I have a beautiful home 23 miles outside of downtown Chicago right on the Metro train line and two blocks from Lake Michigan. I have three very kind children; only one is in the house at the moment. I also have a sweet dog that looks a bit like Toto from the Wizard of Oz and two very chill Ragdoll kitties. I graduated from Northwestern University and run a company in Chicago offering wellness services to residents and travelers and manage several rental properties around the country. I like to ski, cook, do yoga, knit, run, golf, watch old Twilight Zones, go to coffee shops and see movies. I also am very bad at the violin. My children are the biggest part of my life, though, and luckily, they are pretty awesome!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I hosted a family for 10 days from Hong Kong through my daughter's music conservatory and enjoyed it t. My friend recommended Couchsurfing to me when I asked him how he could afford to travel so much! However, the hosting is really my main interest as I've never traveled using this platform. I have a large house and enjoy sharing it with others and cooking dinner for everyone. My family loves meeting people from around the world-discussing cultural differences, geography and languages, etc. It's so exciting to see things through a visitor's eyes. We always feel lucky even though the visitor is usually the one saying thanks! I think it's important to share our abundance and learn about other people. I'm so dismayed when I tell folks that we host strangers and they only focus on how dangerous it could be. Seriously? I suppose this is one outcome, but we've only had amazing experiences!!!

Music, Movies, and Books

I like anything my children are playing in general--rap, musicals, trance music, pop... I'm not too picky because almost every genre has great music, in my opinion!

I really like action adventure, but a good drama works, too. I'm currently rewatching House MD.
The last movie I watched was Parasite. .

I am currently reading Traction. It's a business book. I just finished reading Tom Lake, The Women, Our Town (the play) and Remarkably Creatures. I love to read.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've done three. My children!

Noah 21 and in the film program of U of U. Of course, his favorite thing is sleeping late and hanging out with friends! He is thinking about law school when he's not skiing., filming for the Jazz, TAing, writing screenplays or his thesis.

Opal is gorgeous and has the voice of an angel. She sings, and likes to workout, run and cook. She is 18 and just got into her first-choice university. She started at U of Miami Frost School of Music this August in their music therapy program.

Abel, 16, is all things cars, sports and movies. He watches and rates movies, walks dogs, works at a local sandwich shop, enjoys cooking and loves language and studying foreign countries and history. He is very curious and a fantastic conversationalist. You will probably run into him during your visit!

Teach, Learn, Share

My passion is exercise and knitting. I am very healthy most days and often inspire people to get healthy themselves. Don't worry, I'm no zealot! I am happy to take you for coffee, show you around Highland Park and put you on a train to Chicago. I can also cook well and enjoy feeding people! If you visit from another country I willI speak very clearly and slowly if English isn't your native tongue! I am kind of busy all the time with my company, my kids and my daily lists, but never too busy to host!!!! I’ve never used CS for travel but hope to do so one day!

I have a few requests if you want to use my home as your base...
Fill out the verification questions and put some thought into your bio, photos, etc . You are saving thousands of dollars on hotels, getting free room and board and relying on the hospitality of others. Take the time to do these basics on the website even if they cost a few dollars.

Show up on time. I don't want folks changing their dates and times. I commit to be there for you, I expect the same.

Put the toilet seat lid down,; flush it!
Turn off the lights.
Strip your bed and put your towels in the basement.
Don't let the kitties outside.
Clean up after yourself.
Pretty reasonable, right? I'm not your mama.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm not really sure. I'm pretty non-offensive and normal! My children are polite and fun. If you stay with me I can not be your all-day tour guide, but I will happily give you great free room and board! Our house is big and comfy. You will feel safe and welcomed! I can give you advice about sites and restaurants but I'm not a concierge. You may know the city better than I do by the time you leave!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Greece, Guadeloupe, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico