I am a Cuban-American freelance writer and mama times three from the Pacific Northwest who recently (and long-term-temporarily) relocated to Broward County, Florida. My published work usually tends toward the journalistic side (op-eds, reported pieces, blog posts, personal essays) and focuses on social justice, addiction sciences, and mental health. My passion writing is usually speculative fiction. Right now I'm reading through The Time Traveler's Almanac (non-linearly), and binge-watching iZombie on Netflix...which so makes me miss home. Credits include Vice, Politico Magazine, Vox, Talk Poverty, HealthyPlace, Ozy, and Racked, among others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Due to some unforeseen shadiness on the part of people I probably should have known better than to trust, the home I was supposed to be renting (at a great deal!) here is no longer available. I also had my bag stolen! And I was stung by a wasp! So basically I need a change of luck. Which translates to: I need to crash somewhere safe and indoors (by myself; my kids have a place to stay until I am settled) while I rack up a few assignments, wait on my new debit card, and find my own place. I'm also open to renting an affordable week by week room, but until I find that, it would be awesome to have a safe place indoors to sleep/maybe work. Access to wifi would be awesome, but even just a couch to crash on works. I can always use the library! I really like meeting interesting people, but also need to be able to say "hey I need a minute to myself" without anyone being offended by it. Honesty is important.

This site has changed a lot since I was last on it, so I'm sending friend requests to people? If that's weird or I should stop doing that, someone tell me please (but be nice about it preferably)!

Interests

• writing
• books
• movies
• traveling
• swimming
• journalism
• psychology
• beaches
• theatre
• science fiction
• family
• kids
• veganism
• netflix
• sunshine
• mental health
• seattle
• science fiction movies
• honesty
• musical theatre
• fantasy books
• speculative fiction
• west coast
• intelligent conversations
• swimming in the sea
• liberal politics
• addiction sciences

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Nirvana / The Beatles
Movies: Birdman
TV Show: Black Mirror
Books: American Gods

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I swam with a sea turtle in Hawai'i
I accomplished my lifelong (okay since teenagehood) dream of being published by Vice Media and now that's a pretty regular thing
I gave birth, three times
I got to interview Bessel Van Der Kolk

Oh, that's four. Or is it seven?

Teach, Learn, Share

Ahh...I'd prefer not to be touched by strangers as a general rule? Talking, hanging out etc is cool but please respect my bodily autonomy. I don't mean that in a "if you brush my arm I'll stab you" kind of way, more of a, "I've been a female for 30 years" kind of way ;)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Intelligent conversation, a listening ear (off the record ;) ), and I can cook really good vegan food! Also space and quiet if that's what you need. I'm good at keeping to myself too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States