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!
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.
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! ☺️
As Linley was heading over to my house for his drop off in 2017, I was researching the best hiking trails for dogs when I stumbled across Empire Bluff Trail in northern Michigan. We’ve ventured up there every year since 2018, and last weekend was no exception.
Although he probably wouldn’t consider himself this to me, my “ex” was traveling with friends last weekend, and I knew I had to do something to distract myself from all the negative self-talk and anxiety-inducing thoughts. What a perfect time to take Linley on our fifth-annual trip! Linley may not be able to talk, but man is he a good listener, haha! And Linley is definitely cuter… he’s my best friend after all. I knew my mind was often sidetracked but I still had such an enjoyable, memorable weekend with my pup!
Linley and I first dropped things off at our yurt on Saturday. It was such a cute set up, and our hosts Jen and Jeff (the property owners) were super helpful, responsive and downright kind—which is par for the course up north. I know I’m skipping ahead a bit, but I’ll say Linley and I both got great sleep in our yurt!
Empire Bluff Trail was our first adventure of the day, which is a shady, uphill trail until you reach the top of a gorgeous sand dune. As Linley marked and panted his way upward, I was able to take in some stunning views (it was the first time I saw a deer up here!).
Our favorite thing to do is nap it out and soak up some rays and views before heading back down. Without fail, Linley always digs himself a cooler spot in the sand—and it’s my absolute favorite thing to watch.
Upon waking up, Linley and I overheard people gathering for what sounded to be a wedding. In all my time up here, I’d never seen a wedding, or even thought it to be a possibility. I met my ex on vacation because I crashed his friend’s bachelor party, and here Linley and I are almost crashing a wedding haha! We woke up, headed back down the trail, and snapped some photos along the way.
Of course we had to hit the dog-friendly Empire Beach afterward! We didn’t spend too much time in the water, but we did lounge on the sand and Linley got some attention—both from little kids and adults! He did some digging while I did some reading, and we snuggled up to watch the sunset together.
By the evening hit, we were pooped. We headed back to the yurt, snuggled up for bed and slept like babies. I may have missed the stars at night, but I’m happy I finally got some good sleep—especially with my favorite nap buddy by my side.
After a lazy morning, we decided to hit a new beach – part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes – before heading south. Esch Beach is a large stretch of Lake Michigan with half being welcoming for dogs. All these years and I’ve never even heard of this beach, so it was cool to check it out!
Heartbreak, feeling used and led on, manipulated… not really knowing if he was honest from the beginning… all sucks. It’s made me feel extremely depressed, as has knowing he probably doesn’t care about me at all (and never did). But I’ll say that having Linley helped me get through my divorce last year, and spending time with him is helping me now—as always. 💛
Media taken Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, 2023.
One of my closest friends and I spent the weekend together in Boston—which was much needed and long overdue for both of us. Carolina lives in North Carolina (ironic, haha!) and I hadn’t seen her since August. Her first time in Boston and my second return treated both of us well!
We met in the early afternoon on Friday and wandered around East Boston. After exchanging hugs, laughs, hilarious tee shirts and stories over a classic Italian lunch, we made our way to our charming Airbnb in Somerville—and the neighborhood was full of cute bunnies. Carolina and I had no idea how much fun we were about to have that evening!
Carolina and I are both huge fans of Troy Bond, an up-and-coming New York-based comedian who does modern day Seinfeld bits and really pushes the envelope with heckling and crowd work. Not only did we get to enjoy such comedy gold, but we were able to meet him after the show!
After the show we strolled around the area and ate dinner at Gather, a cute restaurant with the best oysters. The people-watching was prime as several people were either on dates or watching the game—a very weird juxtaposition haha. We headed back to our Airbnb and before bed, someone dear to me called me and it meant the world to me. What a perfect way to end a wonderful day with one of my closest friends!
On Saturday morning, Carolina and I grabbed breakfast with one of her closest friends who lives in the city, Steph. It was a treat to finally meet her, share some more laughs and eat excellent food at Rosebud Cafe. After we couldn’t laugh or eat anymore, Carolina and I parted ways with Steph (boo!) and spent the afternoon strolling around Harvard Square and Back Bay. We enjoyed more people-watching, window shopping and sh*t talking per usual haha! It was such a breath of fresh air to be with such an amazing friend!
