CURRENT MISSION

Gathering maps of new places in my head, drinking all the beers on the continent, riding bikes in every state

ABOUT ME

I'm 27 and I live in a Chicago neighborhood where I'm lucky enough to have a big garden and be able to bike around everywhere. I write for work and also for my various blogs, and when I'm not doing that I'm either cooking myself dinner or eating bags of chips. As much as I like to stay home to read, watch TV, and brew/ferment/pickle assortments of stuff, I like going on local or far-flung adventures, so I can fall in love with as many new places as I can. I'm an omnivore, but I primarily eat, cook, and enjoy veg food, so I am happy to go eat piles of seitan with you or show you where to get the best vegan milkshakes around. Or bake my hosts tasty pastries.

Let's go to some punk shows and eat and read zines together?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm a wandering introvert, but a social one. While I travel I feel like I learn and see so much more if I'm staying somewhere where people actually live, and with someone who knows the soul of their city. Between staying in a hotel alone or sharing space with a kind stranger, I'll pick the stranger almost any day.

I've only stayed in Gainesville, FL and Portland, OR so far with Couchsurfing, but I've stayed in touch with my lovely hosts for years after.

Interests

Trying to bake good bread, riding trains and writing. Keeping repeats of King of the Hill and Simpsons and Gilmore Girls on in the background while I cook, clean, draw, or repot my houseplant menagerie for the seventh time. I'd knit all the time if I didn't wear out my wrists typing all day.

Also, I sing in Chicago's finest punk rock glee club: http://www.blueribbongleeclub.org/

• cats
• writing
• singing
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• vegan
• drinking
• clubbing
• gardening
• tv
• traveling
• knitting
• drawing
• cycling
• cartography

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Is it a queer and/or fantasy YA novel? I probably love it. Also:

Music: Bomb the Music Industry, Lemuria, Murder by Death, Screaming Females, Sufjan Stevens, Dear Landlord, Modest Mouse, Defiance Ohio, This Bike is a Pipe Bomb, Man Man

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My punk rock glee club got flown to LA twice to sing at a farmhouse in Hollywood beside a 100-year old avocado tree.

I biked the NYC Century in 2009, and even though I was dehydrated and took 12 hours, it was the perfect way to celebrate my favorite city.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can write, but more practically: I can garden, can, pickle, and make shortbread, pie, falafel, vegan muffins, bread, and all kinds of other awesome foods.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cooking, conversation, plant knowledge, and real cute cat photos (upon request only, don't worry).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States