Hi! I'm originally from outside Philadelphia. I had a quiet (although idyllic) childhood in suburbia, left when I was 19 and moved to NYC. After graduating from NYU I moved abroad to Eastern Europe for five years (Moscow and Prague). I came here from Russia in 2009. I have a five-year old son who I adore who lives with me most of the year. He visits his father and step-Mom in Moscow for 3 months a year, which gives me the freedom to travel which I tend to do a lot of.
I seem to have a thing for living in cities beginning with M (Manhattan, Madrid, Miami, Moscow), also I'm fond of names beginning with M (hence my son is named Max).
I'm currently doing my Masters in Psychology to become licensed as a therapist. I graduate in January and then begin my clinical work. I love mental health, I'm really into what I'm studying. My long-term goal is to have my own practice.
What I like in Miami: the Wynwood area, Design District, going to galleries, theater, opera, live music, finding great new restaurants, and cultural events. Favorite beach spot is south of fifth in Sobe.
I read a lot (mostly non-fiction, history, psychology textbooks, NY Times), pretty much never watch TV. I enjoy cooking, my repertoire of cuisines expanded a lot from living abroad and I continue to learn new recipes all the time. When I travel I'm the type of person who will find out what's in a dish and then recreate it later when I get back. Lately I've been making a lot of Southeast Asian, Russian, Italian and Peruvian dishes.
I am really into fitness and taking care of myself, I work out most days. Recently I started the Insanity DVD workout program, which is no joke but I'm enjoying the challenge. I enjoy running outdoors and going kayaking as well.
Family is important to me (and if you want to contact me it should be to you too). I alternate visiting my Mom every year outside Philadelphia, family in Russia and my Italian relatives in Abruzzi. This summer I'm planning to stop by to see my cousin and the rest of my family outside Rome, then go to Puglia in the south.
I believe in a balanced life which includes equal parts fun, creativity, exploration and responsibility.
Best of luck to everyone.
Ciao!
