CURRENT MISSION

To take the couches of earth {politely} by storm!

ABOUT ME

I've worked as a Social Worker in Edmonton for the past five years. I opened up a women's affordable housing project, Jill's Place, in 2016 in Edmonton's inner-city and operate that full-time. I also work full-time as a Social Worker at a non-profit health centre for individuals facing a multitude of barriers, such as homelessness/extreme poverty, addictions, mental health concerns, and trauma. I work primarily with Indigenous Peoples from surrounding areas, many of whom are survivors of the Residential School System. Needless to say, my heart takes a beating on a daily basis at work (pun not intended), but I feel so deeply honored to be able to share in the lives of the people I meet through my work. I also run the humble art program at the centre, and I love it!

Prior to being a social worker I’ve had QUITE the array of jobs: I’ve been a crime scene cleaner, a tattoo apprentice, a baker, a "soda jerk", a newspaper cartoonist, a sex education teacher, a shopping mall christmas elf and a “mad scientist” (that was actually my job title) to name a few...

I’m an art enthusiast- I draw, paint, cartoon, etcetera whenever I get the chance! I am mediocre and proud of it. This is my page: chynnahoward.wix.com/fartsandcrafts

I am easy going and genuinely appreciate the simple things: just being outside, walks and bike rides, art in its many forms, the company of good-hearted people, experiencing something for the first time- whether its visiting an unfamiliar place or meeting a new face; the beauty of silence (I am fairly quiet and introverted!)- just a few things from the tip of the iceberg

PHILOSOPHY

My general way of being- in both work and personal life- is centered around an anti-oppressive philosophy. I try and be as authentic, generous, patient, loving and kind as possible and always hope for the same in others! But some days I'm probably a jerk and/or a wet blanket that nobody likes to be around.... Hey, nobody's perfect!

My favorite words of wisdom: "BE NICE OR LEAVE!!!"
-Dr. Bob, folk artist

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their stories is probably my greatest devotion in life (I am a social worker after all!) and I hope to do so through both hosting and surfing with Couchsurfing.net! My work doesn't enable me to jet off as far and for as long as I'd like to, so until I have a bit more freedom I travel vicariously through other couchsurfers!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've had the amazing opportunity to surf a buttload of stellar couches and host many glorious travelers on my own floral couch informally over the past few years
I really appreciate the fact that so many honest, trusting human beings have come together in one place.

Intereses

I have a ton of interests, I don't even know where to begin!
A few include:
people and people watching; travel adventures; makin' stuff; bakin' stuff; camping/hiking/outdoorsy stuff; learning anything and everything; Mother nature in all her glory; sharing cold pitchers on warm, sunny patios; watching live music; anything artsy/fartsy; animals!; my dogs Bubs and Molly; strangers- they have the best candy; bus rides; antiques and retrobilia; general stuff and things!

• animals
• dogs
• arts
• performing arts
• beauty
• education
• dining
• baking
• vegetarian
• vegan
• running
• drinking
• flying
• shopping
• traveling
• socializing
• painting
• drawing
• survival
• music
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• surfing
• archery
• animation
• teaching
• law
• social work

Música, películas y libros

Music:
I like almost all music, but in particular music that utilizes instruments such as kazoos, crumhorns, didgeridoos, hurdy-gurdys, diddley bows, and nose whistles. Just kidding, I don't know what most of those are, but I want to...
Favorite musician of all time is Andrew Bird.

Books:
I love going to the library, I get lost in there in the best kind of way! My all-time favorite book is Factotum by Charles Bukowski (which makes me sound way more mature and sophisticated than I actually am).

Movies/TV:
I don't have a tv and haven't had one for a while, so I don't watch a lot of movies or tv series. I did have a love affair with The Office however, so much so that I took the bus to Scranton to explore and may or may not have gotten an Office themed tattoo...

Algo increíble que he hecho

More amusing than amazing, but:

One of my many jobs was as a camp counselor at a youth wilderness education camp. On this one occasion, I decided to wear a full bear skin as a suit in the dark woods in order to scare a group of helpless children at the summer camp. Before I had a chance to let out my growls and roar- which I'd practiced repeatedly- I see and hear hundreds of children running and shrieking away from me like their lives depended on it.
I was quite pleased with my seemingly-effective performance, until I noticed the real bear right behind me...

Enseña, aprende, comparte

Anything someone is willing to teach me, I'm more than eager to learn!

The skills I've learned might not be of any use to you, BUT if by chance you're interested in the following, I'm your gal:

*how to talk bears out of attacking you
*how to effectively and efficiently clean the remains of a violent crime or death scene
*social work related stuff!
*artsy fartsy stuff!
*I can bake a mean apple pie! among other things, including vegan baking (I'm a vegetarian/vegan)
*many wilderness survival skills, including how to turn your urine into clean drinking water! hey, you never know..
*Archery, should you be in Nottingham Forest, robbing for the poor

Here is a more comprehensive list of my skills and abilities:
•All The Right Type graduate
•I adhere to basic hygienic standards on a fairly regular basis
•I can speak English kinda good
•I know my way around a glue stick
•Can expertly quote and recognize dialogue from all seasons of The Office
•Adequate juggler (in the literal sense, I'm terrible at multi-tasking)
•I'm an early bird and I'm a night owl. So I'm wise and I have worms. (Office quote I'm stealing)
•Effectively able to tolerate food items after their expiration date
•Consistent ability to ruin otherwise great group photos
•Proficient percussionist, specializing in the triangle
•Pog master

Qué puedo ofrecer a los anfitriones

Anything I can share with my wonderful hosts to express my sincere gratitude for the hospitality- you name it!

Países en los que he vivido

Canada, Mexico, United States