I am a year-round bicycle commuter who works at the University of Alberta as a Safety Coordinator and Research Administrator for the Reservoir Geomechanics Research Group. I'm also a part-time professional photographer and while I completed a college certificate (Arts Administration) in 1995, I am also a part-time undergraduate student majoring in Sociology and minoring in writing. My area of interest is primarily undue influence and coercive groups. When I'm not shooting people or writing papers or inspecting labs, I enjoy hanging out with my husband, our 4 kids, and our 2 dogs, cooking for dinner parties, designing and sewing epic dresses and costumes, and making plans for our tiny house bus conversion. I took 12 years of French in school and try to speak Spanish as much as possible with my colleagues and though I am far from fluent I can get to the bathroom and buy beer with no problems.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Now that the children are mostly grown, my husband and I have started travelling more. While he and I tend to take "vacations" together, I take working holidays to photograph weddings, conduct research, write, and attend conferences alone. Rather than spend $$$ on hotels and eating out alone, I much prefer meeting people and living like a local. We are in the process of fixing up the kids' vacant rooms in our home and start taking in students and travellers alike.

Interests

• dogs
• writing
• photography
• cooking
• cycling
• travel
• studying
• research
• tiny living
• scooter
• safety

Music, Movies, and Books

Between the Tom Robbins and David Sedaris and my collection of vintage etiquette books, most of my bookshelf is covered with photography gear and sewing stuff. I listen to basically anything on the radio that doesn't yell at me but I do have a penchant for classic crooners and 90s dance tunes. Don't judge. I cry every time I watch Mr. Holland's Opus and my favourite movies used to be American Beauty the Usual Suspects but since finding out he fondled a 14 yo boy I feel ambiguous about Kevin Spacey. So now I watch Moulin Rouge and Amalie and The Princess Bride while I sew.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've managed to never get fired from a job... does that count as amazing?

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to use your camera (film or digital), make a chicken out of your napkin, and tell you everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask about being tricked into, surviving, and leaving coercive mind control groups.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a mean cook and love planning and preparing meals.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Dominican Republic, France, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States