CURRENT MISSION

To live the questions and not the answers

ABOUT ME

At the most basic level, I am a Caucasian girl of German/Irish/Native American descent who currently lives in San Marcos, Texas. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and my heart is still there- I am probably in Austin just as much as I am San Marcos.

I'm a Gemini, and traveling (at least occasional, but often preferred) is nearly necessary in order for me to feel content. My love of traveling stems from many aspects of who I am, none of which I would solely blame on being a Gemini -but most of which seem to fall under the category of being a "stereotypical Gemini." Some examples: addicted to adventure, changeable, a "wanderer" versatile, flexible,lover of culture and anything related to new/different cultures, restless, inquisitive, curious, etc etc. I don't like to be in one place for too long...there is too much to see. I feel like I can make "home" wherever I go.

I have a child-like fascination with all of the world, and I long to see as much of it as I can before I leave it.

I love visiting museums/sights of all kinds, or gorging myself on foods that are local. (Kidding about the gorging prt- but I won't lie, I know how to eat.) Getting into outdoorsy activities, strolling the streets, sitting in a cafe and soaking up surroundings/people-watching are musts for me- I'm more of a sponge than a high maintenance traveler. Absolutely no need for luxuries, expensive entertainment or shopping. I would take random adventures, cheap wine, and good conversation over just about anything.

I want to make as many friends around the world as I can.

I am an Journalism major and minoring in art and Photography, so obviously I am really interested in creative endeavors of any and all kinds. My career choice was chosen solely from my mutual love of travel, writing, and photography- I think good journalism is a dying breed, especially in regards to integrity and truth, but I am drawn to the career by my desire to be a part of a revitalization in the education and enlightenment of others, and by all the diverse possibilities for making lasting changes in the lives of people all over the globe- "giving voice to the voiceless." As cliche as it sounds, my most important goals in life are to do what i can to improve and touch the lives of others, even in small and simple ways, and to love- to explore what that word means through everything surrounding me, regardless of where I am and with whom.

Traveling is my utter liberation. I couldn't put it better than my best friend, Samantha- "it purges all of the negative energy and leaves me refreshed."

Some of my favorite things in no particular order: yoga, rock-climbing, belly-dancing (or generally dancing of any kind, even bad), laughing (at myself too), cooking and baking, my Sheltie puppy Luna, weird jewelry, garage sales/flea markets, writing and reading all sorts of nonsense, sudden inspiration, mountains, beards, rainbow things (don't ask, hot tea,rivers, hiking,trees, vinyl, Otis Redding, learning about others, natural health, and sweet potatoes.

I'm very laid-back, down to earth, and I'm a kind and compassionate person. I'm easy to be around and I respect my hosts and visitors alike- their time, property, space, preferences. I'll make sure to clean up after myself and help the host with anything he/she needs. I was raised in a home that was open and welcomed everyone with open arms- I'm not the least bit against giving up my bed for a guest and sleeping on the floor. I am not picky....except about the type of chocolate i eat. But that doesn't affect you, does it?

When I'm not traveling and am busy with school (or, am station for awhile) I would love nothing more to host or to show visitors around Austin and San Marcos. I know plenty of good places to grab some coffee or a drink, and some of my favorite things to do are simply meet new people and make new friends.

PHILOSOPHY

I tend to live moment to moment and take things as they come- I make my decisions as I go, and often deal with the repercussions afterward.

However, I'm happy to say that all the decisions I have made- even and especially those that led to pain, challenge, or change- have molded me into the person I am and am proud to be. I'm very happy and grateful to live the life I live and have lived, to be who I am and to be surrounded by wonderful people. I honestly believe that above all else, you have to learn how to listen to yourself- your heart, your body, the spirit behind the jungle of your mind-and be okay with making mistakes and taking chances. Sometimes it is better and more beneficial to learn the hard way instead of taking the safe or easy way out- its important to do what is difficult and challenge yourself some way (even a small one) every day.

I wouldn't be able to feel fulfilled if I lived inside my comfort zone.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I want to experience culture in new and varied ways like a true native- if I can spend time with my host and learn about their country/city from their perspectives, then I can be truly satisfied that I have experienced the country/city to the fullest, in its most raw and real form.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I couch-surfed in Berlin, Germany and made an incredible friend there- my roommate and I stayed on his floor (I don't expect a couch, by the way! Just some good will and company) and all three of us made a terrific dinner together, exchanged views, and laughed over stereotypes. I have also met some fabulous people that were visiting my city and just wanted to hang out with natives.

Interests

Writing, photography, art, art history, biking, traveling, dancing, karaoke, literature, culture, food, animals, rock-climbing, hiking, camping, kayaking, yoga, languages, people, green/natural living, oriental/natural medicine and acupuncture, reading, films, animals

• animals
• arts
• culture
• writing
• literature
• poetry
• photography
• dancing
• education
• dining
• cooking
• chocolate
• wine
• coffee
• baking
• yoga
• drinking
• shopping
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• garage sales
• karaoke
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• rock climbing
• art history
• teaching
• history
• journalism
• languages
• medicine
• rivers
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Y Tu Mama Tambien, Life is Beautiful, the Fountain, Constant Gardener, A Single Man, Black Swan, City of God
World music: "Afro-carribean funk-rock," African, Cuban, French house
Soul, jazz, bluegrass, funk, blues, rock, alternative, classic rock
VINYL
Erykah Badu, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Iron and Wine, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Feist, Regina Spektor, Norah Jones, the Swell Season, Demon Fuzz, Wilco, Andrew Bird, Muse, Bob Dylan
Lolita, Milan Kundera, Bukowski, Rick Bass. Vonnegut, Faulkner, Plath, Hemingway, Neruda. Lives of Rocks, Letters to a Young Poet, Alchemist,the Celestine Prophecy, What Dreams may Come, A New Earth, Into the Wild, Belinda, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Omnivore's Dilemma, Catcher in the Rye, Moby Dick, Food of the Gods, Invisible Cities, Blue Highways

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have snorkeled the world's second largest barrier reef in Belize and swam with sharks/manatees/sea turtles; I have caved in the Mayan underworld of Guatemala and Belize; I have seen and been mesmerized by the ruins of Tikal; I have explored the rain forests and tiny, colonial or indigenous towns of Central America.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am more than willing to help with teaching others in English- writing, English, and literature are my strong points and I will do whatever I can to help you improve your reading/writing/English. I'm also open to helping you critique or improve your writing, poetry, art, photography- we can exchange criticism and ideas and experiences! I'm also a terrific cook and would be more than happy to teach what I know, or cook for you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belize, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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