Why visit Portland? A few of my couchsurfers last summer said it best on on their quest... https://youtu.be/ewQc0fuz1g0

CURRENT MISSION-January 2016-
I'm in the ideal spot if you dream of hitting Mount Hood for skiing, hiking in the icy Gorge, and having a rental car to do it in is your goal. :) If you're coming for the nature and snow-I have space and while I usually only do 3 guests at a time-I have accommodated larger groups traveling together in a pinch!

Some refer to my house as the Tiny House Hostel, as I generally have more than one guest stay at a time. This gives travelers a chance to meet new friends, and one of my house guests from Sweden actually invited 3 guys from Texas to visit him this summer! LOL!

ABOUT ME

I'm currently working, and my son goes to middle school. But when I can find time I'd love to join in on some stuff...in the meantime, I'm here for suggestions, directions, and like to cook for my guests when possible. :)

I am very active, and always seeking adventure. Hiking? Camping? Eating/Drinking? Karaoke? Dancing? Go carts? I'm in! Originally a city girl between LA/NY, l landed in the NW and found home. :)

We love music, and my 14 year old son LOVES PS4. We are positive, upbeat, polite people and enjoy the same in the people we associate with. We have friends that like to come to our 'Sunday Family Dinners' and feel very lucky to have such wonderful friends in our life. Don't be shocked if there's dinner left for you on the stove, LOL

PHILOSOPHY

Taoist by philosophy I suppose, but attend a Christian church every Sunday. I don't believe it's anyone's job to tell you what to believe in...if it's positive and working for you, great!

Life is short..enjoy it while you can...laugh, love as much as possible. I got a wake up call last September with a hit and run drunk driver, and while I did sustain injuries, I felt lucky and grateful to be here. It's so easy to take each day for granted. I have now met quite a few couch surfers, and I never feel like they take it for granted. In fact, they are some of the most grateful and 'alive' people I have ever met!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I found it on the web years ago, but didn't really get into meeting people from around the world and learning about different cultures until the last year or so. I'm told that staying at my home feels like home, and that's my goal. It's a small place, as I have one little 'hobbit room' with a twin bed, room for hanging clothes/suitcases, and very fast wifi for netflix and gaming if you have your device handy. :) There is another small landing/area at the bottom of the stairs that could serve as a second sleeping area with an air mattress...so we could fit as many as 3 people. Only one bath, so that's our limit. And while I say that, know that if there is a group of 5-7 people that need accommodations and don't mind airbeds/couches/rugs, I could make an exception for the right reasons. :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Wow! Ive experienced 25 couchsurfers in the last year! Loved it. We had such a great time :) I am hoping for company that might want to explore and hopefully make some friends I can in turn visit someday...sort of a vacation exchange, LOL. I will be upfront and say that if you have no references, not verified, it is unlikely that I accept your request. That said, we are all newbies at some point, and I have been some surfers first host by screening them before hand. :)

We are near mass transit, but in the Winter, an auto really is the way to go-we are on the edge of the city here, with a little back yard, and would consider your pet. We are also family friendly as I have a son who's in middle school...we love babies, too! Just not baby proofed!

Interests

Music, concerts, sporting events, nature, horses, movies, plays, shopping, dining, sightseeing, travel, conversation, community, karakoke, dancing, fitness, hiking.

• pets
• horses
• culture
• coloring
• concerts
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• fitness
• yoga
• pilates
• running
• zumba
• drinking
• shopping
• clothing
• movies
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• karaoke
• hiking
• camping
• skiing
• sightseeing

Music, Movies, and Books

What the bleep do we know, Children of Men, Elf,
Music: Michael Buble, Sade, Basia, Norah Jones, Gwen Stefani!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was living in New York City on 9/11 and experienced shock and terror. Our city was transformed fom a city of people that never make eye contact, into a community that supported each other in a way I'd never seen. Humans are quite an exceptional species when put to the test. :)

Teach, Learn, Share

What I can teach...to have compassion for all people, no matter what their color, shape or culture. To enjoy every moment, because all we have is this moment, right now...yesterday is gone and tomorrow is unattainable...right this second, as you sit here looking at this computer is what matters! Get outside and do something!!

What I can learn is anything you'd like to share with me! I love learning about what community means in your culture, city, village. I love sustainable housing, as I'm currently looking for land to build cobb, turf and stone, adobe, and other natural living spaces. I love experiencing music from your life, as I teach dance to children and am always looking for new and inspiring music.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have not couchsurfed before. But when I do someday, I hope I can bring a ray of sunshine, respect, and friendliness to your home and family. I can also help with breaking horses, teaching Zumba/Pilates/Yoga, and am fabulous with kids!

Countries I’ve Visited

Japan, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States