CURRENT MISSION

Lifelong Learner

ABOUT ME

I love to laugh and dance. I'm a bit reserved at first but very friendly in the end. I might be a bit of an old-soul longing to let loose a free spirit. My friends would say I love a good time but that I'm also very respectful of others. I'm honest, considerate, and empathetic. I love the couchsurfing idea; I'm a complete beginner but look forward to great shared experiences.

PHILOSOPHY

"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return." ~Maya Angelou

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm brand new to couchsurfing - a bit nervous but very excited! I hope to invite some great gals (sorry, gals only while I am testing CS out) into my home in Tokyo as well as explore new countries with the help of CS.

Interests

Running: I recently completed my first marathon in Tokyo, but I have been a lifelong runner. Triathlons: I haven't yet done a triathlon, but I used to be a lifeguard and I am definitely a runner so I figure I am 2/3rds there. Yoga: I practice Iyengar yogo in Tokyo with a fantastic instructor - If you are into yoga and in Tokyo, ask me about my studio! Karaoke: I wasn't a big fan in the States, but I have fallen in love with karaoke since moving to Japan. Dance: I'm trained in classical ballet and jazz and I am learning salsa. Travel: I haven't been everywhere, but I have been a few places and would love to get around more. Reading non-fiction - I'm a bit of a nerd, so I love books on politics and history; my recent master's thesis was on sustainability so I've been reading quite a bit in that category of late.

• dogs
• books
• dancing
• ballet dancing
• triathlon
• yoga
• marathon
• running
• instructor
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• jazz
• karaoke
• outdoor activities
• history
• international relations

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I am honestly left awestruck any time I take a moment to talk a walk and reflect on the perfection that exists within nature. That is where I find my peace. I've seen some amazing sights: from the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan to the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Nothing leaves me more humble than admiring Mother Nature's handwork. I love spending time in cultural mega cities from New York to Tokyo, but I am just as happy under the stars in the midwest of the USA.

Teach, Learn, Share

I study international relations and politics, my thesis was on corporate social responsibility, and I've worked in public relations, so I have a good amount of knowledge on those topics. I love talking about U.S. politics, dogs, the outdoors, and yoga - so I can probably teach a thing or two in that area as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

Burkina Faso, France, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Togo, United Kingdom, United States

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