CURRENT MISSION

I'm accumulating fantastic stories to tell my children and grandchildren. I want to get out there and broaden my horizons, experience diverse cultures, learn new languages, be more impulsive. Eat delicious and new foods, see the biodiversity that the world has to offer.

ABOUT ME

I'm level-headed and a great planner, but also a goof-ball with a silly sense of humour. I've managed to hang onto my inner child and so I get super excited about everything, big and small, but especially about new experiences. I care very deeply for people and always try to put them ahead of myself. I work very hard to be successful at whatever I do - sometimes too hard! I'm a realist with a splash of optimism :) and a life-long learner with a passion for new languages. My weakness would be that I have trouble saying no and trouble staying idle, which combine to mean that I'm usually involved in something every night of the week!

PHILOSOPHY

I try to be kind to everyone I meet, even in the smallest of ways, like a smile or a door held open. Making others happy makes me happy. I never judge someone for their choices, even if they aren't the choices I would make, because I cannot begin to understand all the factors in their life that have led them where they are. I forgive and love easily.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined this great network to connect with like-minded travellers. I can't imagine a better way of getting to know a place than staying with someone who actually lives there. I look forward to meeting you on my own journeys and maybe as part of yours!

Interests

My main interest is nature and the outdoors, whether that is doing conservation research for species at risk, going on hiking and birding trips, or just taking a walk or bike ride through my local park. I stay engaged with life by remaining connected to nature as much as I can. Birds are my favourite.
My other main passion is probably food! I have celiac disease, so it might surprise you that I enjoy cooking and baking, but if anything my limitations have been a stimulating challenge. I love trying foods from many different cultures, and experimenting with new recipes.
Last but not least, I very much love music. I play the flute and (sort of) alto saxophone. Most recently I've been trying to get back to my Irish heritage by learning to play the tin whistle. I am also involved in the city choir, not only as an alto voice but as secretary of the board and fundraising coordinator.
I spend my free time either trying to stay active or baking and cooking new and interesting dishes. I really enjoy going to the movies as well.

• animals
• birds
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• coffee
• baking
• movies
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

My musical tastes are very broad, from pop to trap to alternative to classical. I love Celtic music in particular. Not a big country or metal fan, however.
I read a lot of sci-fi and historical fiction, with some fantasy and crime.
I like almost all movies; I'm very good at going in with no expectations and just enjoying the show.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

At my current job, I had the opportunity to help plan and organize the 2015 Ontario Biodiversity Summit, which was the first of its kind. The Summit brought together diverse partners from across the province with the common goal of preserving and enhancing biodiversity. I was in charge of the Young Leaders program, and we arranged speakers and activities targeted at people aged 18-30. It was a great success, and a new organization called Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity was formed, of which I am secretary. ELB now has a seat on the Ontario Biodiversity Council in order to bring young voices to the table. So proud!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am almost bilingual in French, so I could share some of that knowledge. I also have a basic conversational understanding of Italian.
I could easily show someone how to play the tin whistle.
I would love to take anyone birding or on a general nature walk to identify plants and animals, or just enjoy the scenery.
I would also love to show someone how to cook or bake one of my favourite recipes, so they can take it back to where they're from and share it.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversations and interactions that are always upbeat. Arguably an over-eagerness to cook for you or make you coffee in the morning. A willingness to clean your house, and to try new things in your area. Everything you wanted to know and probably more about species at risk, conservation, and birds in general. Respect.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada