CURRENT MISSION

to use my talents for good, not evil

ABOUT ME

I've ended up teaching all over the world and now write musicals. I believe in following the clear, bright line of your life. Of course, along that line are all sorts of detours (don't ask how I ended up in Nashville...), which I love, and lots of excursions. I've had a slew of jobs - I owned a cafe for five years, opened a Spanish sales division for a publisher in Chicago, taught music in Mexico for three years, and worked at Yellowstone National Park (grill cook). I believe in being honest, fun, fair, and silly.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've hosted random people before, just never from a website. I've found that most people are trustworthy and have something to offer. Most of my best friends were found randomly - a conversation on the metro, same room at the hostel, sitting next to each other on a plane. Most life-long travelers have a common thread, which makes us easily compatible.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I met a guy in a chat room for Mate lovers (that's ma-te, the green tea... not "mate" like a spouse... although you probably know that!) and ended up living with his family for three months in Uruguay. They are truly my second family. Just because you don't know someone yet doesn't mean they won't become your best and favorite friend... or possible stalker. It's a toss up, but I'd rather dive into the pool than tremble at the edges.

Interests

Composing, reading, writing plays and stories, publishing, singing, playing the piano, collecting and learning to play new instruments.

I love teaching, taking classes, making new dishes, feeding friends, going somewhere new, laughing hard, swimming in fresh and salt water, being up on the mountain (either skiing, drinking hot chocolate, or sledding).

I love the theater, dancing (tango, Cuban son, Zorba the Greek impressions...), and learning new languages... Atomic era finds and mid-century modern furniture... my sister's paintings, her boyfriend's songs... I enjoy my family and my two little cats.

• cats
• writing
• singing
• theater
• beauty
• dancing
• tango
• cooking
• chocolate
• drinking
• reading
• billiards
• music
• piano
• skiing
• swimming
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Antonia's Line, Ma Vie en Rose, L'Argent du Poche, French Kiss (I know!), Oscar and Lucinda, anything about far off places, interesting people, or post-apocalyptic messes.

Music: Anything that moves me and fits the moment... which is often Cuban, Brazilian, and Indie/Pop and almost never heavy metal, top 40, or angry raps.

Books: Ahab's Wife, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Galapagos, Not Wanted on the Voyage, Geek Love... I love reading and tear through three or four books a month.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A student that I encouraged to try out for one of my plays recently emailed me and told me that he's been cast as "Chip" (the little cup) in Beauty and the Beast in Mexico City. It's amazing to see a person grow, shine, and realize their dreams... especially at age 9. I'm so proud of him and proud to have been a part of what helped him on his way.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm good at teaching English language, music composition, and basic piano. I can throw together a meal and show you how or direct you to a friendly publishing house.

I want to learn all about wherever you're from and who you are - what was it like to grow up where you did? What did you enjoy? Who are you?

I'm also interested in learning to speak Russian... my Rosetta Stone is proving bulky. Can you help? :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States, Uruguay