CURRENT MISSION

Approach new adventures with an ENTHUSIASTIC YES as much as possible. Make new friends and bring more awesome into the world.

ABOUT ME

I live in Portland, Oregon and make a living brewing mixing syrups for cocktails/soda. I'm active in the local Burning Man scene, and enjoy having costumes and silliness be a regular part of my life. I spend a decent amount of time baking and crafting. I love theatre, open mics, and existential conversations. I'm quirky and tend to be loquacious. Queer, they/them pronouns please.

PHILOSOPHY

"Thoughts become things, choose the good ones."
"Be the same person in the dark that you are in the light."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I haven't been on this site in a few years, but recently booked a trip that will take me to Berlin and Prague, with a brief stop in Barcelona, so it felt appropriate to log back in and start finding some friends to experience this adventure with.

Many years back I lived in a community house that regularly hosted folks, and I stayed with some rad people the first time I traveled to Seattle.

Interests

My life is never dull, but that's the most consistent aspect of it. I participate in community theatre projects as scheduling/opportunities allow. I prefer performance roles but recently tried my hand at directing and that was pretty fun. I love a night of karaoke, or watching some variety of performance art. I'm involved with my local Burning Man community and love donning costumes with them while we shake our booties to some beats, and I would love to meet some fellow Burners while I'm abroad! I don't go terribly often, but do appreciate a good fetish party now and then. I run a support group for folks who have experienced sexual violence in an effort to help folks find their voice. I love the adrenaline rush that comes from exploring abandoned buildings. I could wander through cemeteries all day.

• arts
• literature
• burningman
• beer
• crafts
• live music
• karaoke
• psychology
• performance art
• storytelling
• theatre
• whiskey
• shenanigans
• burlesque
• advocacy
• burning man
• kink
• positive thinking
• cemeteries

Music, Movies, and Books

I love films and will generally watch anything except films about drug addiction and war. Those ones tend to leave me feeling a tad more anxious than I'd like. A few long time favorites are: Empire Records. Silence of the Lambs. Shawshank Redemption.

I have a difficult time recalling the names of artists/songs, but I tend to enjoy the majority of music I'm exposed to. I don't listen to either much, but I have a deep fondness for black metal and mountain folk, I like the vibes they fill me with. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Damien Rice, Joanna Newsom, and Regina Spektor.

I tend to prefer coming of age type stories, memoirs, and books that lead to introspection. I struggle with multi-book series and fantasy cos there's too much to remember, (but omg I love the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix.) The book I've read and purchased the most is "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, and a few of my favorite authors are Christopher Moore, Neil Gaiman, and Augusten Burroughs. I am currently reading "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker and would love to talk about it with you!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was given up for adoption at birth and incidentally met my biological mom and her family the day before I turned 18. It's a grand story. Perhaps I can tell it to you during my travels!

I moved by myself from Utah to Oregon without ever having been there and without knowing anyone, with only the belongings that fit in my car. Def one of my best decisions to date.

I can pat my head and rub my tummy while also sticking out my tongue and hopping in circles. I can even change directions and feet.

Teach, Learn, Share

The universe is full of surprises. It's lessons are difficult, yet each lesson results in a new birth of ourselves; and each birth leaves us wiser, stronger, and more beautiful.

My skills and interests are kind of all over the place and I never really know what I have to offer in a particular situation until I'm in it. But I love learning almost anything new, and value experiences where I get to introduce someone else to a new experience. I'm great at creating costumes at the last minute with whatever supplies are on hand. I do a pretty alright job helping folks find perspective when they're seeking clarity. I can bake almost anything. I am quite loquacious and love telling stories.

I love learning about what other folks are passionate about. So if something lights you up and makes you really excited, I probably want to know more about it and would be honored to have you share your passion with me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can bake you tasty desserts! Help you with costuming/home decor projects. I make an effort to leave every place I stay looking better than I found it (big fan of the Burning Man philosophy of 'Leave No Trace'). I have a reputation for giving exquisite hugs and have an unlimited supply. I've also been a go-to person for most of my life when folks are going through a difficult transition and want to process their feelings and get some outside perspective. I have oodles of ridiculous stories that I love to share.

What things might you need help with during my visit? I'd love to help. We're all in this together!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States