Saturday evening was also super fun as we met up with my friend Katie, who’s one of my best friend’s sister in law. I haven’t seen her since Carolyn’s baby shower in October, so it was great to see her again, too! Unfortunately, Steph wasn’t able to join us, but Carolina, Katie and I enjoyed a seafood dinner at Beehive and drinks at a nearby dive bar with the coolest decorations and lights. We even met a random Australian dude as we took photos outside!
May is feeling less lonely than April did, but I’m still recovering from some fears of loneliness and wondering what’s next. Cheers to whatever adventures may come next, and I’m incredibly grateful for Carolina, Katie and meeting Steph. Carolina even sent me some wonderful quotes prior to us parting ways on Sunday morning. 💚
Photos taken Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2023.
I had a wonderful weekend with my parents, and old friend and another work friend who is becoming closer by the day. On Friday evening, I grabbed dinner and drinks with my coworker-turned-friend Emily, starting in my favorite Ferndale, Michigan and ending the night in Hamtramck (our Polish city within the city of Detroit!). We talked about our families, guys and shared plenty of laughs along the way. It’s been great growing a beautiful friendship with Emily!
Saturday was a lazy day at home with my parents, but wasn’t so lazy for Linley! We dressed him up in his bunny costume for a little Easter egg hunt in the backyard. He hated the costume, but loved the treats!
Sunday itself may not have “felt” like Easter, which was perfectly okay by me; my friend Crystal (who I hadn’t seen since December) and I needed a beach day on Lake Michigan, and of course Linley is always our plus one. The three of us enjoyed some hiking, lounging on the warm sand, walking along the water and some good snacks. I needed my much needed Crystal time!
Media taken Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Holiday weekends are hard for me but I’m happy to be spending Easter with my pup and good friend on the west side of Michigan. We’ll be doing some hiking and much needed catching up!
I’m getting really excited for some exciting upcoming plans, while reflecting on some past ones.
Last April, Linley and I drove from Chicago to Asheville, and then Chicago to Seattle! He’s the best road-trip buddy around. I wanted to share some of my favorite memories from last year’s adventures.
Asheville, North CarolinaVisiting Grams and Gramps in MichiganBlack Hills National Forest, South DakotaGlacier National Park, MontanaSeattle, WashingtonNorth Dakota
Last weekend, I finally met one of my favorite coworkers-turned-friends in person! Alvin and I have been working together for almost a year now, and we became close after one of our first projects together. Alvin and his wife Alex were the best hosts and friends I could’ve shared my first (but certainly not last!) Nashville experience with.
On Thursday after work, they picked me up and we headed to a beautiful winery with an awesome view. It was surreal finally being in someone’s presence who you’ve felt like you’ve known for so long! Alex and Alvin were a riot, and talking with them flew by. It was also great to enjoy some wine, snacks and sunshine on my shoulders. We grabbed dinner and another drink at a local restaurant before heading back to the city.
Our hearts were set on shopping, sushi and ice cream before hitting Friday’s improv show. It’d been since leaving Chicago that I’d had Jeni’s ice cream, so that was a must! The comedy show was hysterical and the three of us were laughing the entire time (not that that wasn’t already happening, haha!). We ended the night with a breathtaking 360° view of the city at a sky bar, accompanied by great drinks and live music, and a quick Assembly Hall visit.
Saturday was a random assortment of fun, which started with an amazing brunch and ended with seeing drunken shenanigans on Broadway Street. Alex and I spent the morning together at Snooze, the coolest, most retro brunch spot I’ve been to (which resulted in some buzzed shopping!). Speaking of shopping, the majority of our afternoon was spent in Alabama at Buc-ee’s… the pups joined us and everything!
It was a wild, wild place where anything and everything is possible. Now I can say I’ve been. 😂
Saturday flew by too fast, but our last evening together was well-spent. We saw Lecrae in concert with one of their friends, Vicky, who was an absolute sweetheart. We also saw some live music at Acme, a popular bar with a great view on Broadway Street. Kendall Street Company was great and had the best outfits on… as well as song lyrics.
