I'm a semi-retired (from IT) disabled veteran working on my PhD in media psychology. I've lived a very eclectic life. Some of my adventures have included: decades in the Army (active and reserve) as both enlisted and as an officer, full-time academic immersion (PhD studies), teacher, massage therapist, martial artist, Reiki practitioner, vagabond (I've hitchhiked all over the US), mother of four, grandmother, civil-rights activist, engineer, barefoot runner, powerlifter, bodybuilder, burner..

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I often travel for academic and technology conferences and as a vet on a fixed income I need to keep my travel expenses down. I also love meeting new people. I've made countless friends through my travels and look forward to finding more kindred spirits to share time and laughs with in the future.

Interests

I love working with metal and wood to create things. I work on cars for fun, ride motorcycles, am an avid reader, exercise enthusiast, and love to dance. My academic studies also have a focus on immersive media (virtual reality / augmented reality) and I'm happy to chat about advances and potential in this arena.

• cats
• dogs
• dancing
• cooking
• bodybuilding
• yoga
• running
• meditation
• technology
• movies
• minimalism
• music
• cycling
• psychology
• travelling
• nature
• media
• virtual reality
• burning man
• lgbt friendly
• barefoot running
• dancing in the rain
• augmented reality
• metal art

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to most everything except gangsta rap and depressing country music. I appreciate great film, and love losing myself in books. When I was younger it was mostly fantasy and sci-fi but its since branched to a variety of quality fiction genres.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Only one?? I regularly do amazing things. :) I've hitchhiked across the country, told bad jokes to senators as a keynote speaker, laughed with my grandchild, and cried with my kids. I've also loved in exotic places, danced until the sun rose at Burning Man, found my tribe, earned advanced degrees, and led troops into foreign conflicts.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can educate or talk about LGBTQ+ culture and what it means to be a redhead (we are actually a minority - I was teased horribly as a child). I can teach someone to feel the music and dance (think clubs, not ballroom). I love learning new things from people whether its culture, trivia, or simply what they're passionate about.

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a student of media psychology, I can share insights on the relationship between media, the narrative, and identity. I'm also a decent cook, suck at telling jokes, have a bad poker face, but a quick wit and a ready laugh. I connect well with people and am usually good at making people feel comfortable. I'm an excellent listener (studied to be a therapist originally).

Countries I’ve Visited

Cuba, Haiti, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States