CURRENT MISSION

What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on? George Carlin

ABOUT ME

As a flight attendant I have always traveled with my passengers, my flight crew and using my benefits I've traveled with my family. In fact it was my crew who kept telling me to use couchsurfing. I love escorting my elderly Mother from the US to the UK where she feels most at home. I thank my maternal Grandmother for teaching me how to muster through airports, trains and bus systems when I was a young girl throughout the UK.
But now I get to try and show others how amazing this big blue marble is through my journaling and photography. Everywhere I go I like to capture postcard-like photos to share as an example of courage, adventure, culture, history, architecture and/or having the ambition to reach out to those who are from different cultures. (looking up to the heavens I whisper, "see G'ma, I am following your footsteps.")
As I find on my flights, people USUALLY are as respectful and kind as you are to them. So many of my passengers think I am the most brave lady they've ever met traveling by myself and staying with people I don't even know! I just smile and grab the travel magazine, "Let's take a look at the map here. Where do you want to go next?"

PHILOSOPHY

I am painfully aware life is short. Too short to keep my wings clipped. Love and kindness are free and create so many options along the path of life. My family will attest as well as most all my passengers and crew.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Okay, maybe I'm not home long enough to have anyone stay on my couch. But when I DO actually land and have a nice layover in my beloved home of Austin, TX, I love to show people around this cool city... aka The Heart of Texas. There is so much to do. I run, swim and bike so if you are interested or would rather like to check out the State Capital, Barton Springs, South Congress... I am your guide!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Without a doubt my first experience will go down in the books as the most memorable ever. First of all the husband of the house was awesome and very kind by showing me places to visit all over Bruges, Belgium and taking me out to get frites with brown gravy! Super guy.

Second and most satisfying was to absorb so much of what Bruges had to offer using his directions and suggestions to help create my itinerary. What a blessing to use their house as a place to keep all my camera gear, ipad charged up and a soft bed to recharge my own body.

I learned a great deal about many fine people and places of Belgium. Be careful out there and follow your intuition. I absolutely look forward to many more c.s. experiences.

Interests

Creating a stress-free environment and laughter along the way. Running whenever possible and finding the best open-water swims imaginable. I live in the Austin Texas area, so music is very important. In my line of work it is hard to eat well, I respect and appreciate food whenever I can get it! Growing up in the state of Oregon we could grow ANYTHING, and my Grandmother gave to me her green thumb to help leave this world a better place than when I found it.

My children are the greatest gifts I've ever received. Even those who have found their way through my door and allow me the honor to be their "other" Mom.

I'm bless to have the love of my life full of both the curiosity and courage. My guy Tuck (also on CS as Tuck Kamin) loves people and cultures just as much as I do. Only he likes to publish his findings through research on how to 'Design Your Age' through knowledge and insight.

• culture
• books
• architecture
• design
• photography
• environment
• dining
• cooking
• yoga
• marathon
• running
• meditation
• flying
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• skydiving
• swimming
• history
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies:
Wizard of Oz is always on the top.
Just finished "Intouchables" and fell in love with it.
Downton Abbey
Music:
jazz, blues, Michael Buble, Amos Lee, Adele, Mumford & Sons, Hans Zimmer sountracks, Just found this girl named Lorde
Books:
Anything Robin Cook, Ken Follett or Tom Clancy

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

There are too many to mention. I can not stop and only one. Life is full.

I grew up on a horse farm in Oregon, USA where we ate anything and everything grown fresh from the land. Now as a flight attendant, I fly across the country from Chicago's O'Hare airport where I'm based. Oh how I miss real fresh food on a four-day trip!
I've been in the English Channel in March with only my swimsuit, goggles and cap. Just to prove it can be done and win a bet I had with my family from Dover England. It was 45 degrees (7C) I probably won't do that again. I've been a stand-in/photo double for Andie MacDowel in a little movie called, "Michael." That was a fun three-month adventure. I've run The Nike Woman's marathon in San Francisco while fundraising for cancer in memory of my father. Completed a 10-day vipassana meditation course where I had to take a noble vow of silence for TEN DAYS! This was by far harder than the marathon, but I practice sitting every morning before my yoga. Love it! My biggie is skydiving with my beloved adult children in celebration of my oldest's birthday. Amazing and I look forward to doing that again... let me know if you want to join me to jump again. SUPER FUN!

Teach, Learn, Share

This is excellent!!! Great idea!
I would be more than happy to share my thirst for being active. Let's go swim, bike, run, yoga, cook something healthy using only locally grown ingredients. Or simply try to sit quietly and meditate. Three years ago I did a 10-day meditation retreat where I had to take a noble vow of silence... it was harder than the marathon in San Francisco! However, I still find myself getting up early enough to sit for a spell and begin the day out right.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Happiness, joy and kindness.
Bike rides, hiking and conversations about finding peace and balance in this very busy life.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, England, France, Jamaica, Mexico, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States