Old Friends

/ Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Last year I wrote about the new friends I’d met since moving back to Michigan in late 2022, and today I want to write about three older friends. On the way to and from upstate New York, Alex was able to meet two of my best friends and I couldn’t be happier! The love I have for my two besties, their significant others, pups and their families always brings me so much joy when I visit them — and having Alex by my side made it even better!

Carolyn and I have been best friends since we met as roommates abroad in 2014. These ten beautiful years of friendship have been filled with celebrating each others’ milestones and full of adventure and laughter. Carolyn hadn’t met Alex until this month – same with Linley – and it was extremely special to introduce two of my favorite people to one another. The love felt between us, Carolyn’s family and our pups means more than I can ever put into words.

Carolyn and me in 2014!
Ryan, Lily, Carolyn, Linley (kind of!), Sully, me and Alex!

On our way back to Atlanta from New York, we couldn’t leave without seeing my bestie Carolina. Carolina and I used to work together in 2020, and have been inseparable ever since. Carolina and her fiancé, Matt, are not only getting married in October, but they just moved from Charlotte to South Carolina because Matt started medical school! I couldn’t be prouder of and more excited for my besties!

Carolina and me celebrating her engagement in 2023!
Matt, Carolina, Koko, me, Lin and Alex!

It’s also been incredibly special for Alex to have met my high school best friend from Germany over video call. Not a week goes by where Saskia and I don’t talk — and one day I hope she and Alex can meet in person, too!

Saskia and me in Germany in 2022!

I’m blessed with three best friends who have always been by my side — even though we live far apart. I look forward to next summer’s travels and more memories with Carolyn, Carolina and their families.

Photos taken July 06 – 15, 2024

Back to life

/ Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

It’s been way too long since I’ve posted, and the main reason had to do with my back injury. Early April until recently, I’ve been dealing with two herniated discs and a tear in my lower back. I’m writing this as I lay in our Alexandria, Virginia AirBnB — grateful for the ability to walk without crutches anymore and the opportunity to travel again!

Alex, Linley and our dear friends and family made my recovery process so much better — and I tried celebrating the small wins and good moments with great people.

I look forward to sharing more about our East coast adventures in the coming weeks. ☺️

My “grown up” dance recital

/ Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

As soon as I moved to Atlanta, I knew I wanted to start taking dance classes. But I had NO idea that I would ever be performing hip hop in front of an audience (let alone four!)

Dance has always been a big part of my life even though I’ve only “formally” taken dance in kindergarten. I was always at friends’ houses, family get togethers and school dances tearing up the dance floor. In college going out dancing was always my favorite thing to do — even when “going out” wasn’t my thing in general. I pushed myself to take fitness, Latin and hip hop dance classes in the fall and haven’t looked back.

In January, I signed up for my local studio’s performance series: ten weeks of rehearsal for a four-show series during St. Patty’s Day weekend. Myself and eight others dressed like we were in a marching band and moved to the music and crowd cheering us on.

It was such a blessing getting closer with some of my current dance friends — and also making new ones! Some of my closest friends are from dance101 studio and this hip hop group, and all the hard work and laughter along the way only strengthened our bond. I’m incredibly proud of my group and the seven others who performed during the spring shows with us.

Our halfway mark in early February!
Rehearsal video
Dress rehearsal photo, where everyone thought we were mimes!
Low quality video of a high quality weekend

Alex was at all four shows, and our friends Liz, Quinten, Ariel and Pardon also came to support me! Aunt Susan and Uncle Ray even came to a show and looked like proud family members! It meant so much to me and having all of them there (especially Alex!) made me feel the most loved I’ve felt in a long time.

I wore my Linley necklace every night!

Although the performance weekend is over, I never want this feeling of love and this high of performing to end 💛

Photos and videos taken February and March 2024 at dance101.

Celebrating six months in Atlanta!

/ Cate Tracey / 7 Comments

Yesterday was my six month anniversary of living in Atlanta, Georgia — and all I can say is that I’m in awe of my life now. I dreamed of this happiness as a young child and haven’t felt this good for this long… ever. The love Alex and I share, the relationship I have with Alex’s family, his friends who have welcomed me and the friends I’ve met since moving here are all beyond my wildest dreams. With happy tears in my eyes, I can tell you this is the best life I’m living for myself — and young me would be very proud.

Photos taken September 2023 – March 9, 2024.

Sweetwater Sunday Hike

/ Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Have you ever had those days where you never want it to end? Where everything is perfect and almost dream-like? That’s how Sunday was for me. Our friends Ariel and Pardon – along with their sweet pup, Tater – joined our family of three for a day full of hiking along Sweetwater Creek in the Atlanta area. Although Linley and I enjoy hiking very much, we haven’t done too much of it since moving down here — and it felt great to hit some new trails with Alex and our close friends!

