CURRENT MISSION

to live a vibrant life and bring good energy to others, to explore the world and meet a variety of people

ABOUT ME

I am currently getting near to finishing a PhD. in French literature at Princeton, and am very much looking forward to getting a real job (let's hope!). I love what I do!
I lived in France (Grenoble, Paris) for a total of about 5 years and some summers. Lived in Geneva for a summer also and really enjoyed that.
Like everyone here, I love to travel, and am hoping to do even more travel once I finish school.

PHILOSOPHY

Sometimes we owe it to ourselves to have great courage. I've arrived at this motto over time, because my greatest joys and accomplishments have come from acknowledging that something is scary or daunting....and then pushing ahead and doing it anyway.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I just joined. I'm looking to find a host for a week in France in July/Aug 2010. I would be happy to meet and host visitors to my area (I live in Princeton,NJ) in the capacity of meeting for coffee and showing them around or doing another activity in the area. I would love to do more, but my schedule can be intense and I'm not sure I feel secure about hosting overnight as I live alone.

Interests

I have lots of hobbies and interests: running, swimming, hiking, reading, movies, crafts, jumping on my trampoline, crosswords, picnicking, cooking, wine tasting, and I'm going to teach myself to embroider soon. Also, I've really been wanting to take lessons and learn to ski properly.
I'll try most things and like the variety. Also, I like to joke around and laugh. A lot.

• literature
• cooking
• wine
• coffee
• wine tasting
• running
• crafts
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• skiing
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

Music---all kinds, rock, classic, jazz, salsa
(too many to name, i just like a mix)
Movies--Empire of the Sun, Tootsie, Splash, Dead Poet's Society, Me Without You, English Patient, Out of Africa, Bridget Jones' Diary, too many to name
Books--political philosophy, 18th century, especially Rousseau, Diderot, Bougainville, Raynal, Les Liaisons dangereuses, Manon Lescaut, theory like Foucault, Derrida and DeMan; Jane Eyre, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Crime and Punishment, the Kite Runner, the Poisonwood Bible, the Lacuna, way way too many to name!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Moved to Paris without a job or place to live arranged, and made it work!!
Iguazu falls was amazing. The beautiful Alps.