I'm social: not a social butterfly, but maybe more like a social wallflower. I'm consistent, but full of contradictions which I embrace. I'm unpredictable but reliable. I follow through, I don't procrastinate, but I bend rules and challenge the status quo. I'm a queer feminist, a trained linguist, and a relentless poet, with the mind of an anthropologist and the heart of the weather-worn. I'm an observer, an instigator, and a hopelessly honest friend. Born near Chicago, spent a few years living in Colorado, currently stationed in Istanbul, Turkey, and I'm always looking for: What next?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people, to help out strangers, to keep money out of capitalistic hotel pockets, to share and open doors.

Interests

conversation, reflection, social analysis, delving into those sweet first few hours or weeks of a budding friendship, walking, exploring, polyamory, good beer, traveling, reading, writing, dancing, singing, open mic nights, parties, big cities, herbal medication sessions, parks, laughing, music.

• arts
• writing
• poetry
• singing
• dancing
• cooking
• beer
• running
• walking
• partying
• reading
• traveling
• music
• anthropology
• teaching
• languages
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Portugal. the Man, of Montreal, Bob Moses, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Bon Iver, Bob Dylan, Elephant Revival, Spoon, Dr. Dre, hip-hop, techno, alternative, indie
Movies: Thank You for Smoking, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Full Monty, American Beauty, Mr. Nobody, etc.
Books: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, To the Lighthouse, A Hundred Years of Solitude

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I moved to Istanbul, Turkey in March '15, and it has been the longest-running adventure I've ever taken.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm an English teacher, so there's that. I try to teach my students to think critically.

I want to learn to be a better painter, a better cook. I love to share poetry and all types of creative pursuits--music, art, writing.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am leaving Istanbul soon, so my life is a little crazy. Hosting later...

I often find myself in conversations with people, sometimes complete strangers, who open up to me about the most intimate and personal details of their lives. They tell me that I just seem to bring no judgement to the table, and that's true; it just amazes me that others are able to see this so quickly. I'm a witty and receptive conversationalist, I love small gestures of appreciation, and I have a million great stories to share (and a million great reasons to listen).

Countries I’ve Visited

Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Turkey, United States