CURRENT MISSION

Learn to love just a little bit more.

ABOUT ME

I'm an Elementary school teacher and recently moved back to the U.S. from Tokushima, Japan. I enjoy deep conversations and learning about culture. If you stay with us, there is a good possibility I will ask your opinion on various subjects. Don't worry though, I can (usually) tell when someone isn't interested in talking:-) I recently graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in History.

PHILOSOPHY

If there is a way, show loving kindness in everything you do. There is always a way. (Dali Lama's idea)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I enjoy hosting and traveling, though I have mostly hosted. I usually use CS when traveling abroad.

Interests

I am interested in too many things. Just enough to ensure I'm not very good or knowledgeable in any of them. On the top of my list are sustainable living, history of ideas, and history of religion. I love playing instruments and have a bad habit of trying to play too many. Again, this means that I can play a dozen or so...barely. I read fantasy, lots of Dalai Lama/Thich Nhat Hanh stuff, and books on eco-building. Traveling, spending time outdoors, and backpacking are other big loves.

• culture
• books
• design
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• backpacking
• teaching
• history
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

60's-70's singer songwriter stuff. John Denver is #1, followed by Donovan and Cat Stevens. Because I was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, I have an appreciation for Bluegrass-inspired music.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Too many to say. Once, early in the morning, I saw dew on the grass outside my window. Absolutely beautiful.

Teach, Learn, Share

Perhaps my favorite quote, and the one I've since striven toward, is from the description of the clerk in Canterbury Tales: "And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach". What could be better than that? In particular, I studied Buddhist philosophy for a couple of years and know a little bit about environmental lifestyle design. Teach me whatever you can and I'll try my best to return the favor!

Countries I’ve Visited

Nepal, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan