Soooo, I like riding my bike when I can. Recently had my first experiences long distance riding, camping along the way. I love traveling, but haven't had much time to do so these last couple of years. I think soon I'll "get my wings back," though. I started getting interested in food- where we get it, how we get it a few years ago, and hopped around the US volunteering at a few farms.
2013 I worked on a really inspiring farm called the Possibility Alliance, which is an educational homestead, no (or very minimal) electricity or petroleum, and very much into activism. They sort of come under Mohandas Ghandi's ideology of political activism, but also most importantly local activism through simple living: i.e. growing your own food (or as much as you can), living in community, realizing the costs of computers, and cars, etc. It was an incredible experience, and has been a wonderful influence in my life.
The experience also made me wonder what sort of service I'd like to get into, and the last year and a half I've been volunteering at a Vipassana Meditation center, in SE USA.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Well it seems like an excellent way to travel. Whether your going somewhere for a day or months, the best thing to do is to meet a local!

Interests

Meditation I suppose!
Biking, canoeing is fun. I like trees a lot (but who doesn't?!); I tried my hand at bonsai earlier this year. I love the idea of having a mini live oak tree... but after a few failed attempts, I've been thinking maybe I'll just appreciate trees in their natural habitats. Currently my favorite trees are: pond cypress, live oak, sweet gum... and mango!
I'm also trying to learn how to play guitar. I'm... getting more familiar with the instrument, but get nervous when I try to play with people!
; J

• dining
• exercise
• meditation
• traveling
• cars
• homesteading
• guitar
• cycling
• canoeing
• camping
• scuba diving
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Unfortunately I have realized I'm a total media junky (like the rest of us no doubt).
I watch a lot of movies one month, then I get sick of them, and I read too many comic books. I try to read decent literature or watch "good" films, but I also watch/read junk food.
I LOVE Urusula Leguin's Earthsea Books. I like Jean Giraud, aka Moebius. He's unbelievable! Such freedom! Such skill. I also highly regard JD Salinger, John Steinbeck, EM Forester, Edith Wharton and Gabriel Garcia Marquez... to name a few.
Uh... I listen to a lot of music, but I feel out of the loop. I don't know anything on the radio. I love WuTang, the Pixies, REM, the WhiteStripes, Sage Francis, Victor Jara (he doesn't belong in any list like this. This man is a hero!), Omar Rodriguez Lopez... etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Uhhh. I rode my bike 500 miles?
I'm not one of those people who's "reaaallly" successful in life... but... a few times... definitely more than 3 times... I have made diving, game winning ultimate frisbee catches.
; D

Teach, Learn, Share

Like... exercise is good for you... and stuff.
And... Resist, resist eating all that ice cream!
Oh wait. I'm talking to myself again.

Mm, how about a favorite poem?

Oh snail
Climb Mount Fuji,
But slowly, slowly!
- Issa

What I Can Share with Hosts

Smiles!
I'm a pretty reliable smiler.
Mmm, I'm a pretty good conversationalist. I'm not incredibly smart, but... I... you know, know what's going on.
I have my moments where I'm funny.
Yeah, I'm usually pretty ok to hang out with.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States