CURRENT MISSION

To return the power to the people, one veggie, reusable bottle and tupperware at a time! All while consuming craft brew to stay sane.

ABOUT ME

I've come back from a year abroad in Scotland completing my masters. I've done the most traveling I've ever done in that one year and became quite accustomed to couchsurfing along the way! I absolutely love it and can't wait to get my own place to pass on the karma. I now am attempting this whole stay-in-one-place thing for a bit back in my home region and just started with an urban farm in Oakland. I love and hate talking about food. Yes it's all about choices, but I don't like being negative, critical, and using a lot of no's when it comes to what to eat. It's a whole interconnected lifestyle approach when it comes to food and health. The most important thing to do and learn overall is keep asking questions and stay informed!

I'm originally from California, SF Bay Area specifically, and have moved around the state a lot. I lived in Colorado for 2 years because I wanted to check out a different mountain range. Alpine areas are where I am happiest, and not for the skiing (I know, surprising) but because I have found some of the best friends in these communities and an all around good mountain vibe. But I love getting out in nature via hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing - whatever! It all revitalizes me. I'm back in the Bay Area now and while I've always been itchy and irritated about being home, I've recently welcomed it and enjoy having a network of family back. Having had couchsurfing play such a role in my travels has made me appreciate it even more now that I seem to attempting to settle some roots (for a bit!).

I'm fairly liberal, but not preachy or judgy and adhere to the golden rule pretty hard. I'm a really easy-going person, I like to keep things simple, but I also like to throw a wrench in the mix and do something out of my comfort zone every so often. I'm happiest when I'm out in nature, hiking, running, or chancing upon a swimming hole, but I'm even happier when I do it with some new friends! Let's surf!

PHILOSOPHY

The Golden Rule!

Sustainable living!

Just don't be an asshole.

I don't live for myself. I can't. I could have the opportunity to travel the world, but if I'm the only one having a good time, then I'm really not having a good time. I learn this traveling by myself a lot. I get bored and down if I'm not working towards a good cause for others. I'm still learning the people in my life are what keeps me going and why I keep going.

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Couchsuring has lent me some amazing, personal and memorable experiences. I've met such interesting and unique people yet have so much in common with all the while. It's a beautiful thing that continue to teach me lessons about people, culture, and community and ultimately myself. I love hanging out with my surfers and cooking a dinner for them or together is my highlight. I really enjoy playing games or just a good stroll through their neighborhood with good chat. If you want to dress up as a horse for a costume party I'm also down for that.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've surfed unofficially and officially for two years now. I've always been by myself and find I can squeeze, squish and fold into any place, physically or metaphorically or philosophically. It has been a life lesson to really learn to open yourself up to people and be the kind of person that makes others open themselves up to you. Staying with folks in your travels beats the hell out of any 5-star hotel room because they can't sell you authentic stories or direct you to the best 2 am pizza joint or share a genuine meal. My couchsurfing hosts and hostees are insta-friends in my books and I keep in touch with many a postcard!

Intereses

Nature, mountains, hiking, climbing, running, swimming holes, mac&cheese (lots of cheese), fresh fruits and veggies, naps, canoeing/kayaking, cats and dogs, costumes, festivals, soccer, the Olympics, fires, backpacking, coffee on the weekends, craft brews, craft time, using only what I need, road trips, grassroots community movements, being a responsible citizen, not considering corporations as citizens (come on America).

• cats
• dogs
• culture
• writing
• books
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• cheese
• beer
• coffee
• exercise
• yoga
• running
• walking
• partying
• drinking
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• canoeing
• kayaking
• skiing
• snowshoeing
• rock climbing
• soccer
• olympics
• swimming
• road trips
• parks
• mountains

Música, películas y libros

Bluegrass, Folk, Blues, instrumental, classic rock - I really don't hate when it comes to music, except country. Right now, I dig the Black Keys, Radiohead, Gregory Alan Isakov, The Avett Brothers, Lord Huron, Otis Redding, St. Paul and the Broken Bones

I read a lot of science books, whether it be about the human body, the science of sleep or of flatulence. Next up: "Proof: The Science of Booze."

Algo increíble que he hecho

I'm a little over halfway seeing all 50 US states. I'm maybe 40% through seeing all US National Parks and I hope to finish these in the next 10 years. I went dog sledding, fed reindeer and (pretended to) drink at an Ice Bar in an Ice Hotel (so stupid expensive) which were the highlight of my 28th birthday. I also hiked along the Latvian Coast to do a trash pickup in the midst of writing my masters dissertation - totally worth it.

I really can't pick one thing. I'm grateful to have done the things I've done and seen the things I've seen. No one thing makes up for a memorable experience. Again, the people I've shared it with, whether it was a cooked meal, floating a river, or dressing up as a giant beer bottle at a beer festival, are the ones who make for amazing times.

Enseña, aprende, comparte

Some yoga moves, water conservation (indoor and outdoor), some landscaping skills, knots, pick a muscle and I'll pick an exercise for it, I love crafting. I'm down to go climbing, hiking or a bouncehouse. I'm learning banjo, but sloooooowly. I'm all about trying things I've never tried before at least once so bring it on! Gosh I wish I had something more to offer, but I'm not musically inclined and I'm not that great at braiding hair. Perhaps you could teach me!

Qué puedo ofrecer a los anfitriones

I'm down for anything. I'm also really helpful and am happy to help with chores, a house project your working on, walking your dog, or anything that needs an extra pair of hands! I'm a great listener and can offer a beer/coffee/your drink of choice with some good conversation. I love learning people's life philosophy and their experiences growing up.

Países que he visitado

Costa Rica, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom

Países en los que he vivido

United Kingdom, United States