CURRENT MISSION

Enjoy the simple things in life ^^

ABOUT ME

My life is boring - I'd rather hear about yours ^^ I love to be out on the open road , walk into shady country diners at 4 am and listen to the creepy truckers flirt with the waitress; sometimes there is even a musical ^^

The three things I want in life are: Humility, Honesty and to fall asleep with No Regrets, living a day at a time.

PHILOSOPHY

Live every moment like you're gonna die tomorrow, help others, and don't worry about lookin' dumb ^^

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I tell everyone and their dog about couch surfing and encourage new folks to dive on in ^_^

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Stayed at a couple couches in Japan back in '06. Also stayed on some more in Kyoto in '10

Interests

Anything in the great outdoors. Hiking, fishing, backpacking, etc. I'm a big chess player -- also I enjoy playing Shogi and Go. Any National Park or camp ground -- you name it -- I've been there. I like war games and paint ball, and like to exercise and stay active.

I enjoy music; I've played many instruments very badly, but currently am a Cello student. I have a keen interest in languages and keeping native stories alive through the oral tradition. Currently, I am finishing up my undergrad in Wildlife Bio / Japanese studies here in the north, but really no idea what life holds in store for me after graduation. I'm sure that if I simply live each day as it comes the answer will be revealed to me in good time.

I enjoy cooking, although not very good at it. I used to work at a Bakery, and also as a hotel cook under the tutelage of a Zen monk who taught me some wonderful vegan cooking (I am not Vegan but am vegetarian).

I like animals. Especially dogs. If you have a dog, by all means bring him along and it will make my hosting you that much more interesting ^_^

• animals
• dogs
• wildlife
• folklore
• cooking
• baking
• vegetarian
• vegan
• exercise
• marathon
• gardening
• chess
• eating out
• painting
• music
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• surfing
• buddhist
• history
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Big western fan, Three favorite movies are V for Vendetta, Millennium Actress and Big Fish. I enjoy reading philosophy, and my favorite books include: "A Confession and Other Religious Writings" by Tolstoy, pre-modern Japanese and Chinese literature, Buddhist parables and perhaps the greatest - Ovid's Metamorphosis, which is like my Bible. Thoreau is wonderful; the Alchemist if you've never read it is amazing! I like any music that isn't rap... *gag* I particularly enjoy listening to early 1900's music of the Soviet Union, and enjoy classical or pre-modern music rather than what's out today (I could just listen to the koto for hours). I also enjoy "Kirtan" - a form of Hindu inspired chanting melodies and listening to the choirs of the old European cathedrals.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Swam a 5 mile marathon one time, hung around with some wild wolves for a while -- those guys are HUGE; nothin at all like a dog! Studied History of Indian Buddhism at Tohoku Imperial University in Japan.

Teach, Learn, Share

I play a mean game of chess - if you are interested in learning chess, Shogi (Japanese chess) or Go, by all means come by for a game! I played as captain for the United States International Shogi team in 2008. I can also teach you about baking bread, or if you're interested in gardening, you are welcome to join me in learning how! I am just starting to teach myself.

Countries I’ve Visited

Japan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States