After some epic hiking, we went back to Ariel’s and Pardon’s place for some delicious espresso martinis (my new favorite!). We kept the afternoon going at our favorite spot for brunch/lunch and dinner, where Linley continued to soak up the sunshine.

I look forward to many more days like this — full of laughter, smiles, good views, great conversation and nice weather.

Photos taken Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Damn good seafood!

/ Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Today I sit with my first positive Covid test since the pandemic (yes, you read that right: I only had Covid in January 2020 before we know what it was, and this weekend…) BUT I had an awesome week before this happened and wanted to share some good eats. 💛

Alex and I went to Lure — a delicious seafood spot here in Midtown, Atlanta. I was excited some espresso martinis (with tequila instead of vodka!), tasty fish and to eat my bodyweight in oysters. Alex ordered the swordfish for me to try and I ordered one of my favorites: sea bass, this time with a tomato broth. Thank goodness I could actually taste my food then, because it was the best meal I’ve had in a while!

We also had to take our classic “Here Cate, hold both drinks” photo:

…and here’s a few more since we met:

I’m thankful I have a permanent dinner date who loves being goofy as much as I do! 🤗

Turns out, I get the “two-drink photo” from my parents… ☺️

Three mantras for 2024✨

/ Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

One of my favorite high school mentors posts three guiding principles on LinkedIn at the start of the new year. This man is such an inspiration because he motivated me to pick the university I attended, married the love of his life against all odds, and he and his husband recently adopted their first child together. I wanted to challenge myself, do some reflecting, and chose my own three guiding words – or mantras – for the year.

Detaching

Letting go of past hurt. Not feeling like a burden to others. Continuously healing from past trauma. Lessening the heavy blow on my heart. Looking back quickly rather than mulling over the past. Putting myself first so I can be better for the ones I love most. The true art of letting go — and creating space for current and new memories.

Seattle, Washington (Summer 2023)

Healthiness

Physical, mental and emotional healthiness. Continuing with dance, therapy and other exercises. Progressing with setting healthy boundaries and radically accepting where certain family and friend relationships stand. Stretching every day (when possible) and pushing myself with dance classes. Learning to make working out fun again. Pushing myself to get back into music and French lessons for mental health and “gymnastics.”

Bergen, Norway (Summer 2016)

Adventure

(Although I’ve never “not been adventurous”) 😉

Going white water rafting in Georgia. Putting myself out there in dance and elsewhere. Visiting at least one new country with Alex this year. Taking more career risks and discovering my true passion(s). Feeling a true sense of adventure in my heart.

Cortez, Colorado (Summer 2020)

What are your mantras for 2024?✨

Atlanta is magical✨

/ Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

You heard me; I believe this place and the people here are magical! And here’s why…

December gave me a new love for the holidays and Christmas spirit — one I hadn’t felt in a few years. Alex and I had so much fun before and during the holidays that I’m genuinely sad they’re over!

St. Louisa’s for organ karaoke

I haven’t sang or listened to karaoke in years, but our buddy Quinten told us about this old church-turned-bar with organ karaoke… and we couldn’t miss it! Alex and I have been twice now, and I’m sure 2024 will bring us more singing, dancing and laughing here — as well as pretending to be ping pong pros!

Botanical Garden for Christmas lights

We’d been to the Botanical Garden with our friend Emily in September, but visiting during the holidays was a completely different and unforgettable experience. Although the drinks weren’t cheap, they were good and the music, light variety and company were great. 💛 Alex and I were super impressed with the coordination of the lights with the Christmasy jazz playing.

Kat’s Cafe for jazz music

Sticking with the jazz theme, Alex and I enjoyed ourselves at this dive club in Midtown. This wasn’t as upscale as Cliff Bell’s in Detroit, but it didn’t need to be! The music, atmosphere and martinis were amazing.

Cirque du Soleil for an incredible show

Seldom am I speechless, but this show blew me away! The acrobatics, comedic bits and overall production took my breath away. I’m beyond grateful that Alex made my first show so special, and even though he’s been quite a few times, it was special for him too!

Christmas Market for a friend date

After Thanksgiving I made a new friend at the dog park, and we finally hung out before the holidays. Ariel, Alex and I had a blast drinking mulled wine, laughing our butts off and getting to know each other!

Roswell Mill for a family hike

On New Year’s Eve we took Linley on a hike just outside of Atlanta — which was just right for all of us! We look forward to more adventures and hikes as a trio. 🤗

All media taken December 2023 in Georgia✨

My happiest holiday

/ Cate Tracey / 10 Comments

To feel a true sense of belonging and welcoming from Alex and his family means more than I can’t put into words.

