Graduated college, went straight to law school, hated it, moved home, decided to see the world instead. :) Currently living outside of Munich with my German host family and working as their au pair.

I like to think I have a great sense of humor and can commune with cats. I have a very large black cat named Beeboo, but he is unfortunately back in the USA right now.

I get along well with most people and try to follow the philosophy "be kind, always." I'm the oldest of 4 kids, so I grew up with a lot of commotion in the house and an immense respect for the personal space of others. We were all raised in a very equality-minded household, and I strongly consider myself an intersectional feminist. I try every day to work through my own internalized prejudices and biases, and I like have conversations with others about their own paths down this road.

I am very independent and like to do my own thing most of the time. Traveling alone has taught me a lot about myself and what I can accomplish!

Growing up in Central Oregon taught me the value of a good craft beer, and living in Germany has only refined my tastes. I like to try a local beer or cocktail wherever I go! Usually I'll go out one night in a new city and check out the nightlife. Dark techno clubs are my favorite, but I'm always happy to have a conversation over beer in a local pub as well.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I don't like doing "touristy" stuff! (okay, usually I do one of those 3 hour free walking tours in a new city, but just to cover the main highlights. It's a good value!) I like to meet the real people in a city, and see how they live. Honestly, I also like it to be quiet when I sleep, which is near-impossible in hostels, let's be real.

I think meeting, interacting with, and making friends with people from different cultures is one of the most important things you can do. It fosters empathy and understanding, which we greatly need in our world today!

Someday when I have my own place, I look forward to hosting. But for now (since I'm living with a host family), I can only really surf.

Interests

I'm in the middle of teaching myself German. Up to (kinda) B1.1 and still chugging away! I've been playing soccer (sorry, football), since I was 4 years old. I play as much as possible, both on an organized women's team and mixed gender pickup in the park.

I love to read and will take any suggestions for sci fi or fantasy novels. I'm currently reading The Witcher series!

Dance music is #1 for me, but I'll never say no to live music! (ok I will say no to country, but I don't think that's very common outside of the USA, right?) When my budget allows, I love to go to music festivals and get my dance on.

• cats
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• running
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• dance music
• hiking
• skiing
• soccer
• football

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: As I grew up between 1997-2007, obviously Harry Potter. I recently read the A Song of Ice and Fire trilogy and am (im)patiently waiting for Mr. RR Martin to hurry the hell up with book 6. I also really liked Ready Player One, as well as The Magicians trilogy.

Movies: STAR WARS + all associated prequels and sequels and spinoffs

Music: dance music! techno, house, dubstep, trance, drum n bass, hardstyle, breakbeat, etc. I will admit that I'm kind of a music snob and usually don't like anything that would be played on the "main stage" at a festival. Take from that what you will :) I also love 80s music!

Video games: Mass Effect is my favorite game of all time, by far. The series ended 4 years ago and I'm still not over it. I like RPGs like Dragon Age, but have also been known to play a first person shooter from time to time. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was the first Xbox game I ever owned, and it still owns a special place in my heart.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Skied in the Swiss Alps

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to play soccer (football) if you would like to learn! I also know a lot of random facts. For example, did you know that a group of owls is called a "parliament?" Or that catfish are the only animal that have an odd number of whiskers? You can learn all this, and more!

I love to eat, so I would like to learn how to cook dishes from the local cuisine. I also love learning languages, so I would like to learn a few words in your native language!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Great, open minded conversation :) I can also help you improve your spoken English!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States