I am a Taiwanese American living in Perth, Western Australia. A California girl born and raised, I moved here from Portland, Oregon in February of 2015. I have traveled extensively during my 17-year career in international business development, with passport stamps to over 16 countries (including 28 to China, though I've never been to the Great Wall). I was fortunate to experience the joys and tribulations that come from a decade of marriage with two beautiful stepchildren (plus 3 dogs, 2 rabbits, and a guinea pig named Harry...) I look forward to starting this new chapter of my life as a traveler, writer, and entrepreneur. That I grew up in a Buddhist monastery called the City of 10,000 Buddhas is just one of the interesting things about me. I would describe myself as creative, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I am a "glass half empty" person, but a lifelong student of the fine and illusive art of sustainable positivity. Some people get inspired by running to the beat of "Eye of the Tiger" but my motivation is best embodied in one of Rudyard Kipling's lesser known works, the poem "If." And although I'm not a big fan of his work, I thought Picasso was brilliant when he said this: "Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Exploring Australia

Interests

I enjoy yoga, cooking, reading, horseback riding, and mentoring youth. Nothing pleases me more than warm sunshine, blue skies, and beautiful conversations with beautiful minds. Oh, and dogs.

• dogs
• rabbits
• arts
• writing
• cooking
• yoga
• running
• reading
• stamps
• equestrian
• business
• entrepreneurship

Music, Movies, and Books

I love music of all kinds, from classical and folk to reggae and rock. I enjoy foreign films and indie films as much as I enjoy superhero blockbusters, Oscar winners and romantic comedies. I loved Forrest Gump and Fight Club. I will read anything on the NYT bestsellers list but particularly enjoy memoirs and biographies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Flew in a helicopter over Mt. St Helens 30 years after its eruption

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Mexico, Taiwan