I was born and raised in Honolulu, HI and I moved to MD in 2013 for a job. I'm a CPA used to working at a public accounting firm doing corporate income taxes before I left in late 2018 to work on a startup. In college, I was fortunate enough to be able to do 4 separate study abroad programs, 3 of which included living with families for an extended time and getting to know their culture. I'm laid back and full of energy! I really love Maryland and I'm happy to show off my new city and all the great attractions/food locations whenever my friends and family come to town. I own a small dog, she's very cute, does not bark, bite, chew shoes, or lick (unless your hands smell like food), and she's definitely the sweetest natured and docile dog I have ever met.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on couch surfing because one of my friends is on it, and I think it's a great way to meet people and to help others. It would also be nice to be able to make some new friends and learn about different cultures! Some of my friends are total skeptics and think I'm crazy and that this is dangerous, but I believe that most people are good. I also remember when I used to take pictures of the license plates of my Uber drivers and text them to my friends just in case I went missing, Trust and how society encourages positive interactions with strangers has progressed in leaps and bounds in the past decade, and I would like to further that movement.

Interests

• documentaries
• concerts
• politics
• technology
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• eating
• craft beer
• learning
• foodie
• plays
• startups
• audiobooks
• hosting parties
• podcast
• playing with my dog
• being social
• craft coctkails

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - I'm pretty open to most music, but it has to be at the right time and the right place. For example, I love love love Mayer Hawthorne, John Legend, Adele, Kings of Leon, Beyonce, Old Brittney Spears, Justin Timberlake, (ugh) Justin Bieber, Carlos Vives, Shakira, Elvis Crespo, most of the Rai genre.... but at the right time for the right vibe. The only music I don't like is anything abrasive, like dubstep or heavy metal. Hard. Pass.

Movies - Again, wide range. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is fantastic. But I love Braveheart and watch it every time I see it play. The Devil Wears Prada has some serious life lessons and amazing quotes (corporate America, work/life balance, politics), The Devils Backbone is crazy and scares the crap out of me but I love it, anything by Pedro Almodovar. I could go on... but I won't.

Books - currently I'm obsessed with Principles by Ray Dalio. Every morning I read The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. I tend to lean towards non-fiction in general.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Not to sell myself short, but most people are floored that I moved from Honolulu to Maryland! Not sure if that qualifies as amazing or insane, but I have no regrets! Actually, I take that back. I would say that leaving a safe and secure corporate job to work on a startup company is the most amazing thing. Hopefully it's wildly successful!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach people how to cook. I love cooking, whether it's smoked gouda mac and cheese, or Thai basil chicken, or cauliflower pizza (gluten free!). I'm happy to teach anyone financial literacy skills, or discuss the tax law in the US, as that has been the focus of my career and most of my educational degrees.

I'm fascinated with different cultures and would love to just learn about someone else's culture and decision-making process.

Share... hmm... I can share my house if I am available to host.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a great storyteller! I can also explain US taxes... I am happy to cook for you (if I can understand the ingredients in the local grocery store).

Countries I’ve Visited

Chile, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, United States