A little about me, I am from a small town called Hebron, IL, but I moved a lot in my youth and young adulthood. I have traveled to over 30 states, and several countries. My love for travel started young when I was introduced to people and cultures different than my own. My favorite places I ever traveled to I ended up making my home. The Pacific Northwest is my happy place and the best place to call home for me. Since moving out west I have finished a Bachelor's in Psychology, met my partner, had a son, and have fallen in love with the mountains, waterfalls, cycling/mountain biking, hiking, camping, coffee, food, gardening, and the people. I love interacting with those that can cut through small talk and get to the good stuff...talks of life, meaning, love, hate, etc. but of course small talk is good too. I like to consider myself a go with the flow sort of person and ready for what life may throw my way.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Everyone has their own priorities while traveling, I (along with my family) tend to focus more on the human experience and meeting others. We enjoy traveling as much as we can (big or small trips) and that's more possible when you can stay with someone rather than putting a good part of your budget towards lodging. It makes more trips attainable.

Interests

There really isn't much that I'm not interested in. So far I find many things enjoyable and most likely will enjoy new experiences as well. But for a quick snap shot of my interests I enjoy hiking, cooking/eating food/beverage, dancing, singing, laughing, exploring, yoga, kayaking, photography, biking, art, and many many more beautiful things life has to offer.

• dogs
• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• singing
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• yoga
• gardening
• thrifting
• traveling
• socializing
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• gender studies
• philosophy
• psychology
• mountain biking
• wines
• foods
• social justice
• learning
• creating
• campfires
• beverages
• asl
• diy projects
• creating memories
• window shopping

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy (just about) any style of music, especially those with the ability to produce it live.

I have recently rekindled my love relationship with books and started up a book club in my current town. We read a variety of books and genres, the only genre I am not interested in is horror. I don't do scary. My favorite most recent book that I thoroughly enjoyed was "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. If you haven't read his work I strongly recommend it.

Movies are not my forte, I prefer TV shows over Movies, but like I said I have recently rekindled my love for books and haven't really felt an interest in them. Although Documentaries and Docu-series about travel, food, some political/social justice, law, home remodel, education, etc. have always been enjoyable to me as well.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It's difficult to pick just one because I am truly proud of the hurdles I've overcome and the various things I have achieved; but of the more recent things that I have done that I think is pretty awesome, is give birth to my son. He is a year and a half now and is my greatest teacher in slowing down, being patient, meditating through intense moments, regaining my imagination, and channeling pure joy.

Teach, Learn, Share

"True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing." ~Socrates

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation and Hugs!

Countries I’ve Visited

Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Thailand, United Kingdom