CURRENT MISSION

Exploring and studying

ABOUT ME

I'm a 20-something runner who loves to read and drink coffee. I dislike cliches, but always end up bumping into them. I like to send puppy pictures to my boyfriend when I'm upset. Nothing makes me happier than cards received via mailbox. I sing. I can't buy chocolate bars without eating them all at once, and I've discovered a new-found appreciation for red wine. I love to write, and I keep a journal and two blogs.

PHILOSOPHY

I try to be aware. I don't commit myself to one specific way of thinking. Through someone else's eyes I can discover a lot more than if I have one specific framework I try to gaze through.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

If you're ever in my part of VA and would like to grab a coffee--let me know!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I experienced couchsurfing for the first time April 29-May 2 in Bordeaux, France, and it was a great experience. I'm looking forward to doing it again, and wish I had known about it sooner! It's such a great way to meet new people and to learn about the city in which I am staying.

Interests

Seeking out cardinals that hide in trees, running past black cats who stalk their taunting tree-inhabiting prey, breathing in fresh air, glimpsing snow-capped mountains; adrenaline rushes, good conversations, hearty laughs, and delicious meals.

• cats
• culture
• books
• singing
• dining
• chocolate
• wine
• red wine
• coffee
• marathon
• running
• drinking
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Florence and the Machine, Jason Mraz, Mumford and Sons, Natalie MacMaster, Mika, Dave Matthews Band
Books: Anything Toni Morrison or Barbara Kingsolver; I also loved Little Bee and Gold by Chris Cleave, The Pickup by Nadine Gordimer; "Richard III" is currently my favorite work from Shakespeare
Movies: Stranger than Fiction, Midnight in Paris, Amélie, Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind, Ratatouille, Up!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My first marathon last fall, 2012
Studying abroad in France for a semester, 2013
Being inside St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, 2013

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: My life, my experiences; I can also talk about books for hours. I love discussion.
Learn: Anything, all; culture through language, customs by participation, and food by meals!
Share: Love, happiness, graciousness; I'd love to swap stories!

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States