Iām full of giddiness today as itās been one whole year ago since meeting Alex in person! I remember getting on that plane in Detroit and flying down to Atlanta ā feeling excited and impatient and at peace with my decision. As soon as I got off the escalator and saw Alexās beaming smileā¦ I knew he was the one. š
More to come on that later! āŗļø Today I wanted to share more about my time in upstate New York with Alex and his family. We had such a wonderful time hanging out at their rental home along the river, exploring Alex Bay and other areas nearby. When first meeting Aunt Jean and Uncle Pat, I felt immediately welcomed. We talked about art and teaching and their sonsā¦ it was a big warm hug of a conversation. Later I met Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle Jim, Kayla, Randall and their girls, too ā and it was so much fun hanging out by the water and playing cards in the evenings.
As much as Iāve enjoyed getting to know Alexās parents here in Georgia, I loved talking with Bill and Cecilia in New York, playing games with them and getting to know their long-time friends, too! I canāt wait for more memories with them soon.
I struggled to write about my time in New York with Alex and his family because this was the first family trip Iāve taken in over 13 years. I remember feeling excited when talking with Alex about this trip last year ā which was before we were even officially dating ā and although itās painful I donāt have these experiences with the family I was born into, itās wonderful to have them with the family I now belong to.
Oddly enough, we never took family photos. We were living in the moment, enjoying each otherās company along the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, New York. Alex, Linley and I stayed in an awesome home on a little island ā where Linley ran free and had the time of his life. The quality time with Alex and Lin meant so much to me, as did the time getting to know Alexās extended family throughout the week.
I miss having coffee with Alex in the sun room every morning. I miss being outside with Lin and having lazy mornings together. I miss the walks into town as a trio and the places weād see along the river. I miss hearing the waves crash against the rocks and I miss the sun on my skin ā when I felt totally relaxed and at ease. I miss how Alex and I would look at each other and say āI love you,ā knowing we were about to have a great day together.
I wish I could go back to those moments and vacationing with Alex and Linley all over againā¦ until next summer š I look forward to sharing more about the trip in the coming days!
I wrote about visiting my best friend, her husband, baby girl and pup in Alexandria last time. What a special reunion that was! And it was nice that Alex and I had a good chunk of the weekend to pop into DC and check out the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History together.
We had a blast in the museum learning about gems, our ancestors and even where the planetās going (scary, for sure!). I loved having Alex by my side ā commenting about what we saw and having a personal comedian along the way! Our favorite part by far was the butterfly pavilion, where I made a new friend Buddy.
Buddy the butterfly hung out on my hand for about 15-20 minutes! He was truly a friend by the end of the experience, and I was really sad when he finally decided to fly away. Iām grateful Alex snapped these pics to capture the moment and how beautiful Buddy was. Alex also had a temporary visitor, whose name goes unknownā¦
Honestly, itās all the little things with Alex. Itās the butterflies landing on us. Itās the first subway ride we took together. Itās the realization that youāre walking in such a cool city together. Itās the fact that I didnāt have to visit Carolyn and Ryan by myself this time. All those ālittle thingsā truly add up to larger ones.
We headed to the wharf after strolling through the museum for a much needed seafood lunch and some good drinks. We may or may not have had three or four each ā including the most expensive espresso martinis weāve had (stupid bartenderā¦ but worth it!). What a great nap we had afterward haha!
Of course, Lin wasnāt too happy that we didnāt bring him along, but he probably wouldāve panicked in the pavilion!
Last year I wrote about the new friends Iād 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 couldnāt 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 ā 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 othersā milestones and full of adventure and laughter. Carolyn hadnāt 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, Carolynās 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!
Carolina and me celebrating her engagement in 2023!Matt, Carolina, Koko, me, Lin and Alex!
Itās 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 donāt talk ā and one day I hope she and Alex can meet in person, too!
Saskia and me in Germany in 2022!
Iām blessed with three best friends who have always been by my side ā even though we live far apart. I look forward to next summerās travels and more memories with Carolyn, Carolina and their families.
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 Iāve only āformallyā taken dance in kindergarten. I was always at friendsā houses, family get togethers and school dances tearing up the dance floor. In college going out dancing was always my favorite thing to do ā even when āgoing outā wasnāt my thing in general. I pushed myself to take fitness, Latin and hip hop dance classes in the fall and havenāt looked back.
In January, I signed up for my local studioās performance series: ten weeks of rehearsal for a four-show series during St. Pattyās 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 ā 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. Iām incredibly proud of my group and the seven others who performed during the spring shows with us.
Our halfway mark in early February!
Rehearsal videoDress 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 Iāve 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 š
Photos and videos taken February and March 2024 at dance101.
