CURRENT MISSION

Look around. Get around. Share.

ABOUT ME

I believe in miracles, lots of them. I'm one. You're one (or 2). I believe in family. We have a broad view of family. The parenting seems to slightly diminish as the kiddos age out. I try to convince my students they learn from each other and that there are billions of others out there. The school year allows some R&R time in summers and Couch Surfing seems a good fit for my approach to life.

PHILOSOPHY

Enjoyed (& shared with students) recent Peanuts cartoon punchline: Education is important but don't forget to feed the dog.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

The night I registered seemed early to tell. Communication is a huge strength of CS. If you're going somewhere, check w/ CSers in advance re what to do, where to go. Don't know why report of our "reply to requests" is so low; we reply to every real, direct request. (maybe not to some general "bulletins"?)
We all build community by all we do, every day. CS seems like it will broaden the base.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Some early in life, preceding the CS name: funny & wonderful kindness from (& to) strangers, home & abroad. Holly & I still laugh about falling asleep while in (jet lagged) conversation at friends of friends, first morning in the UK.
Actual CS experience has been several delights in Ireland in 2009, and a few (swell) visitors to us in Durham. And some helpful advice for curious CSer coming to Durham area and for my college son in a faraway place; "local info" is a great strength of CS, even if one doesn't need a "couch."
As for approach to life, a favorite uncle once gave an answer some would call optimistic, others "open minded:" when headed for South America the first time and asked whether he could speak Spanish, he replied, "I don't know; never tried."

Interests

Teaching, learning, humor, figuring out life, cultivating wonder.

• dogs
• education
• surfing
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Brazil, Grieg Piano Concerto, V.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Teaching social studies makes me seem not only very old but wildly lucky, partly because some of my students have barely (or never) left town. Hearing Dr. King speak and shaking hands with Bobby Kennedy seem big time.
Being present at beginnings and ends of life amazes me.