Midwest born and raised, I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Des Moines, Iowa with my family in time to attend high school. Arizona State University called to me for grad school, and the beauty of the desert has held me captive ever since!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meeting people with interesting stories is a fun hobby of mine and finding any excuse for new adventures is another. I have always enjoyed traveling and often rely on the kindness of strangers in my own travels. I have the most free time during the summer and thought there was no better time than the present to meet up with fellow travelers, and possibly host. I haven't hosted or been hosted before, so I'm looking forward to learning more about the couchsurfing culture, meeting new people, and hopefully soon my first experience! I'm very active and have been in the Valley for about 9 years now, so I like to think I have some good insight for anyone looking for it.

Interests

Running is one of my favorite activities- both on the road and trails. There are a few local groups that meet up on a weekly basis. Let me know if you're in town for a half marathon or a mud run and maybe I'll join you. Arizona has amazing landscapes, sunsets and fun trails! If you're up for it, we could meet up and hike Camelback Mountain, it's one of my favorites and a "must-see" for visitors. I like to cook (typically simple and mostly healthy), but I'm a much better baker. I love to try new recipes, but frosted sugar cookies are my specialty. I'm trying to learn how to two-step (country dancing) and look for any opportunity to practice. I also camp and backpack...the Grand Canyon is next on my to-do list. I also spend my free time playing adult kickball, amateur sand volleyball, and indoor rock climbing. I just bought a cruiser bike and like any excuse to take it out for a leisurely ride with friends.

• culture
• beauty
• dancing
• cooking
• recipes
• marathon
• running
• traveling
• socializing
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• rock climbing
• volleyball
• swimming
• kickball

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to almost anything, country, oldies, pop, alternative. I enjoy a good action/adventure movie now and again, the drive-in movie theatre in Glendale is fun when it's cool enough. I don't do horror/triller movies. Recommend your favorite book, I'd love to add it to the list.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Locally? I hiked Havasu Falls near the Grand Canyon...a 10-mile hike in to swim in and under some of the most beautiful waterfalls. ever.

Teach, Learn, Share

We can practice our language skills in English or Spanish. We could exchange recipes for dinner and/or dessert! Anything is possible

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain