CURRENT MISSION

To make the most of my time here on Earth

ABOUT ME

I'm a werido, a goof, a swordfighter, a bibliophile, a collector of old things (books, typewriters, strange tools), a Girl Guide Leader, a vegetarian, and a lover of nature. I like to climb things, make stuff with my hands, swing dance, play ukulele in the park, and have adventures.

My idea of a great night is sitting around with a group of friendly people, playing instruments and singing and laughing with a few drinks and a table full of snacks!
visited 13 states (5.77%)Create your own visited map of The World or Like this? try: Google Chat Bot

PHILOSOPHY

I'm an optimistic existentialist. I believe it is our duty to give life meaning. I believe that it is our vulnerabilities that make us beautiful. I believe in being open and genuine. I believe that the most important thing to teach children is to question authority and ask "why?" I don't believe that life should be played "safe": I believe in challenging my fears and taking risks. I believe in living passionately.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I haven't had the opportunity (read: place of my own) to host before, but I've couchsurfed, and gone to meetings, and helped out other CSers in town (set up with cell phones and pointed out cheap places to eat, etc)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am continually astounded by people's generosity! The kindness shown to me by total strangers never ceases to amaze me and I am forever thankful for it. I can't wait to pay it forward when I finally have a couch to share!

Interests

Used book stores, turning trash into art, crafts, collage, knitting, flea markets and thrift stores, music, ukulele, climbing trees and mountains, yoga, Renaissance fencing, swing/blues dancing, reading, cooking/baking, gardening, communal dinners, laughing, board games, D&D (don't judge!) and other such things.

• arts
• culture
• books
• singing
• diy
• dancing
• cooking
• baking
• vegetarian
• yoga
• running
• drinking
• crafts
• gardening
• thrifting
• politics
• board games
• reading
• juggling
• knitting
• music
• piano
• blues
• fencing
• rock climbing
• tourism
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Books are number one in my life. Fav authors are J.D Salinger, Hunter S. Thompson, Clive Barker, Terry Pratchett. Fav book is "Frankenstein". I usually have several books on the go (currently reading "A Short History of Progress", "SuperFreakonimics" and a couple collections of articles by Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky). When I'm not reading non-fiction, I escape with graphic novels and and stories of alternate worlds and everyday magic. I collect fairy tales and world mythology.

My music taste changes with my mood. Used to be strictly punk (Nomeansno has always been a staple), but things have changed as I've aged. I love discovering new sounds. My current playlist includes The Books, Iron and Wine, Caravan Palace, Wax Tailor, Mumford and Sons, Tryo, Beats Antique, Flogging Molly, Rancid, and (always) Tom Waits. Anything I can sing or jump along to.

My favorite instruments are the accordion, banjo and ukulele. I'm learning the uke right now, so I can transfer to banjo. Most of the songs I know how to play are by The Cure, Joy Division, Postal Service, The Weakerthans (I like the juxtaposition of playing sad songs on the happiest instrument ever). I also just bought an accordion that I'm going to teach myself how to play!

I don't watch a lot of movies, but I love everything Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Wes Anderson do. I watch The Daily Show for my "funny news" and the Rachel Maddow Show for my "angry news", and listen to a podcast called Citizen Radio. I love documentaries and watch tv online. I get addicted to ones like Dr. Who, Firefly, Archer, Venture Bros, Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've ridden on a rogue elephant on the run, I watched my friend give birth, I've swung on a 10 metre trapeze into a river, I climbed a mountain in my bare feet, I hiked the Kalalau Trail and lived to tell the tale.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm huge into the DIY culture and a big part of that is sharing our knowledge with each other!

TEACH: I'd love to teach you to make your own soap, lip balm, shaving cream, or deodorant. I could show you how to make a book, sew a sock monkey, make jewelry, knit a scarf, or even teach you how to swordfight or play an instrument (choice of ukulele, piano or clarinet)

LEARN: I'd love to learn fun, useless things like juggling, unicycling, and new dance moves. If you know how to play accordion and banjo, I would be an eager student. I love learning about the politics and social structures of different cultures, so please do share! Also, I want to learn how to build a cob house or Earthship, so if you happen to have one on the go... hey, free labour! ;)

SHARE: As your guest, I would be happy to cook for you or keep your place tidy while I'm there. If you play an instrument (or sing), I'd love to jam with you. If you're into rockclimbing, we could do that together, too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Ireland, Laos, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada