Just a native sunny Californian who just moved to the winter wonderland and Land of 10,000 Lakes, aka Minnesota!

I've noticed that all my international friends usually refer to me as that " fun crazy loud American" haha. But I promise I have a very practical work-ethic side, too! And I guess that also means I'm doing somewhat of a good job not exuding the stereotypical "lawyer" type persona.... as I'm sure nobody likes being judged based off of what career path or field they're in.

I probably laugh too loud and have way too much excitement over everything in life, but why not? There is so much beauty and magic in the world to be grateful, appreciative, and bemuse over - that's something I really learned from traveling and the people I meet from all over the globe.

One of my life goals is to do a road trip across the US. And to run a full marathon before I'm 30 (I've already done a half-marathon so I'm halfway there ;)). And to ride a hot-air balloon and go sky-diving. And to meet Ellen DeGeneres. And to visit all 7 continents. And to do THE AMAZING RACE! Honestly the list goes on ;)

I'm always down for an adventure or even just a good conversation over brunch.... or indulging in ice cream. I may have an ice cream problem, actually... and I don't believe in small talk because that is no way to really get to know someone!

A favorite quote of mine: It's better to look back and think "I can't believe I did that!" rather than "I wish I'd done that!"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Last summer, I completed my first BIG 2 month backpacking trip in 9 countries in Europe! Couchsurfing was a fantastic way to meet locals and build friendships at each location. I'm so overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the human race (and we need to have more) through this website!

I'm not in the position to be a host at the moment, but once I'm settled and done with getting my J.D. (Law degree), I'm more than willing to offer my place for all the numerous times people are/were gracious to let me stay in their lovely homes!

Interests

Drum Corps International, Food (of course), Broadway shows, Music, Jam sessions, Road trips, Hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, Rowing, Horseback riding, Country Line dancing, Anything that involves the outdoors

• culture
• beauty
• dancing
• dining
• marathon
• running
• traveling
• magic
• music
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• equestrian
• hiking
• backpacking
• scuba diving
• rowing
• law
• hitchhiking
• road trips
• lakes

Music, Movies, and Books

I have an eclectic taste in music, and I can appreciate pretty much anything I hear, but my current playlist consists of a lot of country and Broadway musicals... random, I know :)

I really enjoy a variety of books, from classic literature (i.e. Crime and Punishment, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Alchemist, etc.) to nonfiction works (Fast Food Nation, Let My People Go Surfing, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Omnivore's Dilemma, etc.) to sci-fi to fiction.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

To name a few:

Snorkeled between the European and North American continental plates in Iceland... and drank amazing fresh water while at it :)

Got picked up by French cops while hitchhiking on the motorway in France.... and since there weren't any seats for my friend and me, we had to sit illegally in the car.

Not a good situation, BUT when I studied abroad in Shanghai, I got pickpocketed WHILE I was riding my bike. Mad skills, I tell you!!

As someone who's pretty obsessed with Broadway, I ran in the rain with my broken flip flops to see one of my favorite Newsies cast member. I slipped and fell in the middle of Times Square but it was so funny and worth it!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'll be the harmony to your melody.... literally. Let's harmonize! Throw in a guitar, ukulele, or piano; it'll be a blast, I promise.

Even though I play 7 instruments, I've been trying to learn ukulele on and off for the longest time... honestly I think it'd help if I actually bought the instrument first!

Also... I'd love to learn how to beatbox.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my experiences with living abroad in Shanghai; Californian culture, hot spots, and slang; how to read music; play piano; a beautiful thing called Drum Corps (DCI); how to throw a frisbee!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Macao, Monaco, Netherlands, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States