I love the outdoors--mostly hiking and water sports, as well as gardening. I'm a dancer and singer, and supporter of the arts. My partner, Liz, is a graphic artist for a financial magazine for young people. We enjoy wine-tasting, exploring, cycling, hiking, kayaking, gardening, reading and cooking.

I am a mom of two young adults who works full-time as an educator at Linn Benton Community College. I teach future human services and social workers, about families. I have written two openly licensed textbooks. I also mentor other faculty around equity, inclusion, teaching and technology.

When we travel, we like to cook a fair amount for ourselves, pack picnics for days outdoors. A meal out is a treat we will enjoy as well.

I believe in making the most of every day. Work hard, play hard and take time to relax with those you love. It is important to me to make the most of my time on this earth. Being outdoors, being with family, good wine and good food are all aspects of life that I relish. Making new friends from a variety of experiences and cultures is one of my joys in life.

I've taken each of my daughters on a trip as she enters adolescence. My older daughter and I visited France 2009; she is a beautiful French speaker and now a college sophomore. My younger daughter and I went to Hungary, Slovakia and Austria in 2012. She is a soccer player and horseback rider, and plays the piano. Both girls love to sing, as do I.

Most of my traveling occurs in the summer, based on a teaching schedule but I do like to get away for weekends here and there during the school year.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've traveled pretty extensively via airbnb and had overwhelmingly positive experiences there. I enjoy the informal friendly interactions with hosts and have met some people who have become friends.
Now that we have a bit more room in the house we are ready to host couchsurfers and enter this network as well.

Interests

Music, Dance, Art, Hiking, Anything on or in the water, Singing, Wine, Wine, Wine, Coffee, Food, Reading, People from other cultures and experiences, Gardening, Anything outdoors.

• arts
• singing
• dancing
• education
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• coffee
• gardening
• technology
• reading
• traveling
• music
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• equestrian
• hiking
• kayaking
• sports
• soccer
• teaching

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to learn about other people, experiences, and cultures. I'm a good listener. I am enthusiastic and energetic in my approach to life. I like to share intellectual ideas and be silly at the same time.
My love of wine, food, hiking, art, learning, equity, gardening, art, and dance.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States