CURRENT MISSION

Teaching, traveling, learning, and working my way onto Jeopardy or The Price is Right...

ABOUT ME

I caught the travel bug at an early age, whether it was playing in out of town soccer tournaments or visiting different states; I knew that I would take any opportunity I could to bounce around a bit. Fresh out of college I moved to China for a year to teach English, and when I came back I got my Masters. I haven't done much travel out of the US for the past few years, but I have accepted a job that will take me from the Midwest to the interior of Alaska and I am so excited for the change! I've been living with my sister and nephew for the past two and a half years, so leaving them will not be a fun thing, but I am on my way to persuading them to visit. Music is a huge part of my life...I bring it into the classroom whenever I can. I am also a huge film buff (but not quite elitist). Would love to get book recommendations from any and everyone. Glad to be here!

PHILOSOPHY

Everyone has the capacity for greatness, for making an impact. Don't discount another person's ambition, dream, or goal. You may end up working for them some day.
Always carry dental floss and a book of matches. Odds are you'll meet someone who needs at least one of these things.
Recognize quotes from 80s comedies and melodramas, including Fletch, The Breakfast Club, etc. They are a great icebreaker.
When you think some new technology is going to automatically better our way of life, remember that Beta was supposed to outlast VHS.
Read poetry at least once a month--whether it is Dickinson, Frost, or clever bathroom graffiti, it is a great source of mental stimulation and conversation.
A person should never stop learning...if you give up on attaining new knowledge, how can anyone learn from you?

And from Grandma Donna (though I am sure she didn't invent this one): Doing a good deed is like peeing in dark pants; you get a warm feeling, but no one else notices.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now I am traveling and looking to surf, but as I settle in Alaska, I am certainly open to hosting. Will update to a host level when I move into my place!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My experience is limited, but the most memorable night was on a couch in Madison, WI, on an unseasonably warm autumn day. It was pretty laid back, and everyone just kind of came and went (student lodging--imagine that).

Interests

Anything connected to literature and in any area of it. I love learning about writers I am unfamiliar with. I enjoy sharing travel stories, especially those that deal with people just getting submerged in a culture and not just an observer. I still play and coach soccer (my life's one sport) and I am an animal person. Always up for a concert or music festival. I cook as much as I can and know a thing or two about food and wine pairings.

• animals
• culture
• books
• literature
• poetry
• concerts
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• breakfast
• wine
• coach
• clubbing
• technology
• traveling
• music
• sports
• soccer

Music, Movies, and Books

Films: Hitchcock, Scorcese, The Hurt Locker and Point Break (same director, can't remember her name), anything clever, really. Loved the Royal Tenenbaums.
Music tastes begin and end with Ween. I like a good songwriter and was crushed when Johnny Cash left. Really enjoy the Be Good Tanyas. Books? I have my favorites, but The Grapes of Wrath is near the top. Always looking for a good read.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I walked a HUGE section of the Great Wall.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to cook from minimal ingredients and on a tight budget. I've been doing it for years.
I would love to learn how a good host operates and helps others get familiar with the areas they visit or pass through.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, France, Italy, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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