BA of the Week – Scoutmob’s Lauryn McCarthy

Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit — probably not.

Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.

This week’s featured Broke-Ass is my dear friend Lauryn McCarthy. She’s a fun, shit-talking, trouble maker in the finest sense. Plus she links to a pretty good sounding hang-over cure at the bottom of this post. Here’s what she had to say when I asked her for some stuff for the intro:

After a year-long stint researching schools in South Korea, I found myself drawn to the West Coast. I’ve been here for five years and I don’t think I’ll be leaving anytime soon. You’ll find me out a lot, spreading the good word of Scoutmob around town on my 1974 Schwinn Le Tour. In my free time I organize community bike rides with the San Francisco Bike Party, and support Bikes & Beats, a philanthropic effort that brings musicians and bikers together to raise funds for local bike initiatives. I’m currently, but unsuccessfully, addressing a karaoke addiction. I’ve also come to terms with my natural nocturnal tendencies and live for late nights that turn into early mornings-frequently not realizing the time until the sun is rising.

With out further ado, I give you Miss Lauryn McCarthy:

Name: Lauryn McCarthy

Age: This is San Francisco. We’re all children at heart and I’ll leave it at that.

Occupation: People mobilizer, community builder, San Francisco locavore and Community Manager for Scoutmob

What neighborhood do you live in?: Did you know people love naming microhoods? Apparently, depending on who you ask I could live in Bernal Heights, La Lengua, SoCha (South of Cesar Chavez) or NoBern (North of Bernal). I choose whichever makes people more compelled to visit me. Seriously, it’s not as far out as you think.

What are you listening to these days?: Spotify playlists. Thank you to all my lovely friends who take the time to discover new music, then curate and share amazing playlists for my listening enjoyment.

Best money saving tip: Trade! We all got skills to share. I’m really good at resumes/cover letters. Anyone want to give me a massage?

What do you refuse to spend money on?: A car

Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: My Surly Cross Check

How’d that feel?: Fantastic! But then I was overcome with the looming fear of bike theft and the irony set in. I wont use the most expensive thing I’ve purchased because I can’t afford to get it stolen. Go figure.

Favorite cheap eat: Taqueria Cancun’s always got me covered for my late night taco fix.

Favorite dive bar: Bow Bow. It makes me nostalgic for of all the best/worst elements of my favorite dive bars in Asia. Specifically, they have Karaoke.

Best deal you’ve ever gotten: I work for Scoutmob. Great deals come my way on the daily.

Favorite free thing to do: I like bikes and I like parties. I’m also fond of costumes. So naturally the San Francisco Bike Party is where you can find me on the first friday of every month. Think free mobile party on wheels: music bikes, themes and costumes and party stops along the route.

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: In attempts to manage this unruly mane of mine and start eating healthier meals than the aforementioned cheap eats, a live-in hairstylist/personal chef. Do those exist?

Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: Are you kidding? In this city, unequivocally and without question yes. I get to meet incredibly talented, creative & beautiful people everyday. These are people who are inspired by their passions not by cash money. I get to team up with awesome local businesses, throw parties, and figure out ways to collaborate to improve the way people live and engage with each other in San Francisco. In San Francisco people aren’t afraid to play and make seemingly outlandish dreams their daily reality. We’re really lucky and I tell myself that every day. I think I love my life even more after writing that. For real.

Do you own my book?: No, but I buy picklebacks from you at Dear Mom…

Best hangover cure: Sparkling water….or this. But I’m not sure I should trust myself with sharp objects after a long night of drinking. Hand eye coordination might not be in top form. When all else fails, mimosa brunch!

Are you a hipster?: I think I’m over Dolores Park. So no, yes…maybe? I don’t know.