CURRENT MISSION

when I let go of what I am, I become what I might be

ABOUT ME

I am truly happiest at sea, or at least near the coast. When I am not out hiking with my dogs, or managing my teenagers I spend as much time as possible on the water - sailing, kayaking, surfing... Also during the summer months I drive a whale watching tour boat. I have been doing this for 12 years now and I am continually inspired and amazed by the beauty of the place I have made my home. Equally important is the chance to share that with people from all over the world and hopefully inspire a little concern!

The rest of the year I work as a sessional instructor at various universities. I recently completed my PhD in marine geochemisty and I'm still trying to figure out where that will take me. At the moment I'm enjoying spending time doing all the things I had to put on hold while I was a graduate student such as much needed home renovations and gardening.

PHILOSOPHY

Here are some things I've learned & believe in:

1)It's ALL about perspective.
2)Never expect people to change. Appreciate them for who they are.
3)Build relationships that make the most of what you like about each other.
4)Always put in more than you take out.
5)Trust your instincts
6)People can change (they just rarely do). We are all just collections of habits, and habits can be made and broken
7)People need people.
8)Reject economies of scarcity: Avoid jealously hoarding something for fear there isn't enough for everybody i.e. love, money - there is!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am new to couchsurfing, but I am very interested in hosting. I live in a smallish house with my kids, & we also have a yard sailboat in the backyard which might make for a good spare room - at least until I fix it and put it in the water.

I do have to be a little cautious about sharing my house as sometimes my kids are there when I am not. On the other hand I am very enthusiastic to introduce them a community that embraces trust and goodwill.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I surfed a bit in Germany and had some really excellent hosts. I have hosted a few people here... and more to come!

Interests

Here are some activities I participate in, some I do often, others not so much lately, but I know I will come back to them: sailing, kayaking, yoga (ashtanga), running & triathlon, hiking, camping, scubadiving, surfing, climbing.

I have a pretty strong creative side, and I enjoy working with my hands, turning an idea into reality. These days I am chipping away (literally) at a stained glass window.

And of course meeting intesting people and having long conversations over coffee/wine/beer!

• dogs
• beauty
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• triathlon
• yoga
• running
• instructor
• gardening
• boating
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• surfing
• sailing
• rock climbing

Music, Movies, and Books

Oh goodness. I just read The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, am partway through Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury, and next up is collection of stories about Taoism.