CURRENT MISSION

To expand friendships with people of all beliefs, so that my kids grow without fear or prejudice. I sometimes hate being in middle America, and with no money to travel, my kids see the world only through what I present to them.

ABOUT ME

I am a traveler trapped by circumstances. In 1983 I was ready to begin world travel with my friend Maria when a motorcycle accident changed the course of things for me. I married the following year and my husband and I went on to have EIGHT fabulous kids. That wasn't the original plan, but I'm not much of a planner. If you come to stay with us, you'll find that out. Don't expect a big fuss here. We're very laid back. Currently only 4 of the kids live here. The boys at home are 15 and 12. The girls are 18, 7. Our 25 year old son lives in Puerto Rico with his wife. The 23 year old son travels extensively, but right now works and lives in Chicago with his wife. Our 21 year old daughter is living in Ashland, Oregon. The 19 year old daughter is in college at University of WI, Whitewater. I love comedy, such as Mystery Science Theater 3000, Monty Python, Daily Show, Colbert Report, Funny or Die, etc., and gadgets in general. I and several of the kids have a neuromuscular disease, Mitochondrial Myopathy, so we can't do really physical things, but we love our city and find ways to explore it anyway. Our downtown is great, and very accessible.

PHILOSOPHY

Live and let live. I get very upset with conservatives and their hypocrisy. If you are of that vein of thinking, you probably would not enjoy staying with me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I made a donation. I have many couches available. We've hosted some great people!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Before this website existed (or at least before I knew about it) we heard about a young man visiting our area from Norway. Audun needed a place to stay while he was visiting my son's friend, Andrew. But Andrew had known Audun only through the internet, and Andrew's Mom didn't want an internet stranger staying in her home. So we jumped at the chance. I am pleased to say that his visit was wonderful, and that he is not only now a friend, but I consider him an extended family member.
With C.S. we have met lots of great people; not one bad experience.

Interests

Books, improv, writing, comedy, politics--very liberal.

• writing
• books
• theater
• education
• politics
• traveling
• teaching
• religion
• science
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Life Is Beautiful; Zoolander; Royal Tennebaums: LIFE AQUATIC with Steve Zisso

Mumford and Sons

Every book I've ever finished

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have been to Guatemals with my oldest son, who was a volunteer with Common Hope (commonhope.org) I saw a volcano, but more importantly I spent a week with my son. It was awesome spending that time with him. I met some of the poorest people, being helped through education, at New Hope Village. It changed my entire world view, and my view of religion.

Teach, Learn, Share

I really find that as I get older I have less and less tolerance for those with narrow opinions and no ability to laugh. At the same time, I think it's important to work for peace and justice. I hope that visitors to my home will look for not only a place to sleep, but for friends along the way. Since we can't afford to travel with our kids, I hope to bring some of the world to them.

Countries I’ve Visited

Guatemala, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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