I have a lifelong goal of finding ways to earn a living only doing jobs which are enjoyable to me. I've had too many friends lament their 9-5 to be tempted to follow their path. It helps to not have kids and have an aversion to materialism, but so far, so good.
With both of my sources of income, each time out there presents a relatively new and engaging experience. I thoroughly enjoy the science of baseball which has led me to get a front row seat to the action as an umpire. I take pride in letting the teams decide the game and satisfaction at seeing it up close and personal. I also thoroughly enjoy the challenge of sitting at a poker table and figuring out what every one else is thinking. They say about poker, "It's an easy game to learn and an impossible game to master." I couldn't agree more, but I still enjoy the challenge of trying. With all the statistics so prevalent in both vocations, it's easy to forget that each at-bat and each hand stands on its own merit with its own unique moment in time. While the past can put the present in context, it doesn't define or limit it. What is possible can and will happen. When confronted so frequently with that truism, I often find myself with the urge to stop and smell the roses.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I travel quite a bit for my vocations and this seems like a great way to connect with the local flavor. I'm very interested in the stories people have to tell, and you don't quite get the same kind of interaction checking into the local Motel 6. I'd much rather have a home cooked meal or a recommendation for the best local sandwich shop than going to the chain restaurant off the freeway. Btw, I'm an advocate of the principle that the cook never washes the dishes.

- A note about requesting, it goes without saying for most in the community, but I won't even consider a request without references or personalization in the request. I've hosted without one or the other of those factors, but never neither. Please take note if you wish to request.

Interests

• festivals
• politics
• movies
• poker
• live music
• baseball
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

I like music which is not strictly lyrically driven. That tends to eliminate most pop, rap and country music. I don't dislike that type of music, but I just tend to hear it rather than listen to it. It just doesn't move me the way a beautiful arrangement or guitar lick can. Psychedelic rock is my bread and butter.
I'm a sucker for superhero movies, westerns and greek mythology movies. They don't have to be particularly well-made for me to get a kick out of them. Other than that, you can't go wrong with the greats (Kubrick, Spielberg, Hitchcock, Tarantino, Scoresese, Bay [one of these is not like the others {can you tell which?}]).
I'm on a Sinclair Lewis kick currently. My favorite book is 1984 by George Orwell and has been since before our current political climate. I've also enjoyed Dr. Suess, JRR Tolkien, Orson Scott Card, Dan Brown and Chuck Palahniuk in that chronological order.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I beat Contra on Nintendo solo without a Game Genie. It was a magical night that some of my friends still don't believe. I kept that spread gun start to finish.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb as well as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on the guitar (hint: it's the same riff).
I'd like to learn cuss words in other languages. It'd be nice to know when someone might be yelling them at you.
I'll always share my sixer.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a decent cook but you'd probably rather have me doing the dishes. I also know a few jokes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Canada, Mexico