CURRENT MISSION

To teach, to learn, to travel, and to finish this MA so I can keep doing all the other stuff!

ABOUT ME

I am a wanderer by nature, and an academic by inclination. I think my friends would say I was honest to a fault, outspoken, cerebral, and many would say my heart's in the right place. I love dogs and bon vivant.

PHILOSOPHY

Learn from others, then teach what you know.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I try to live a life like a moderate Socialist. That in my mind is someone who cares about others, believes in social welfare, does her part to care for the environment, and believes strongly in being a world citizen.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am totally new to couch surfing, though I have certainly stayed with acquaintances before. I have for the most part enjoyed that.

Interests

I'm a foodie, an amateur photographer, and a bit of a gamer. I sing a great deal, though I wouldn't call myself expert by any means. When I am not grading (I am a schoolteacher) I am usually trying new restaurants and exploring new places when I can afford it. I am also an avid but TERRIBLE snowboarder. I watch hockey in countries that have it, but that can come and go with my location. I love spas!

• dogs
• singing
• spas
• environment
• traveling
• surfing
• snowboarding
• hockey

Music, Movies, and Books

Many musical tastes, but I like to sing jazz, choral, and gospel when I can. I read too many history books, and not enough sci-fi/fantasy these days. I for the most part don't watch movies, but again I lean towards sci-fi and indie flicks.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The first time I rode a camel in the Sahara Desert, and took a 23-year-old Land Rover across it! That was part of a harrowing but exciting trip to Timbuktu for my dissertation work. I was 27, and I felt like a superwoman after I finished.

Easter Mass at the Vatican was an awesome experience. I am a liberal Catholic, and I felt like I had accomplished something and was surrounded by people who felt the same. I didn't really believe that "liberal" and "Catholic" could go together until I saw thousands of people like me. I also accidentally got clergy seats for the Mass because I was mistaken for a monk! Long story, but it's one my students love to hear.

I have developed a love of Christmas markets after visiting several in Belgium and Germany this past winter. I felt like if Christmas was going to be commercial...that was the way to do it. I think the Glüwein helped.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can learn from just about anyone, though I confess some of my best experiences involve learned and creative people. I'm always impressed by that.

Countries I’ve Visited

Algeria, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mali, Netherlands, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, France, Lebanon, Netherlands, United States