Yesterday was my six month anniversary of living in Atlanta, Georgia ā and all I can say is that Iām in awe of my life now. I dreamed of this happiness as a young child and havenāt felt this good for this longā¦ ever. The love Alex and I share, the relationship I have with Alexās family, his friends who have welcomed me and the friends Iāve 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 Iām living for myself ā and young me would be very proud.
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.
You heard me; I believe this place and the people here are magical! And hereās whyā¦
December gave me a new love for the holidays and Christmas spirit ā one I hadnāt felt in a few years. Alex and I had so much fun before and during the holidays that Iām genuinely sad theyāre over!
St. Louisaās for organ karaoke
I havenāt sang or listened to karaoke in years, but our buddy Quinten told us about this old church-turned-bar with organ karaokeā¦ and we couldnāt miss it! Alex and I have been twice now, and Iām sure 2024 will bring us more singing, dancing and laughing here ā as well as pretending to be ping pong pros!
Botanical Garden for Christmas lights
Weād 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 werenāt cheap, they were good and the music, light variety and company were great. š Alex and I were super impressed with the coordination of the lights with the Christmasy jazz playing.
Katās Cafe for jazz music
Sticking with the jazz theme, Alex and I enjoyed ourselves at this dive club in Midtown. This wasnāt as upscale as Cliff Bellās in Detroit, but it didnāt 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. Iām beyond grateful that Alex made my first show so special, and even though heās 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 Yearās Eve we took Linley on a hike just outside of Atlanta ā which was just right for all of us! We look forward to more adventures and hikes as a trio. š¤
When you arenāt close with family, holidays can be rough (at least they have been for me!) Iām thankful Iāll 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. š
Who and what are your thankful for this holiday season? āŗļø
With Thanksgiving around the corner here in the US, I canāt help but reflect on what and who Iām grateful for ā and how far Iāve 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 Alvināand more road-trips with Alex in general!
Iāve been reflecting on my weekends since moving to Atlanta – and even since meeting Alex for the first time in person! – and couldnāt be happier with quality time spent with his friends and mine.
Although nervous, I look forward to spending my first holiday season with Alexās 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 DONāT have. š
Photos taken Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12, 2023.
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 Alexās 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 wasnāt 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! š
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 havenāt experienced a true, American Halloween celebration ā so we had to show them the ropes āŗļø 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 weād 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 Alexās places to start the Halloween shenanigans! I dressed as a witch and Alex wore a shirt that said, āPretend Iām a broom!ā while Andy and Shawn got into their Star Wars outfits ā 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 canāt wait for next year! š¤
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. š
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) havenāt 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! š
Media taken Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28, & Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
On October 19, I turned 30. Unlike most people who have a āmilestone birthday,ā I couldnāt have been more excited to enter into a new decade of life. Last year I was in Germany with one of my best friends who made my day incredibly special, so Alex had some big shoes to fill, but made everything leading up to it, during and afterward better than I couldāve imagined.
Wednesday, October 18, I had a phone date with another one of my best friends as I walked Linley through Piedmont Park. It was such an awesome evening weather and conversation-wise. Alex came over and we played the War card game and drank spicy margs until midnight. And on my actual birthday, I took the day off and didnāt look at a single work email and I even had my personal phone text notifications off. I FaceTimed two of my best friends while I was in Target, buying things I didnāt need. I had the best evening with Alex and two of our friends (his longest friends who Iāve become closer with since moving down here) filled with good Latin American food, strong drinks and much-needed laughter. It was the first evening where I took a deep breath and thought, āIām home.ā
Justinās birthday was the next day!
Alex planned an incredible weekend in Savannah for us (us including Linley!) and it was an amazing first family trip. Iād never been to Savannah but have always wanted to see the mosey trees, beautiful southern architecture and cobblestone streets. Alex and I enjoyed a lovely seafood dinner and awesome drinks that Friday night after our long drive and walk with Linley. Seriously everything was perfect: the Airbnb, Linleyās behavior, the companyā¦ I felt so much love the entire weekend.
Luckily we found out that Tybee Island Beach isnāt dog friendly the night before, so we traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Seeing Alex and Lin on the beach together melted my heart, and it was Alexās first time seeing Lin like that (and Linleyās first time in the Atlantic Ocean!). We all ran around and then enjoyed some delicious seafood and drinks on the dock. The highlight was someone walking up to us and saying, āHeās a daddyās boy isnāt he?!ā when seeing Alex and Lin together! It was the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.
After finding a not-so-great bar after a much-needed lazy afternoon, we went back to our bar from the night before, then had a blast at our spooky bar crawl. We met some awesome strangers along the way, including none other than comedian and Impractical Joker Sal Vulcano! I couldnāt believe that we saw him at the end of the night! The hangover the next morning was SO worth it.
We enjoyed a morning walk, some attempted ghost photos, brunch and stopping at Buc-eeās on the way home.
I fall in love with Alex more and more as the days go on, and I canāt wait for more adventures as a trio!
