Whenever I am asked to fill out an "About Me" section, I always think of the quote by Whitman "Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I am vast. I contain multitudes". It seems so hard to reduce a human life into sentences, but here are some of my "multitudes", at any rate.
I am a speech pathologist for a large hospital and love my job immensely. I am also a visual artist, working mainly in charcoal, ink, watercolor, and oils, though I like to branch out into other directions from time to time as well.
I hold a brown belt in the Shoren Ryu style of karate. I love to cook. I devour books like they were some sort of scarce, delicious food. Sparrows make me happy, as do bats, toads, and rodents of all kinds. I'm learning Japanese and know a smattering of sign language as well.
And finally, though I suppose it is almost a given in a forum like this, I have a deep abiding thirst for travel and exploration, though I have yet to leave the United States.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have several couch surfer friends who have recommended it very highly as a way to immerse more fully and authentically while traveling, and I'd like to experience this as well.

Interests

• arts
• books
• martial arts
• languages
• food

Music, Movies, and Books

So ridiculously many on all counts, although more heavily weighted towards books and music than movies.

For books I am across the board, from cognitive neuroscience to fantasy, from classic English literature to comics. Some of my favorite authors are Neil Gaiman, David Mack, T.S. Eliot, Rumi, George R. R. Martin and George Lakoff.

For music, I am similarly scattered. I enjoy most genres, especially jazz, metal, gothic, piano rock, and indie pop. Some of my favorite bands are The Cure, Leonard Cohen, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, and The New Fall of Man.

For movies, I primarily like comedy, but am intrigued by a smattering of most things. The Crow, Interview With A Vampire, Lost Boys, and Clockwork Orange are some of my favorites, which I realize completely belies the comedy preference.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Wrestled alligators (if that is considered amazing). It's a thing I've done, at any rate. Decide the amazing merit yourself!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will gladly cook for you, draw you a picture, or engage in conversation on almost any topic you care to name. I can share stories and experiences, and hopefully some laughter as well.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States