CURRENT MISSION

Rediscover who I am beyond my work and relationship responsibilities.

- Ride by motorcycle farther and farther.
- Find a kidney donor
- Continue succeeding in my career (I'm my own employee now, got to figure out how to be a good boss and give health insurance and do my own payroll haha)

ABOUT ME

Extroverted, optimistic, adventurous, excitable, beginner's mind / always learning, creative.

I study Psychology to challenge my assumptions and learn humility.

I pivoted to web development to more effectively Earn to Give - and stayed for the mentally stimulating career.

PHILOSOPHY

I love life, for I know it is fragile.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I host as well as I can, which isn't really that much more than indoor camping...

I surf, when I find the time to travel but no known friends-friend's place to stay.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've only had a few CS experiences, but the traditional sleepover at a friend's-friend in times of need and/or bad prior organization saved me a couple of times...

...and I've had other people crash at my home too, mostly spontaneously such as when their other plans fall through.

I like it when after the departure there is nothing left behind worse (e.g. dirtier) than it was on arrival, both when surfing or hosting, and love it when both sides of the experience come out of it better off than they went into it (e.g. learned something, feel appreciated/respected).

Interests

- started motorcycle riding Aug 2023 and rode all winter
- don't practice guitar often, only pull it out when I need to write a song to express complex feelings
- tech addict (clean from gaming since Feb 2024, trying to cut down on YouTube (ab)use)
- Jiu Jitsu on pause for kidney health reasons (too much risk of pressure on belly)

• arts
• books
• singing
• working out
• motorcycles
• movies
• traveling
• bouldering
• guitar
• camping
• skateboarding
• jiu jitsu
• psychology
• youtube
• programming
• recovery

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I like First Nations music e.g. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0GzlfAcKjRjznSd48qHvl4?si=4b995f8b54a448d0 , classic rock, chill, house, 2010 era dubstep, salsa (only with dance floor access), ...

Movies: anything over 7.8 on IMDB ;)
Shows: 6ft under, Breaking Bad, ...

Books: The Happiness Advantage, Connect, In the Realm of the Hungry Ghost, Elephant in the Brain, Software Craftsman

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm most proud of the big pivots in my life.

Coming here alone at age 18 (after wanting to since visiting during summer holidays in 5th grade). I hoped every year, but was blocked by medical issues, until I wasn't and in 2010 I finally came here with 300 dollars, a suitcase, guitar and backpack - and didn't take the return trip - and made it work!

The change from psych student to web developer in <6 months was also pretty impressive.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: See interests - happy to introduce to any of those.
Learn: Anything you REALLY care for. I'm a mirror of enthusiasm. If you're loving it, I can too.
Share: I always bring the FLUSTER card game. If you bring some friends over and we play it I promise you'll get to know your friends a little better and they you :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've seen some shit, some of which was really funny. So if you're interested in adventure stories, ask me about my drive shaft journey.

If there are any shared meals I can help with meal prep and cleanup.

I'm capable of changing my mind when presented with new good information and great at connecting dots between things I've learned, so meaningful conversations are quite possible.

I also can give space if a quiet evening is preferred.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Germany