Oh the places we've been!

While in San Francisco, I'll be the first to confess that I
had many more than one moment of sincere nostalgia --
feelings that I'll spare for another post, because at this time
it would be more like a book of gushyness given the
insane amount of respect I have for my teammates. 

Looking around the room at all of our matching computer bags,
I got a little choked-up thinking about the last 2.8 years ...
Both personally and professionally, WHAT A WILD RIDE!

With all the excitement surrounding the last few days,
I know I should turn the page to "Oh the places we'll go!"
but I'm still just feeling incredibly overwhelmed with gratitude 
for what we've been through. 

And when I say "we"
(for the purposes of this post)
I mean me and my trusty companion:

Because in the last 2.8 years, there hasn't been a single trip that I haven't brought him on -- the blessing and the curse of an internet start-up ... that being hired as a remote employee I've learned that I can pretty much do work from anywhere ;) And with that,

Oh the places we've been!

Chicago, IL
Michigan City, IN
Ann Arbor & Harbor Springs, MI
Milwaukee, Madison & Lake Geneva, WI
Cleveland, OH
Seattle, Issaquah & Maple Valley, WA
San Diego & San Francisco, CA
Scottsdale, AZ
Boston & Cape Cod, MA
New York City & Long Island, NY
Mystic, Darien & Danbury, CT
Westfield, Orange & Atlantic City, NJ
Okemo, VT
Happy Valley, Pocano & Philadelphia, PA
Washington, DC
Potomac, MD
Miami, FL
Savannah, GA
London & Sussex, England
Paris and the Loire Valley, France
Geneva & Lausanne, Switzerland

There's so much in store for our team at this time -- which is all super great -- but with how fast everything in my life changes, I just feel I owe it some time right now to simply feel great-full :)

LOVE!

The Celebration :)

SOLD!

We built it ... they bought it :) 

Big news from Peanut Labs 

Bittersweet end of an era ...

From a dinky start-up to being part of an acquisition creating
one of the largest Market Research companies in the world.
What a crazy amazing journey it's been!

WAY TO GO NUTS

JFK --> SFO

Quick all-team meeting in San Fran today :) 

Fly back tomorrow 

{insert jet lag here}
and back to bloggin' on Wednesday

Hope you had a great weekend!

Great quote to end the book, "Little Bee"

If your face is swollen from the beatings of life,
smile and pretend to be a fat man.

~Nigerian Proverb

The Candles

Last night we went to see the Candles
at Rockwood Music Hall and holy hot damn,
they did exactly that ... they rocked. 

I got hooked on this band because I've had the absolute pleasure to get to know the ever talented, Josh Lattanzi, over the last few years in NYC. He is a brilliant musician, a warmhearted soul, and a fantastic husband to my friend, Rebekah :)

Recently I was made aware that Brooklyn Decker
also loves the Candles

so I now officially have ONE thing in common with a supermodel. Score!

Confession: I'm positively straight but I'd totes touch a boob over a bikini top for Brooklyn Decker. Just sayin'

Aaaand I digress, per uuuuu'sh ...

Moral of the story, if you haven't checked out the awesomeness that is their album, go do it to it! 

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!

Harvest Moon

I'm super bummed we weren't able to see the Harvest Moon last night here in New York. The storm clouds blocked it's beauty :( 

But I loved looking at all the pix online this morning
of others who were able to capture the moment, 

and to see Jupiter shinning as well! 

(if you look closely between the two rays, that's Jupiter!)

I guess I'll just have to remain thankful
that I was able to see the last Lunar Eclipse. 

Astrology absolutely fascinates me :)
Bah! I meant to say Astronomy ...
shows how much I know about the ether ;)

Why didn't I write this screenplay?!

3W

Have you checked out the latest videos from 
3rd Wheel Comedy?!

Annie, Kevin and Jeffrey ...

THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS
MAKING ME LAUGH :) 

Confession:

Lately I've been seeing a lot of blog posts/Facebook updates from my girlfriends who are preggers and sharing pix of their growing tummy-tum-tums. 

I'm all, "Ufff, I feel ya!" but then I realize that they actually have babies in their bellies, and I just have a whole lotta beer in mine. Bust.

So I've made a "physically fit" pact to go for a run 3-4 times this week. I've also made a "mentally fit" pact to do something mindful 3-4 times as well. Because at the end of the day, I think the latter of the two is even more important :)

Not-so Top Chef

Instead of going out to eat on Friday night, I offered to host dinner on our balcony to enjoy what's left of the nice weather.  My mom was super excited to hear of this "step in the right direction" ...

Mom: So, what are you cooking?!

Me: Whaaa? I'd like to keep my friends. I ordered in
from Whole Foods and we're all just splitting the bill.

Mom: You make me laugh.

Me: I do my best ;) 

Good meal, GREAT company :)

Hmmmm ...

Now, do we think these ones are used for the petty crimes? 

Feels good to be back in the hood ;)

Avenue B  at  2nd Street

Happy birthday, "Auntie Mim"!

I was given my middle name after my Aunt Marie.

And since she and Stephen share the same birthday,

it's always easy to remember ;)

Aunt Mim, Uncle Jay, Mom & Dad :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Haaaaappy Birthday, Brotha!

We've come a long way baby. Ha!

... Sailor suits and all ;)

Cheers to another 32 great years :)

Goodmorning, New York

Home safe!

Goodnight, Seattle

A beautiful sight to end a truly fantastic trip :)

Nuts on a Duck!

Guess there's a first for everything

Never have I ever been cut-off at a wedding ... 

I swear I wasn't that intoxicated when the following occurred:

Stacey 

Can I have another white wine please?

Bernie the bartender 

No mam, I'm sorry. I cannot serve you anymore.

Stacey 

Me? Whaa? Why?

Bernie the bartender 

Because I saw you on the dance floor ...

Stacey 

Guilty :(

Uffff, I have GOT to get some rhythm!!

Congratulations, Danielle & Shawn!

Danielle & Shawn's Wedding! from stacey hall on Vimeo.

Husky Pride :)

Michigan over Notre Dame

and my first University of Washington game...

Now that's what I call one hulluva football Saturday!

Seattle Bound

It's somehow been 7 months since my last work trip to Issaquah; so it goes without saying that I'm anxious to get back!

On Monday we will FINALLY begin testing a system that has been in development for months, so I'm super psyched to cross the T's and dot the I's to get it up and running.

But even before that happens,

there are sooo many things to look forward to!

Tomorrow is the big day for my absolutely awesome co-worker/friend, Danielle. She has worked SO hard planning this wedding and I just know it's going to be incredibly special...
Not to mention, an insanely good time :)

And I cannot wait to see this little man,
who has since learned to walk. So exciting!

There are several new hires who I cannot wait to meet in person
and I'm counting down the minutes to hang with my nutty team.

Although it may not sound like the most exciting Friday night plan, I'm even looking forward to the plane ride after work.

I need to finish reading Little Bee for Book Club,

and rented City Island just in case my brain goes on strike ;)

Lots of pics and Washington whatnots to follow!

In the meantime, HAPPY FRIDAY and

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND :)

Bye Bye Birthday

Sure was great while it lasted :)

Thank you so much for all the bday wishes and
for making the big 2-9 one of the bestest ever!