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 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 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.
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.
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 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. 🤗
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:
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? ☺️
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.
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.
On October 19, I turned 30. Unlike most people who have a “milestone birthday,” I couldn’t 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 could’ve 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 didn’t 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 didn’t need. I had the best evening with Alex and two of our friends (his longest friends who I’ve 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, “I’m home.”
Justin’s 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. I’d 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, Linley’s behavior, the company… I felt so much love the entire weekend.
Luckily we found out that Tybee Island Beach isn’t 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 Alex’s first time seeing Lin like that (and Linley’s 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, “He’s a daddy’s boy isn’t he?!” 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 couldn’t 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-ee’s on the way home.
I fall in love with Alex more and more as the days go on, and I can’t wait for more adventures as a trio!
Atlanta is the most dog friendly place Linley and I could’ve landed in! We’ve been loving all the dog park and pool time adventures—and Alex has fully embraced being a dog dad. 💛
We all look forward to more family adventures together… and stay tuned for more October posts that I’m behind on! 😉🙈
On Thursday afternoon I wrapped up my workday as quickly as possible so I could fly to Southern California and celebrate two of my good friends. Jess and I met through work about a year and a half ago and instantly clicked, so being invited to celebrate her love and special day with her fiancée Dallas was a huge honor.
I stayed in Huntington Beach my first night and it felt great to grab the rental car, some Flaming Hot Cheetos and get some good sleep. My host was so sweet and gave me local recommendations for my next morning, which I appreciated very much. On Friday morning, I drove along the Pacific Highway and got to dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean once more.
(Well, maybe it wasn’t as graceful as dipping my toes, but you get the point!)
I arrived at the perfect time before it got too busy, and luckily I was able to change into my shorts in the car once the waves took over my dry jeans! I changed, then ran to the ocean as quickly as I could, feeling like a little kid on a family vacation all over again. I smiled and laughed and let the sun hit my face while the waves drew me in. If only I’d had more time to enjoy it…
I knew I had to leave and I did at the perfect time; it was time for a nearly two-hour drive east toward Temecula, for a quick stop at my next and final AirBnB so I could attend the big event. I made it just in time and headed over to Lake Oak Winery — one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been invited to in my lifetime.
Another one of my favorite coworkers was invited to the wedding, and hanging out with Jeff and his wife Karen made my night even more fun and special! The drinks and conversation flowed the whole time, even in the beginning… Jess and Dallas’s ceremony was beautiful and made me tear up right away. It was amazing seeing one of my somewhat newer friends marry the love of her life — who is also quickly becoming a dear friend of mine, too. Both of my friends looked absolutely stunning in their dresses, but their smiles and reactions to each other were even more beautiful. Jeff, Karen and I were immediately in tears as we saw both brides meet each other to walk down the isle together. We couldn’t have been any happier for people who deserved it more than anyone!
The next morning, I had nice conversation with my AirBnB host before meeting Jeff and Karen for a much-needed espresso martini and goat cheese pizza (yes, you heard that correctly!). I swear I could sit and talk with Karen and Jeff all day long; they made my solo trip to California better than I could’ve imagined. After parting ways, I decided to spend the afternoon at Glen Ivy Hot Springs on my way northwest back to LAX. It was the perfect day full of sunshine, gratitude and calmness before taking a redeye flight home.
As much fun as I had, I realized how solo travel isn’t as appealing to me anymore (never thought you’d hear me say that, huh?!). I missed Alex like crazy. Although we haven’t been together more than a couple months, I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. He’s my favorite travel buddy, is the love of my life and has quickly become my best friend. Every text, photo update of his and Linley’s “bro weekend,” phone call or video call lit my heart up immensely. As honored as I was to be there for Jess and Dallas and to spend more time with Jeff and Karen, it would’ve been exponentially better had he been there by my side. Taking a redeye Spirit flight was trash to say the very least, but worth it because I wanted to rush back to see Alex and our pup!
All in all, it was an amazing weekend in Southern California, but I’m happy to be back home. 💛
Media taken Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 2023.
September has been one of the most positive and transformative months I’ve had all year. I couldn’t be happier in my relationship with Alex, in my new Atlanta home, and with where the rest of 2023 is heading. Before I get too lost in the future, I wanted to reflect on the past month and how much has changed – and how much I’ve grown – in this short period of time.
Two of Alex’s closest friends got engaged earlier in September, and I was able to be part of their special day. I feel blessed to have a partner and best friend who makes me feel so included, and to have a dad who helped me move all the way from Michigan!
I haven’t laughed or celebrated this hard and this much in a long time! September brought many cherished memories with Alex, Emily (who visited me my second weekend of being a new Atlanta resident!) and people I’ve met along the way.
Alex and I also celebrated his best friend from high school as she married the love of her life last weekend. We look forward to many more weddings and milestone celebrations together!
We befriended a lovely couple at Amy’s and Danny’s welcome dinner!
Adventure in Spades 