When I was living in the Midwest, I had to scramble to find alternate holiday plans. I don’t mean to be a Grinch with what I share below, but I do want to set the tone for how past holidays with my immediate family would go: There was absolutely no way that I would spend a day of gratitude and love with my brother and his wife who I’m estranged from, or parents who will never love me the way they love my brother, or family members who judged me for being with men who weren’t white, for my tattoos or for my willingness to go to therapy to break our toxic family cycles of generational trauma. Short story long: I always spent time with friends and their families to avoid what I would deem as nothing short of toxic.

The only cousin I’m close to and her fiancé Ben visited us a couple weekends ago, and it was a great way to kick off the holidays! We played games until midnight and had fun at some of our favorite local restaurants. I love Katy more than she’ll ever know. 💛

Last month, I made a new friend while taking Linley to the dog park on one of my days off. Ariel and I went on our first “friend date” of many, and even Alex loved how close we became! It was definitely fate. ✨

Alex’s and my first Christmas together was nothing short of amazing. And it’ll be the first of many. 🥰 Linley and I had so much fun with his family relaxing in the morning, eating great food throughout the day and enjoying some espresso martinis along the way. Alex and his family welcomed us and have made us feel a sense of belonging since the moment we moved down to Georgia in September. We couldn’t feel more lucky. 🥹

And just because I’m feeling this grateful and loved, here are some other fun December photos we took this month:

✨Photos taken December 2023, Atlanta, GA✨

Thankful Pt. II

/ Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

When you aren’t close with family, holidays can be rough (at least they have been for me!) I’m thankful I’ll be spending the holidays with a man who happens to have a great family, who sees and loves me for who I am, and just so happens to be my best friend. 💛

Who and what are your thankful for this holiday season? ☺️

Thankful 💛

/ Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

With Thanksgiving around the corner here in the US, I can’t help but reflect on what and who I’m grateful for — and how far I’ve come emotionally and spiritually since this time last year.

Last weekend, Alex, Linley and I drove to Nashville to spend time with my friends Alex, Alvin and their two pups. We had a blast from talking for hours at the kitchen table to spending time doing holiday things in town and visiting The Gentle Barn animal sanctuary outside of town. I look forward to spending more time with Alex and Alvin—and more road-trips with Alex in general!

I’ve been reflecting on my weekends since moving to Atlanta – and even since meeting Alex for the first time in person! – and couldn’t be happier with quality time spent with his friends and mine.

Although nervous, I look forward to spending my first holiday season with Alex’s family and more memories the rest of 2023 has to offer!

Cheers to continuing to focus on what and who I DO have as opposed to who and what I DON’T have. 💛

Photos taken Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Halloween festivities

/ Cate Tracey / 9 Comments

Although Halloween fell on a Tuesday this year, we made the most of last weekend and Halloween evening. It was a wonderful first Halloween in Atlanta and as a trio!

On Friday, we strolled the Beltline after work with some drinks in hand while wearing some epic family costumes. It was Alex’s idea for us to dress up as Krispy Kreme employees, and Lin be our doughnut! I loved the idea immediately and we ran with it. Linley wasn’t the happiest boy, but he made the most of his costume and everyone walking by enjoyed it! It makes my heart beyond happy and excited that Alex has fully leaned in and is embracing his dog dad-ness! 💛

On Saturday, we enjoyed another morning stroll before seeing Andy and Shawn. Our friends from South Africa have been in the states for two years or so, but haven’t experienced a true, American Halloween celebration — so we had to show them the ropes ☺️ Alex and I joined them in watching the rugby world championship on Saturday afternoon, where we were joined by other South African supporters and even some New Zealand fans. It was an intense game and South Africa only won by one point! The atmosphere while watching the game was something Alex and I loved and we’d be happy to watch rugby with Andy and Shawn again anytime!

After celebrating and enjoying great food and drinks, we headed back to both mine and Alex’s places to start the Halloween shenanigans! I dressed as a witch and Alex wore a shirt that said, “Pretend I’m a broom!” while Andy and Shawn got into their Star Wars outfits — and had the coolest lightsabers!

Our celebrations were simple this year: dinner outside at Bantam and walking the Beltline to Ladybird for drinks and people watching. It was such a chill, fun night and I already can’t wait for next year! 🤗

Our day-of consisted of a long walk to Piedmont Park (drinks in hand and costumes on like Friday!) and watching Lin tear it up at the dog park. We even saw trick-or-treaters on our way back home, which was a nice surprise and made the Halloween festivities complete. 😌

Halloween is my favorite holiday, and not being able to spend it with my mom up in Michigan felt weird this year. The last couple halloweens (the actual day-of) haven’t been the greatest, but it was fun to feel in my element again and go out with best friends, my man and our stubborn dog! 😂

Media taken Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28, & Tuesday, October 31, 2023.