I've held many jobs and positions over the years, never quite finding the "one" thing I wanted to do/be. I currently own/operate my own massage therapy business and do some teaching and tutoring on the side. That's the money making side of me. I also have been in a relationship going on 4 years now, living together in a lovely small quaint home in one of the most diverse areas on Kansas City. I'm an amateur artist and musician (seriously very amateur). And I try to balance my sanity on a daily basis ;)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I first got on couchsurfing because I was interested in exploring other cultures either through hosting people at home or by travel aboard. I've hosted many more people than I have visited, perhaps someday I will sleep on a few more couches ;)

Currently, I would say that I am on Couchsurfing for similar reasons. I enjoy traveling and exploring life. In particular I believe that Couchsurfing is a great way to grow community throughout the world. I would like to re-enter the couchsurfing community and share and learn from new people.

Interests

I am beginning to go through a phase where aesthetics are important to me - this has not be the case in my earlier life. Right now that means exploring visual arts, acquiring some pieces for my house, drawing, adding new clothes to my wardrobe etc.

Another large interest for me now is in project making. I just finished making a cajon (box drum) and have joined a local maker's space. I have a few ideas for my next projects but let's just wait and see ;) I'm also exploring fixing type project related to my house and car.

Past interests that are re-emerging right now. reading - especially young adult novels, rock climbing - finally making that a priority and spending more time with friends and family.

• animals
• arts
• dancing
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• woodworking
• music
• camping
• skiing
• rock climbing
• teaching
• parks
• ethnic food
• movement

Music, Movies, and Books

My current phase has me reading primarily fiction. I'm reading some Young Adult novels because I love how easy it is to be transported into the story. Examples: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Divergent - Veronica Roth, A Wrinkle in Time - Madelene d' Engle. I've previously read a lot of Spiritual and Self Help books e.g. Wild Mind - Bill Plotkin, Tao te Jing (this forms the core of my spiritual understanding). I enjoy Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Fantasy and Sci-Fi books. Still working on cataloging my collection on GoodReads!

Music. Widely varied selection of music I've listened to over the years. I'd say my go to genre is Singer-Songwriter the likes of Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Elephant Revival, Devandra Banhart, etc. I used to listen to a lot of Jam band music particularly Dave Matthews, JBT (John Butler Trio) and String Cheese Incident(still the one group I want to see live before I die!) I also enjoy listening to world sound music such as tribal music, Tibetan throat singing, Indian classical music, Latin music things that are typically deep, transportive and enriching to the soul.

Eh I'd have a hard time listing my favorite movies. But I CAN name a few favorite actors like Will Smith and Natalie Portman. I do like watching movies, but haven't been that into movies lately. I did just finish the final season of Breaking Bad and I found that to be incredible!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Just One?! After years of traveling and exploring, I finally settled down in a house in Kansas City. I'm going on over 2 years in this house and have begun to start cultivating a warm home environment (decorating the house, planting a garden, maintaining day to day stuffs). This sounds pretty ordinary but to me based on my past - its extraordinary.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can and do teach Reading, Yoga/Tai Chi/Qi gong basics, and mediation. I can teach you how to drive a stick shift - seems to be a dying arts these days. I'm working on learning Spanish so I'd welcome help/conversation practice on that in. I can share my past experiences and explorations, my art, (maybe) my music - if I choose not be shy.

What I Can Share with Hosts

In the past I've tried to bring something that represents Kansas City to my hosts - like barbecue sauce. Other times I have prepared and cooked a meal or gone in on some wine/snacks for a happy hour. I always want to contribute something to those willing to host as I feel like it honors the exchange.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, India, Ireland, Japan, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States

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