CURRENT MISSION

Just shut up and do it. Don't contemplate it, don't question it, just GO.

ABOUT ME

Hello. I live with with boyfriend (Rich), dog (Rocky), cat (Milo), and tortoise (Javier) in South Minneapolis. I am a vegetarian and care about what I put into my body (I try not to eat high fructose corn syrup), although I love sweets. I am down to earth and try to live a simple life, avoiding malls. I work at a nonprofit organization in St. Paul and run two programs for immigrant and refugee youth. I LOVE what I do, although I am challenged frequently with the typical nonprofit issues (lack of funding, etc.). I love interacting and learning about the cultures and experiences of the people I work with. My coworkers are Liberian and Kenyan, my youth are Somali, Oromo, Karen, Hmong, and Cambodian. They are a big part of my life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I became a participant in 2008, although I fell off the bandwagon in the last 6 months (from fall 09-Feb 10). I use to participate in some of the Mpls Couchsurfing events, but lately have been overwhelmed with working 6 days a week and sometimes just need time to myself at home. I would like to get back involved.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I Couchsurfed in the spring of 2008 when I went backpacking in Europe. I stayed with CSers in Cologne (Germany), Prague, and Amsterdam. I have made a few good friends through CS and get to see them when I travel. In 2008 & 2009, I stayed with a CS friend in Chicago and went to Lollapalooza and hung out with the CS crowd there. I have not officially hosted any CSers, although I have let friends who are in CS stay at my place.

Interests

I like being active-running, biking, being outside, etc, although I do enjoy relaxing at home with a book, cup of tea, and my cat on my lap. I am currently starting to study Spanish because I will be moving to the Dominican Republic in September 2010. I enjoy good Microbrews (my dad and boyfriend brew occasionally), cooking and eating food (mock duck curry is a staple in my diet), and watching movies (who doesn't?).

• cats
• dogs
• books
• perfumes
• dining
• cooking
• vegetarian
• dieting
• running
• movies
• traveling
• cycling
• backpacking

Music, Movies, and Books

I like lots of movies, including independents and sci fi. Currently some of my favorites are: Avatar, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Star Trek. I like a lot of underground and old school hip hop (Aesop Rock, Doomtree, Pharcyde, Common, the Roots, Immortal Technique, Jurassic 5, Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def). I also like Beck, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, Matisyahu (who I met), Gorillaz, Yeasayers, Bat for Lashes, STS9, Flaming Lips, Hood Internet, and many more that I forget.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

•