Happy New Year everyone! I was thinking that since my Travel.Write.Repeat. website has been up & running for a while now it is time to let the people that so kindly follow my site to know a bit more about me, other than that I travel, write and, well–repeat. If you follow me on twitter or Facebook you are bound to learn more about me as well (i.e. I am originally from Seattle, I long to have another 1977 VW Westfalia, I have two wiener dogs and I love to Paddle Board) but here are some random facts about me that you may not know…travel related and not.

My favorite country is Mexico.

My favorite city is New York City–it cannot be matched.

My second favorite city is Amsterdam.

I didn’t travel internationally (not counting Canada) until I was 25.

Sitting at home on a Saturday night with my husband and dogs listening to music and drinking wine is my favorite way to spend an evening.

I love Neil Diamond.

I once was stalked by a Mexican Street dog over a period of days in Central Mexico. Everywhere I went–he was there too.

I have wanted to visit Guatemala since I was in the 6th grade; I have wanted to visit Bhutan since I turned 30. As of yet, I haven’t been to either place.

Vampire Diaries is my favorite tv show. And no, I am not 15.

I have an addiction to bags and work-out clothes.

Aside from travel writing and freelance journalism, my work background has mainly existed in the corporate world where I’ve negotiated purchase contracts for various multi-million dollar companies. Except for in the early ’90′s when my best friend and I started an unofficial Guatemalan Hacky Sack team while working at a small sporting goods store in Seattle, Wa.

I once had a first date where I was the co-pilot in a small plane and we did an surprise (to me) barrel role (upside down)– and I liked it (even though to this day I am afraid to go upside down–I mean even summersaults).

(ps: That first date led to a very happy marriage. )

I love the Romantic era poets, Keats, Shelly, Byron…

I need sun in my life–even if it is cold—I need to see sun at least 5 times a week.

If I could do it all over again I’d join the Peace Corp out of college.

I am a die-hard college football fan and can talk the talk with the best of them.

I actually really love New Jersey. It is a great state.

I will never again spend a penny of my own money on a cruise.

Most of my close friends from elementary and high school are still my close friends.

My nieces and nephews are some of the best people I have ever met.

I could eat sushi for every meal, unless Cinnabon was available.

I love to camp.

I also love fancy shmancy hotels with large, glorious pools.

My favorite song is Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns-n-Roses.

I put myself through college by working at an orthopedic shoe store.

I married a Canadian.