CURRENT MISSION

never stop living an adventure, even when at home

ABOUT ME

After being a biochemist at the turn of the century and then teacher in Japan, I'm now a ER nurse in Colorado. It's a winding beautiful path.

The long version:

I like variety. I like being curious. I like people and stories and new things. I'm also really enjoying settling into living in the rugged mountains, meeting people that I'll know for years to come and really creating something.

I like being outside, I'm way chill about bugs, sleeping in weird places, and being in groups of people who speak different languages than I do. I usually travel with a sleeping bag and ear plugs because wherever you are, there you are, even if it's bed time.

I'm into trying everything, learning everything, and staying in a good mood even if things are not as expected. Actually, I often like it when things are not as expected. Bring it! I'm game :)

PHILOSOPHY

the fun begins.
the adventures continue.
we all have more influence in making our world a better place than we think.

I think there is beauty in so many seemingly ordinary corners of the world.

I believe strongly in packing light yet am prone to accumulating lots and lots of maps.

I think thinking before you speak is good and listening before you speak is better.

I believe in taking risks and getting lost. I believe we need to find ourselves--reinvent ourselves-- over and over to become more whole.

I think we are all stronger than we think we are.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I host when I can. I surf when I can. I meet people for dinner or coffee when I can. I give advice when I feel I have some insight. I introduce new people to couchsurfing and spread the love.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I met a surfer girl at a far-too-drunk-all-night couchsurfer party and she told me that when she turned thirty she realized that life was too short to be doing anything except what she loved. That advice changed my life.
I helped broadcast a radioshow in middle of nowhere Northern Japan.
I hosted a lovely Spanish hitchhiking couple in Tokyo and then, over three years later when the March 2011 earthquake hit they thought of me and wanted to know if I was OK.
I ended up with roommates years later after meeting a couchsurfer living at my brother's house.
I think often of how much I would love to return to Guatemala City (which I initially was scared of) because of a CSer there.
I've met so many kindred spirits in the eddies of the whirlwind of traveling and life...

Interests

I'd rather read a book than watch TV. I'd rather read someone's blog than read the news. I'd rather get lost sometimes than always know the way. I'd rather live abroad. I'd rather save my money for traveling than for new clothes. I don't understand designer brands. I'd rather bike than drive. I'd rather have a sense of humor than take things seriously. I'd rather take pictures of people than of famous places.

I love dancing, music, singing. I love people watching, talking to strangers, and blowing bubbles in the park. I like walking from place to place when I have time.

I love hearing people's stories. Can you tell me yours?

• books
• poetry
• singing
• beauty
• dancing
• tango
• cooking
• coffee
• running
• walking
• clothing
• traveling
• socializing
• blogging
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• cartography
• teaching
• languages
• nursing
• hitchhiking
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I've read "Unbearable Lightness of Being" often. I have a used copy that is covered in notes and inscriptions from one person trying to win the love of another. I don't think it worked and the book ended up in a give-away bin. But. It now has layers of extra poetry that I love.

Ani DiFranco and the Rent soundtrack have probably been the most influential in my life, though I don't listen to them much anymore. The newer musical "Come From Away" makes me cry in the best way every time.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

cycling in traffic through downtown Tokyo at night
walking along the ancient city wall in Xi'an, China at sunset
doing 3 solo 1000km+ cycling trips in Japan (including one in the winter as seen in one of my old profile pictures)
dancing the Tango in Tokyo in a lightning storm
dreaming in a second and third language
walking away from a "successful life" that didn't make me happy for something with no guarantees but much more adventure
teaching toddlers and 1st graders
hiking an active volcano in Japan
running with pumas singing with parrots in Bolivia
being part of a team that successfully brought someone back to life after her heart stopped for 40 minutes
loving friends like family
falling in love over and over again

Teach, Learn, Share

I love dance and would love to learn more and might be able to teach you some. I am especially obsessed with Argentine Tango and West Coast Swing.

I could show you how to sew and alter your cloths. While this may seem like a boring skill, it is so useful and also produces fun stupid things like a Halloween costume made only out of bubble wrap and duct tape (plus a few staples for good measure).

I am learning how to tune up my road bike and would love to share tips.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I like to cook kale salads or this Israeli dish called Shakshuka that I learned when I was volunteering in Bolivia. I like to do your dishes. For real.

I can tell you all about Japan-- from my perspective as a 6 year expat
I can help you tune your bike or help you get ready for some bike commuting, touring, and maybe racing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Japan, United States

• 

•