CURRENT MISSION

to do something every week that scares me

ABOUT ME

I like long walks on the beach and pina coladas in the rain or not. Just kidding. I mean both are true. But this is not some cheesey dating site. I've been told I'm a guys' girl, meaning I'm laidback, content to watch or play sports and just enjoy life. Professionally I'm a freelance journalist so my schedule's pretty flexible, which rocks. I've also been in D.C. for 8 years now so I know the city pretty well, am happy to show visitors around.

PHILOSOPHY

"Life is too important to be taken seriously." Oscar Wilde said it and I believe it. Smiles, laughter and a stellar sense of humor can conquer anything. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt until they show you that they don't deserve this luxury. Everything really boils down to constantly learning and constantly searching for what your true contribution to this world is.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I joined years ago when I was backpacking through Europe for a month and thought this would be a real and raw way to see places - through locals' eyes. In turn, if you are in DC, hit me up and we can have adventures exploring my current home.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far very minimal. When I moved to DC it was incredibly hard to find permanent living so I couchsurfed. And every time I go to NY I couch surf. Once I had an awful dream and started screaming in my sleep. But that's all I've got at the moment. I think I'd be a good guest, though, because I'd be happy to help with dishes, cleaning, etc. And I'm a good host, but just one with a very small studio apartment so it's hard for me to open up my actual place (and couch) to you.

Interests

Anything? Wow. Well, as a writer I love to read and write. A good beer, gin or martini makes me grin. Yoga keeps me sane. I've run a few marathons, so running, hiking and biking are definite high points. Ice cream and pizza are absolutely sublime, and I'm trying to be a better cook so that I can tackle the new foods I enjoy trying. I used to surf, would love to do that again.

• writing
• cooking
• beer
• yoga
• running
• instructor
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• scuba diving
• sports
• freelancing
• journalism
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

fave author of all time is Kurt Vonnegut. Lately I've been reading a lot of travel books. I love several by a lady named Alice Steinbach. Also Hemingway, To Kill a Mockingbird, On the Road. Some music I love: No Doubt, Weezer, Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Joss Stone, the Doves, been grooving to Elbow and the Verve as of late. The greatest movies ever were the Rocky movies. What else do I love: The Anniversary Party, Kill Bill. I'm coming up blank but I'll think of more in a bit.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

sky diving. The biggest rush ever. I hope to do more similar things. I did it tandem and forced the instructor to flip several times out of the plane. Given a bit of money and time I'd get certified to jump out of the plane solo.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Canada, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Spain

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