French-style bar and a lovely dinner on Granville Island in Vancouver, where we ate our bodyweight in oysters, crab, yellowtail sashimi, Brussels sprouts and chowder. It was the perfect start to what was an effortlessly perfect vacation with Alex. 💛
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! ☺️
Traveling with the Traceys 