Although my time in Nashville (and Alabama!) went by too fast, I’m looking forward to more adventures with Alvin and Alex! ☺️
March felt like a month of setbacks, irritability and challenges. But when I reflect on the good moments, I still made progress and have so much to be thankful for. Sure, I felt – and still feel – easily annoyed at times, but I’m continuing to work through hardship, set and adhere to my boundaries, and am grateful for the adventures that March brought me. I’ve been keeping up with reading, am learning to play the harmonica, am getting new ink and am creating more space for positive friendships and opportunities. ❤️
MSU vs. OSU basketball game with dad!Meeting baby Lily in D.C.!Treating my parents to a lovely dinner and show at Cliff Bell’s jazz club in Detroit!Learning Black Betty on the harmonicaGetting matching tattoos with my Little Sister of nearly nine years!Happy hour with the work ladies!Brought Lin into the office again!More outdoor time with my best bud“Pupdates” from mom while I’m away
Since October, I’ve been on an adventure to not only rediscover myself—but find home. I’ve always had a since of home within myself, but it’s time to find that physical place where I feel that sense of community and support that I’ve been longing for since childhood.
I took myself to a comedy show and Larkin Poe concert in Philly last week, and felt nuances of Chicago, Boston, Toronto and other places that once made me feel deeply comforted. I got in late on Wednesday, March 8 and was welcomed by the friendliest Lyft driver I’d had in a long time. We talked about all things Philly, and reassured me that I was scoping out a great city to potentially call home.
Thursday, March 9 was full of work from my Airbnb but I explored Rittenhouse Square and Center City as I was on the hunt for some good sushi prior to seeing Greg Fitzsimmons at Helium Comedy Club. Not only were the rolls and laughs much-needed, but strolling through the city lights and riding the subway again made one thing abundantly clear: I need to be in a larger city again.
Friday was rainy but I had more breaks throughout the day, and was able to take myself on some great walks. I meandered through Old City (which is a contender for where I’ll be heading next!) where I saw Ben Franklin’s grave sight and the Betsy Ross house. Old City had a funky-yet-old school vibe, seemed super dog friendly and was extremely walkable—all things I’m looking for in my next home.
I also loved exploring Washington Square West and Gayborhood in the rain. I felt like I was in Boystown Chicago and downtown Boston at the same time. Everyone was really friendly, yet minded their own business… it was refreshing for a larger city. I’d love to live in a row home in a big city one day. 🥲
The main event (in Philly that is!) was seeing Larkin Poe live. Larkin Poe is a badass sister duo who really helped me fight for my marriage, and subsequently cope with my divorce. Some of their music even helped me put my feelings of moving to and back from Chicago into words I couldn’t – and still can’t – accurately articulate. I highly recommend ‘em if you’re in need of some soulful, kick-ass songs. Seeing Larkin Poe by myself might sound odd to some, but 1) I’ve always loved taking myself on dates, 2) I don’t give a shit what people think of me 😅 and 3) it was cathartic to feel that music around me by myself, because it was a journey I took on my own.
Bolt Cutters & The Family Name – Fighting for what you believe in, no matter the circumstances.
Georgia Off My Mind – Hoping that moving will give you clarity; reminiscing of what you miss and what brought you pain.
Self-Made Man – Being a bad bitch and doing it on your own!
Wanted Woman – Same as Self-Made Man, but also about those who didn’t want you back.
All in all, I believe Philly could be my next home, and I’m grateful that Rebecca and Megan brought me here. ❤️
On Saturday, March 11, I took a train to DC to visit my best friend, her husband and baby girl! Lily was born three and a half months ago, and I’m serious when I say I wanted to steal her! Haha Lily is the happiest, most well-behaved baby I’ve ever held. What a cutie!
Carolyn and I have been best friends since we roomed together in France nine years ago, and seeing her as a mom (well, a human mom; she’s already a badass fur mom!) brings happy tears to my eyes. I f’ing love Carolyn, Ryan, Lily, their families and fur babies more than I can put into words. I’ve been able to share in their milestones: I was one of the first people to know about their engagement, I was the maid of honor in the wedding, I’ve been part of their bridal and baby showers, and was the first of Carolyn’s friends to find out about their pregnancy. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. This is yet another reason why being only two hours away from them would mean so much to me.
We took it easy in DC; We hit up some nice cafes, watched a lot of Ink Master and Inked on YouTube, and laughed a shit ton. Before I knew it, I had to hit the airport and never wanted to leave.
There’s no disputing that quality time will always be my love language—even when I’m taking myself on fun dates!
Photos taken Thursday, March 9 through Sunday, March 12, 2023.
Traveling with the Traceys 