I grew up just outside of New Orleans, LA, where I was a voracious reader and avid writer; in fact, instead of being grounded from television, my parents took to grounding me from books because otherwise it wasn't a punishment!

I studied English at the University of New Orleans, but those plans were derailed by Hurricane Katrina; I quickly transferred to Louisiana State University for the remainder of the semester and attempted to continue on at UNO a semester at that, but the destruction in the surrounding area further compounded my PTSD and eventually led me to Wisconsin, where I interned for a writer.

After my internship ended, I ended up in Washington state, where natural disasters were (or are supposed to be!) a rare occurence. I absolutely love how beautiful it is up here, and I'm sure that I'm going to spend the rest of my remaining years up here.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking for an inexpensive way to see more of Washington state. Unfortunately, I've spent the brunt of my years here on the east side, which leaves me frequently going "Where now?" whenever someone mentions a place that's not Bellevue or Woodinville or Bothell. I really want to see what I'm missing out there.

Interests

My hobbies include writing, drawing, reading, performing random acts of kindness, playing video games, daydreaming, napping, taking long baths in big bathtubs, and listening to music. I currently volunteer as a Girl Scout co-leader to a group of Girl Scout Cadettes.

• writing
• books
• cooking
• video games
• reading
• drawing
• music
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

It's difficult for me to choose my favorite music, but I really like orchestral pieces -- in part due to my own musical upbringing (I played handbells, flute, and piano growing up -- and I am self-teaching guitar); Yoko Kanno and Bear McCreary are my favorite composers. My favorite bands include Aimee Mann, Ben Folds/Ben Folds Five, Sufjan Stevens, and Belle & Sebastian.

My favorite movies are Amelie, The Big Lebowski, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Kumiko The Treasure Hunter, and Swallowtail Butterfly.

My favorite books are Haruki Murakami's Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and Sputnik Sweetheart, as well as Banana Yoshimoto's Kitchen. I'm currently anxiously awaiting Cixin Liu's The Dark Forrest.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I don't know if I've really done anything amazing, perse, but I did donate PBSCs to a cancer patient in need.

Teach, Learn, Share

I don't feel like I'm qualified to teach, learn, or share anything (I'm definitely lacking in the confidence department), but I'm always happy to try. If there's something you want to learn how to do that you think I can do, ask!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm always happy to tidy, share stories and company, cook, etc. Not sure what most people put here, but if there's something you need doing, let me know and I'll be happy to do my best to comply!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States