ABOUT ME

I am an easy going human being, who loves activity, volunteering, community and - most importantly - doing things that make me happy. Trying new things is my favorite thing to do! I am currently practicing cooking, snowboarding, and photography.

I quit my non-profit job 1 year ago with intention to begin traveling throughout the US and abroad. I am gearing up for travel through SE Asia in Sept-Nov and am looking to meet with locals and share experiences like locals do. I currently live in Mammoth Lakes, CA and love the outdoor lifestyle. I have become an avid photographer, home chef, climber, hiker, snowboarder and nature enthusiast!

I look forward to meeting with people throughout the world who share my common interests.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Looking for a way to keep my budget low as I travel; interested in meeting locals and experiencing local culture; making new friends.

Interests

rock climbing, hiking, swimming, biking, cooking, exploring new places, photography and editing, writing, drinking wine :)

• culture
• writing
• photography
• cooking
• wine
• drinking
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• snowboarding
• rock climbing
• swimming
• teaching
• volunteering
• lakes

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: classic rock bands, groove armada, anything live music is great!

Movies: love cartoon movies, The Fifth Element, Avatar; I am partial to movies that are brightly colored and a bit fantastic!

Books: Just finished Women Who Run With The Wolves, reading some Emerson and Kerouac currently, interested in books regarding self-discovery / fulfillment, short stories + plays

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was a caregiver for a quadriplegic man. Before caring for him, I was looking for a way to begin saving money for future travels. He had placed an ad in the local real estate pages for a live-in helper, and in exchange I would live rent free. At the time, I was working as a Marketing and Events Manager for a non-profit organization that assisted people living with terminal or chronic illness and their caregivers. I assumed that through my work with the above populations, caregiving for this man would be a breeze. I was wrong; my work with this man was tremendously time consuming, emotional and reflective. Working every day to prepare him for his day took nothing short of 3-4 hours all before I had to leave for my own work day, and night care could last anywhere from 1-3 hours, plus listening for a possible midnight call from his room, while I sleep in my room, in case of emergency. During my time assisting this man I learned the value of patience and companionship, I learned to let my ego go EVERYDAY, and I became aware of the way I had been holding my able self back as if I, too, were paralyzed. My caregiving work inspired in me a change.

Teach, Learn, Share

yes, yes and yes.

I am an aspiring writer, and love photography. I always want to share, and always want others to share their experiences with me.

I am interested and willing to try new things; I am an avid learner.

I used to be a teacher. Im not an expert in anything, but I am a good listener and work well with others :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

myself, my stories, my cooking, my laughter, my enthusiasm for exploration and activity

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Spain