Loving East Lansing!

/ Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Every basketball season, my dad and I head to East Lansing to see the Spartans win!

Although we both love college basketball, that’s not the best part of our time together. We always grab breakfast and dinner, shakes at the MSU Diary Store, some souvenirs and share lots of laughs.

My parents met and fell in love at MSU, which is yet another reason why I enjoy East Lansing as much as I do!

My dad and I are very close and seeing him get all excited about being back on campus fills my heart with warmth 🙂

Wacky Weather in the Midwest

/ Cate Tracey / 12 Comments

It has truly been a bitter cold, hectic couple of weeks in southeast Michigan! I know most of my loved ones are fed up with the weather, just like my pup Linley…

…and I can totally relate!

Despite the ice on my windshield that has been three + inches thick every morning, the Chicago-like winds and losing my mind by being cooped up in the apartment, I’ve been discovering beauty in this winter wonderland.

Stay safe, keep warm and enjoy your weekend!

So Much Fun – and fog – in Finland! (March, 2016)

/ Cate Tracey / 8 Comments

Two students during my 2016 study abroad adventure were from Finland and downplayed Helsinki so much; I was amazed to find out that Helsinki had quite a bit to offer.  All of us (especially the Americans) LOVED Finland’s capital. Helsinki had the most unique churches, which were actually made of rounded wood and rocks. Surprisingly, this city had one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever experienced! Who would’ve expected that from such a small country in Scandinavia? 

“The Times we had” in Tallinn, Estonia (March, 2016)

/ Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

I remember having zero expectations of Tallinn; I simply thought this was a “break” from the rest of our cruise rather than a city I would love. All of my friends and classmates LOVED Tallinn and had the greatest time! We went on a pub crawl to a few very unique places, including a science lab-themed bar (one even had shots that you snorted and one had the coolest pool table area)! The last photo below proves how much fun I had… Even walking in the streets late at night with my friends are memories I’ll never forget. I will always cherish “The Times we had” in Tallinn!

It’s Always Happy in Hamburg (March, 2016)

/ Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

I have visited a dear friend in Hamburg, Germany twice now: once in 2012 and once in 2016. I love this city very much and have nothing but good things to say about it. In fact, Hamburg was my first city visited outside of North America and has been a gateway for my many adventures abroad! The late night dancing, scenery, food, streets, harbor and good company keep me easily entertained and happy whenever I spend time with Saskia and her parents!

Longing for Lapland (March, 2016)

/ Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

The cold, windy air hitting my nose and cheeks in Michigan reminds me of Swedish Lapland. We visited Abisko and Kiruna, and even crossed the border into Norway for an afternoon. From visiting the ice hotel I saw in Nat Geo as a third grader to sledding in the town after bar hopping, riding on the back of a dog sled, feeding the reindeer and seeing the Northern Lights (three times!), Lapland was probably the happiest week of my life…

Photo Highlights of 2018

/ Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

2018…what a year!  So many incredible things happened, which has led to lifelong memories that I’ll always cherish.

I was able to spend lots of quality time with my Little Sister of four years, Aniya!

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I had a travel marathon from March – July (Chicago, Boston, Iceland, Myrtle Beach, Peru and Portland)! I was able to spend time with old friends, have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with my mom, hang out with my brother on the west coast and get engaged during this short period of time!

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I was able to spend more time with my pup Linley than ever.  We even went to a baseball game with grams in Detroit!

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My dad and I were able to hang out a lot more than usual, now that we’re in the same department at work.  My dad is also in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and seeing his Little Brother grow up is amazing (and scary…)!

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My best friend (who I call my twin) and I share the same birthday!!! We were able to celebrate our 25th year on this earth together 🙂

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My fiance and pup cheered me up on Halloween as they dressed as a minion and a bee!

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And the most eventful day was Friday, November 16, the day I married my best friend 🙂

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I have no idea what could be better than repeating 2018, but I’m very excited for what 2019 has in store for all of us 🙂 Happy New Year!