I grew up in community and have a huge appreciation for meeting new people. I like to learn peoples' stories and to share my own. I enjoy being outside, working with kids and planning my next trip. Recently, I graduated from Carleton College with psychology degree and I'm now looking for work and volunteering opportunities in Albuquerque.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to travel and find that connecting with locals is the best way to experience new places. I find that Couchsurfing is a wonderful way to do just that. It's a community that just seems to attract good people. I look forward to meeting more good folks through my travels with Couchsurfing and to welcoming visitors to my home in Albuquerque as well.

Interests

• cooking
• reading
• water polo
• psychology
• travel
• biking
• natural building

Music, Movies, and Books

Right now I'm reading the Jean Auel 'Clan of the Cave Bear' Series and loving the detail of how early humans might have communicated, preserved food and probably had the same tangles in relationships as we do today :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Today I made a fine cup of strong coffee. Come on by and try it ;)

Teach, Learn, Share

~ A recipe for homemade bread, from the Tassajara Bread Book ~

Ingredients:
6 cups lukewarm water
2 tablespoons yeast (2 pkgs)
1 cup brown sugar or 1 cup molasses/honey
2 cups powdered milk
4 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups white flour
3 tablespoons salt
1 cup oil
6 -8 cups wheat flour (can sub some with white if you prefer)

Step one:.
Mix together Water and Yeast, let rest for 5 minutes. Then add Honey,(or Brown sugar or Molasses)Powdered Milk,Whole Wheat Flour and White Flour. Beat all these ingredients together well. This batter will be thick. Once well mixed, let rise 1 hour.

Step Two:.
Fold in Salt,Oil and Flour. Use more Flour as needed to Knead bread.
Let Bread rise for 50 minutes, then punch down. Let rise 40 more minutes then shape into loaves. This makes approximately 5 loaves. Put loaves into greased pans.
Let loaves rise for 20 minutes.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
When you remove the loaves from the oven, take a stick of Butter or Margarine and rub it over the top crust of the bread for a softer crust. Let cool in the pans for 5 minutes and remove to cooling racks.
Now when my mom makes this Bread, she makes half of the loaves with Cinnamon,Sugar,a little melted Butter and Raisins (my Husbands favorite) Make those loaves just like you would a Cinnamon Roll - flatten the dough out and spread the rest of the ingredients on the dough, then roll back up and put in pans.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a respectful guest and will be sure to leave the place as tidy and clean as I left it. I would be happy to share a meal or a walk in the area, so I can at least offer my company. I also enjoy cooking and would be happy to do some childcare. I also love animals and would appreciate opportunities to walk dogs. If anyone needs a swim lesson, that's also one of my favorite things :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, Peru