West side, best side!

August 21, 2023 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

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.

July 2023 Progress & Gratitude

August 2, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

I have so much to be grateful for heading into my final month in Michigan 💛

Meeting new people and eating great food!

Reuniting with my cousin and meeting her fiancé!

Hanging out with my brother from another mother!

Let’s see what August has in store! 😉

Camping in Hell (literally!)

July 21, 2023 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Written on Sunday, July 9, 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

Summer so far…

July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

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! ☺️

Fifth-Annual Empire, Michigan Trip

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

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.

Happiness in photos

June 4, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

I deleted yesterday’s post because although people are trying to be helpful, phrases like “enjoy the moment” and “patience is a virtue” – among other cliques – can be harmful post-breakup. Phrases like that can actually minimize someone’s pain, and the only way to mend a broken heart is to feel all stages of grief. I need to heal on my own, in my own way. 💛

That said, I wanted to repost the photos I’d shared because these memories have brought me joy and have made me smile lately, and I hope they do the same for you! 😌

Ballin’ Out in Boston!

May 9, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

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.

Easter weekend shenanigans

April 12, 2023April 30, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

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.

March 2023 Progress & Gratitude

April 1, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 6 Comments

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. ❤️

Treating my parents to a lovely dinner and show at Cliff Bell’s jazz club in Detroit!

Getting matching tattoos with my Little Sister of nearly nine years!

Photos taken March 2023.

NOLA Round II: Part III

March 12, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

I’m currently at an Airbnb in Washington D.C. writing the final post of KP’s and my New Orleans “trilogy.” It’s been nearly two weeks since we flew back to the Midwest from our vacation, and we’re still laughing and sharing fun memories from our weekend away.

That Sunday, we headed to a cute breakfast spot called Two Chicks Cafe (would highly recommend) and enjoyed some beignets and Bloody Mary’s at the one and only Cafe Beignet. Feeling the warm sunshine on our shoulders and being swept away by jazz music in the late morning was the best way to start our Sunday.

After our drinks and breakfast, we meandered through the French Quarter, soaking in our last full day in the city. We received tarot readings at the only authentic shop in New Orleans (dedicated to the one and only Marie Laveau) where I received the most accurate yet uplifting reading to date. KP was in heaven as she saw typewriters in the street, similar to her business in Chicago (Poems While You Wait; check ‘em out!) and wandered into bookstores, antique shops and lingerie gems. We couldn’t stop laughing in the bookstore and each walked out with a random variety of solid reads! Our favorite moment in the lingerie shop (Trashy Diva!) was seeing this older couple buying new things. All I have to say is… goals!

We even passed our fav spot from Friday night!

While heading back to the Airbnb to drop off our newly purchased goods from some wholesome retail therapy, we even received a free book about mediation and mindfulness. KP was trying not to laugh because I’d gone on a “rampage” about how people who tell me to “mediate more often” think that’s helpful to my divorce PISS ME OFF haha! Therefore, we left the book in our lobby and continued out for our last evening in NOLA (spoiler alert: the book was still in the lobby on Monday morning when we checked out!).

After some macrons and hazelnut lattes, we visited the oldest bar in the United States and slammed some tequila drinks as we booked our ghost tour. We booked it to our tour with a good buzz going, and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. When I was in New Orleans last year with my friend Jes, we did two tours and one of them didn’t go well (drunk idiots who were interrupting the entire time). This group was awesome, we had the coolest guide and even stopped for tequila shots halfway through (yes, I understand how hypocritical I sound as I just complained about the drunk people from last year haha!).

The tour wrapped up, and KP and I couldn’t leave NOLA without another absinthe drink. We stopped at Pirates Bar for some strong, traditional absinthe drinks—laughing and having the best time!

Buzzed, we strolled through Bourbon Street one last time prior to heading “home,” reminiscing about our weekend that we both so desperately needed. We even saw a street fight! We booked it into a Walgreens, bought some chips, watched some trashy tv shows and went to bed.

The next day, we enjoyed another Two Chicks Cafe breakfast and met some nice Michiganders. It was nice having the extra time with KP at both the New Orleans and Detroit airports—sharing tons of laughs and feeling slaphappy as ever! In Detroit, KP’s flight was delayed so I stayed with her until she boarded her flight to Chicago. For one last laugh, she tried helping me find my Viagra Boys concert goers from the Thursday prior, and almost got locked out of her Facebook account. The weekend couldn’t have been any better. 💛

Thinking about how I jumped out of a plane at this height!

Media taken Sunday, February 26 and Monday, February 27, 2023.

February 2023 Progress & Gratitude

March 1, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 11 Comments

February, March and April were – and will continue to be – filled with new adventures, travel experience and growth. I can officially cross two more of my 2023 wishes as complete!

I’m still discovering a passion, but I’m making significant strides in healing. I wrote what I call “burn letters” early last month—which really helped me get my feelings out and heal. I wrote letters to friends who haven’t been there for me, Juan and people who have recently hurt me when I trusted them most.

Linley has been a big part of my healing progress. We’ve gone on some familiar trails, he’s been my buddy at work and we’re planning some new adventures together!

The cooking, reading, saying “no” and “yes” at the right times, setting boundaries, creating new adventures… it’s all happening and I’m setting the foundation so it continues to happen. I’m really excited about this—and it’s needed to happen for so long now.

I took myself on a date to the Viagra Boys concert in Detroit on February 23rd!

Reunited with KP in New Orleans for her birthday on February 24!

And as far as community goes, I have the best coworkers-turned-friends in my current job. I LOVE IT HERE! There are certainly some difficult days with clients or our partners, but I never expected to “belong” as much as I currently do (I felt like I had to change to “fit in” elsewhere). Don, Giacomo, Baylen, Justin… are all becoming close friends, and Catherine and Veronica already are! KP and I even saw Don and his girlfriend Jennifer in NOLA over the weekend, where the Viagra Boys tee shirts from Thursday evening made an appearance!

Things are difficult and turbulent and hard and beautiful and hopeful and bittersweet, but I’m slowly seeing the clouds parting. I’m seeing who my truest friends are – and were this entire time – and I’m feeling like the best is yet to come. 💛

Media taken January through February 26, 2023.

2022 Reflections & Gratitude

January 1, 2023January 1, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 9 Comments

Although I am grieving my marriage and what I’d hoped was “home” in Chicago – and despite some of the hardship I’ve endured since being back in Michigan – there are several moments and people I am beyond grateful for.

It’s been challenging to put all of my emotions into words lately (both positive and sad), but I will say this: If you made me smile or gave me hope in these last few months, thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💛