First, this is my least favorite question to answer because it's difficult to sum yourself up in a paragraph. So, here's my attempt.

I'm passionate about passion. My passions, friend and family's passions and stranger's passions. Not only am I passionate about their passions but I want to help them pursue each and every one of them (if they are willing).

I love quilting, reading (to stay inspired and moving forward), making everything feel like an adventure (even eating), decorating for Christmas, watching British television (their accents make boring conversations sound so interesting!) and not writing paragraphs 'About Me'.

Super-sized grocery stores give me anxiety so I rarely shop outside of the produce section (that's how I made a small grocery store out of a ridiculously large one). I love coffee but hate withdrawal headaches so I switched to green tea with minor coffee relapses from time to time.

I am fascinated with 'tiny' living and have been shrinking my American sized life down to one of Japanese standard (hoping to have a tiny grocery store nearby as well).

I have sensitive palms. They don't like the slimy feeling of lotion or the dripping condensation on the outside of cups. I love to text novels on my cell phone because I'd rather do that than pick up the phone and call someone.

I love challenging myself in areas that freak me out; areas like water. I have always been afraid of drowning but have still managed to go white water rafting, canyoning, para-sailing, cave-tubing, tubed on the back of a speed boat multiple times, owned/drove a sea-doo and more. Water and I have a better relationship now, but I wouldn't say we're best friends.

I like running but no more than three miles (unless I feel anxious that day - that buys me at least another mile or two). I wear black slacks to work everyday I just change the shirt color to make it seem like a new outfit. I have worn the same $10 fake diamond necklace and antique ring for over 10 years. Anyway, if you'd like to learn more - let's couch surf!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I learned about Couchsurfing while I was in Japan. To be honest the concept freaked me out a little. Until one day my neighbor (a girl from California) had a couch surfer coming to stay at her place in Japan. She was busy that day and asked if I would be willing to show them around the area, and so I did. Now, I am on Couchsurfer to try this concept on for myself. I'd like to start my being a couch surfer first, then going from there.

Interests

Read the 'About Me' portion. It should explain some of my interests.

My main interest at the moment is my non-profit which includes; foster children and youth and spending every waking minute providing them with the guidance and inspiration they need to succeed at their dreams.

• writing
• coloring
• coffee
• running
• gardening
• boating
• shopping
• reading
• sailing
• business
• entrepreneurship

Music, Movies, and Books

#1 Favorite film of all times is Amelie
#1 Favorite type of music is Acoustic / Spiritual
#1 Favorite types of books are 'You Can Do It' books as well as spiritual books about calming our mind, body and spirit. Everyone needs a little inspiration and exploration to live a more holistic, healthy lifestyle.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After two years in Japan I arrived home with an entirely new outlook. As a result, I gave birth to a non-profit (now barely two years old); Foster the Journey. We teach courses that inspire, enrich and empower foster children and youth in Texas. What originally started as an inspirational teaching/quilting program has evolved into deeper teachings to youth from all backgrounds. We have partnered with organizations such as; The Helping Hand Home for Children, The Settlement Home for Children, Partnerships for Children, CASA Travis County and YMCA of Austin. I could go on and on....sorry...this is a dangerous question to ask since it's difficult to give a 'long-story-short' version.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I have experience teaching conversational English during my two year stay in Japan. So, if you need practice with English, let me know.

I would love to learn more about 'tiny' living and organic gardening/farming.

I can also share my journey as a non-profit entrepreneur (which is a WILD ride) to anyone that has ever had that random thought, "Maybe I should start my own non-profit/business?" I can share an insight into the first 2+ years of what it 'really' looks like to start your own business.

Lastly, I can show

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, France, Jamaica, Japan, Netherlands Antilles, North Korea, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan