I’m a curious, positive, and adventurous person who feels most alive when I’m learning, exploring, laughing, and sharing good conversation with open-hearted people. Over the last five years, I’ve been traveling full-time, and that chapter has stretched me in the best ways. It helped me rediscover freedom, joy, and a deeper connection to life. Selling my house, putting my things in storage, and becoming nomadic turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — not just for the places I’ve seen, but for the incredible people I’ve met through Couchsurfing along the way.

Now I’m stepping into a beautiful new season of life. I’m settling down in Austin, Texas, in April 2026, hoping to buy a home by June, and getting married in November. I’m excited about building a life with my man, Don, and creating a home full of warmth, growth, laughter, and community. I retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years, and I’ve also worked in data, strategy, and problem-solving, which fits my love of understanding people, systems, and how things can work better. I’m currently learning more Spanish and American Sign Language — Spanish because my daughter’s family is raising their little one bilingually, and ASL because Don is deaf and teaches sign language at the University of Texas. Life feels full, meaningful, and very alive right now.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing has been one of the most meaningful parts of my travels because it reminds me how good people can be. I’m here for genuine connection, shared stories, local insight, laughter, and the kind of conversations that stay with you long after the trip is over. I love meeting people from different backgrounds and learning how they see life, home, family, work, and adventure.

As a guest, I value kindness, communication, cleanliness, mutual respect, and being easy to host. As I settle into Austin, I’m excited to move into a new phase where I can host as well and give back some of the generosity and hospitality I’ve received from others over the years.

Interests

• arts
• fitness
• boating
• flowers
• socializing
• woodworking
• live music
• country music
• jazz
• hiking
• camping
• scuba diving
• sailing
• tennis
• swimming
• mathematics
• naturism
• cleaning
• scrabble
• skinny dipping
• weightlifting
• bonfires
• country dancing
• nude beaches
• carpentry
• bossa nova
• landscaping
• euchre
• remodeling
• cornhole
• rodeos
• dominoes
• cooking together
• flower arrangement
• horseshoes
• cattle drive
• ranch hand
• reorganizing spaces

Music, Movies, and Books

Country music is at my core. I grew up with it. I also enjoy jazz, big band, Latin, blues, bluegrass, pop, EDM, alternative rock, Christian, and classical music. I always enjoy discovering something new.

I mostly read nonfiction: personal growth, business, leadership, math, and biographies.

For movies and shows, I enjoy psychological thrillers, smart and witty writing, action, and military themes. I like stories that take you through a range of emotions.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I won a Twister competition against 2,000 college students at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share practical skills like home repair, remodeling, landscaping, organizing, decluttering, spreadsheets, and math tutoring. I also enjoy brainstorming business ideas and helping people think through challenges from a strategic angle.

I can teach some country dancing, salsa, and a bit of ballroom. I’m currently learning more Spanish and ASL, so I’m always happy to practice too.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can be social and energetic or quiet and low-key, depending on the home and the vibe. I’m the kind of guest who is happy to share stories over coffee, help organize a space, cook together, go dancing, brainstorm ideas, or simply be respectful, easygoing, and appreciative of your routines and privacy. I try to bring warmth, gratitude, curiosity, and good energy wherever I go.

I can also share practical things: travel stories, leadership perspective, dance lessons, fitness encouragement, home repair and organizing help, cooking, math tutoring, spreadsheet help, and conversation about life, goals, and big decisions. I enjoy board games, art, crafts, and teaching games like Euchre, Texas 42, and horseshoes. More than anything, I enjoy making a genuine connection and leaving people feeling glad we crossed paths.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United States