Hi, I'm Merissa. My brother, Derrick, and I are best friends and love to goof off, be silly and have fun. We are sharing a Couchsurfing account right now since we don't plan on traveling alone anytime soon. We both grew up in a small town, so many things that seem 'normal' are super exciting for us.

About Me (Merissa)
I am in my mid-twenties and really want to travel the country for a year in the near future. I love to draw, write, sew and pretty much do anything remotely related to those hobbies. I am a nanny who is working toward the goal of becoming a preschool teacher and blogger. I blog about my nanny kids and all the crazy things we do.

I enjoy quiet evenings at home just relaxing and doing my crafts or drawing. I usually put a Netflix show on, but I almost never just watch the show; usually I am also doing a craft. I don't mind sitting silence, but I love to talk, also.

About Derrick
My brother, Derrick, is goofy and fun. He likes to play Minecraft and is a song writer. He is really good at drawing, but doesn't do it very often. He is a lot like me, because he doesn't mind silence.

Derrick is a bit introverted. He sometimes seems a bit stand- offish at first, but he is easy to talk to once he warms up to you a bit. I am a little more outgoing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have a case of the 'wanderlust.' I don't want to travel the world, yet, but really want to spend some time very soon just traveling the U.S.A. and maybe Canada. I want to take my brother because he is my best friend. But, we are on a budget, so we thought we'd try couchsurfing. I also think it would be really cool to meet new people and learn other languages. I am currently learning Spanish, ASL and Hebrew.

Interests

When I was young, my mom told me to learn a totally new skill every year. I took it one step further, and learned a new craft skill every month. I am experienced in many crafting mediums. I also have some experience with many drawing and fine art mediums. I love to use my skills to make games and toys and story books for the kids I care for.

My brother is a big fan of music. He especially likes rock. He has written several songs, but is not ready to share them with the world, yet. Take it from me, though, they are really good. He doesn't play an instrument, but I know he would like to learn. He has an electric guitar and electric piano. It's just difficult to find lessons in our area.

• writing
• video games
• crochet
• painting
• drawing
• music
• sewing
• crafting
• child care

Music, Movies, and Books

I love scifi, thriller and mystery type books. I love family movies (including animated ones) and some dramas. What I hate in books, I will like in a movie and vice versa.

Derrick likes action movies and comedies.

My brother is a fan of bands like Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch and Family Force 5. He also likes newer rock groups like Fight the Fade.

I am a fan of the above and some other artists like Maroon 5, TobyMac and One Republic.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I had my first poem published when I was 16. I also published a middle grade book and have been published in a book of anthologies about parenting. So, I guess the most amazing thing I have done is get published.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you are a parent, I have plenty of experience with household organization, management and education. I can turn almost anything into something fun for kids.

I also know some sign language. I taught my kids sign language. I often speak to my nanny kids partly in sign language and partly in English. I can teach you the words I know and sign to you some words while we are there to help you remember them.

I sew, crochet, draw with pen and ink, zentangle and pencil cartoons and sketches.

I would love to learn new talents and craft techniques. I love to learn in general. In fact, I recently started to learn a little bit about making wooden toys. So much fun! I would love to learn more about the crafts you make or the things you write. But, I am not picky.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can provide some free child care while we are visiting. Or give some drawing lessons.

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States