Hi, I'm Stephanie

I am based in Seattle. I grew up in Chicago. I'm an engineering manager sharing my experience with others. I think my family is funny and interesting so you might see something about them in the mix.

This year, I am looking forward to a few travel plans with friends and family. I am challenging myself to try to learn French (again).

Learn more about me at https://stephaniechou.com/



About the photo below

I was beach combing at a very popular beach in Hawaii. Mostly, smoothed rocks and bleached wave beaten coral washed in and out with the surf. I noticed something with a very different shape coming in and out. It was dark like a rock, but more purple and spikier than coral. I assumed it was a dead sea urchin - given how busy this beach was, I didn't know any better. So I squatted and snatched it out of the water as the waves pushed toward shore once again, tumbling amid the other detritus. It started to move as I held it for this photo. It was not dead. I was lucky it did not sting me when I grabbed it. I put it back, but further away from people populated areas.