CURRENT MISSION

to move west

ABOUT ME

Originally from PA, I spent the early part of my adult life as a wildlife biologist (aka, bird nerd), working in some pretty awesome natural areas in Vermont, southern Florida (Everglades and Big Cypress), and Washington. Switched career paths a few years ago, and now am a social worker that is passionate about women's issues and a self-defense instructor (I am still a bird nerd).

I love backpacking and birds. I feel alive being outdoors in nature.

I came to Ohio 6 years ago to go to grad school. I was only supposed to be here 3 years according to my life plan, but things changed, and I stayed a bit longer, but now it is time to get out of Ohio and move back to the PacNW, which I fell in love with the first time I visited years back. Don't get me wrong, Columbus is actually a really cool city, it's just tough when one is in love with the mountains to be landlocked in the midwest.

PHILOSOPHY

Never have an ordinary day.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm looking to get out of the midwest and move back to the PacNW. So looking to explore new places and meet awesome people along the way.

Interests

birding. backpacking (especially the long-distance variety). discussing social justice issues. environmental sustainability. biking. my cat. enjoying a good microbrew in the company of great friends. gardening. composting. feminism. watching the sunrise and set. cooking. running. knitting. being sarcastic. live music. mountains.

• cats
• wildlife
• birds
• womens rights
• cooking
• running
• instructor
• gardening
• knitting
• music
• live music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• biology
• social work
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies - all time favs from my younger years include The Goonies and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. I love Wes Anderson films (esp. the Darjeeling Limited and his recent Moonrise Kingdom). I also really like the Bourne Identity series.

Music - Railroad Earth, Bela Fleck, Chris Pureka, The Be Good Tanyas, The Wailin' Jennies, Ani DiFranco, Po Girl, Tegan & Sara.

Books - I love reading, and am so thankful to be finished with grad school such that I can finally read books I want to! I love Barbara Kingsolver, esp. Prodigal Summer; The Kite Runner; the Harry Potter, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, & Hunger Games series; I also really love the poetry of Mary Oliver and the Buddhist philosophy of Pema Chodron. Also, The Lorax is a win no matter what your age is.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing, and life-transforming, experience of my life was thru-hiking the AT.