CURRENT MISSION

Stop spilling coffee, tripping up steps and start seeing the world.

ABOUT ME

I'm currently studying Social Studies Education. I play only rugby now, but growing up I swam, played basketball, softball and volleyball. I've always been adventurous, loving to rock climb, canoe, and off road. Pretty much if I can be outside in the sun I'm happy. Family is everything to me, I'm the youngest of 3 and have 4 nephews and nieces. I graduated early from high school and lived in Hawai'i, the Philippines and Brazil for the following 10 months. I've lived with people from New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, South Korea, China, Philippines, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland and Japan. They each introduced me a little of the world and made me hungry for more. I love food, whether it means I cook it or eat it. I'm great at hearty midwestern dishes but am an avid fan of good seafood. I love large lazy dogs, and can't wait to own one.

PHILOSOPHY

Life should be lived alive!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I just joined the community, so my participation is none at this point. I currently am looking to travel and hope that in the future I will be able to host.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

none to date

Interests

World War II (US internment camps, and the Eastern Front), seeing every continent if not country (not including the Arctic and Antarctica), swimming, playing rugby, canoeing, climbing (rock or boulder), tubing, exploring old cities, camping, body surfing, watching movies, reading, long boarding, just shooting the breeze with friends

• dogs
• fashion
• education
• dining
• seafood
• cooking
• coffee
• clothing
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• bouldering
• canoeing
• camping
• hunting
• surfing
• basketball
• rock climbing
• rugby
• volleyball
• swimming
• softball
• teaching
• law

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Amos Lee, Keb Mo, The Black Keys, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Mika, Ray LaMontagne, Bob Marley

Movies: Snatch, Brick, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Hoodwinked, Amelia, The Triplets of Bellville

Books: Odd Thomas, Brother Odd (author Dean Koontz), Angels and Demons (author Dan Brown), The Suicide Bunnies

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Won't necessarily categorize this as amazing thing done, more of interesting. I lived in the Philippines for 2 months and while there was introduced to a delicacy of theirs. It is called Balut. It is an egg almost ready to hatched, boiled and served with salt. Little crunchy and feathery but honestly not too bad.

Teach, Learn, Share

Packing:

Before you start any trip, pack everything you want to take and then unpack, cut that in half and pack again. When traveling it is best go as light as possible, take the essentials/basics and leave the rest behind. Less definitely is more in the travel world. Girls, I know that options are key when choosing outfits but honestly seven pairs of shoes are not going to be worn! Think "layers," it is easier to get the options without the weight with 2-3 camisoles and 3-4 tops. Bottoms are even easier, honestly even on longer trips 3-4 pairs of pants or skirts or whatever suits your fancy is plenty. Accessories: you don't have to sacrifice here, but realize the more you pack the less room you will have for beautiful new additions from the areas you visit! I usually bring my favorite pair of earrings and ring and then hit the local markets to buy local jewelry. It is my souvenir of choice.

In today’s world traveling to different countries doesn’t mean drastic difference in fashion like it did even ten years ago. As I am in my 20s, I can comfortably I have found the typical jeans and t-shirt is acceptable where I have traveled and would be for Western Europe. I do want to note though, that as Americans we tend to dress to impress while other cultures seem to see clothing as the artificial dressing it is, and while quite stylish, are less concerned with brands. This is a personally observation, but I think you will find it to be true.

Traveling:

On the topic of safety, for most I would recommend traveling with a friend. I personally prefer to travel alone, but even I have to admit that as a girl traveling with one other person makes me less of a target for the riffraff. No amount of confidence and know-how can change that fact. If like me, you like to go out and explore solo --- don’t be an idiot. Know where you are going, how you are going to get from A to B, what areas to avoid, etc. --- in other words, plan and be smart.

Never carry money in open pockets, diversify your stash! I usually have it in at least three places (shoe, bag and bra). Sadly the third option isn’t open to most guys, but the females will recognize it as a great utilization of an annoying necessity.  If in a foreign country, it is best to have a copy of your IDs on you at all times (and the original if the law requires) as well as in your bags. This is so if something happens to the originals, you will have the needed information on hand to go to your embassy and complete the necessary paperwork. I would also recommend leaving your passport information with your parents or emergency contact so if all other precautions fail you have a Plan B.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Philippines

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States