Hellooo! Vaccinated and boosted traveler here. :)

Without getting too philosophical or sounding like a resume, I'd say I'm a wandering artist. I grew up in a nerdy environment, and stumbled my way into the freelance career and lifestyle of the film industry. Eight years in the camera department, baybeh; the best, most insane, exhausting time of my life. So far. ;)

Post (ish) pandemic, I'm off on a new, self-discovery journey; painting, writing, searching for flavors and stories. More "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and less "Eat, Pray, Love". Thrown in are long conversations that cut through bullshit niceties, fruity tiki cocktails, and escaping into nature.

And, that's pretty much me right now! Layman's terms: I work to survive, and live to explore, love my family and friends, and share some bad puns for a smile (or a groan). I hope we can share something real, if we meet!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking to find some meaning to life; I love to experience, taste, and engage with new people, new cultures, and ways of thinking. For me right now, that means traveling. Lots of old architecture, water, and greenery.

Later on? Maybe transplanting to Washington, or back to California. Who knows!

I couch-surf to feel connected, meet people who have things to teach or don't mind sharing their space, and so I can give a bit of joy to them... that's the hope!

Interests

I'll try nearly anything at least once.

But, there are the staples: I grew up in a nerdy, game-loving household, so that'll always be a part of me; dungeons and dragons, video games (on occasion), or board games. I'm here for it, when the mood is right. Seeing how someone plays can be incredibly revealing to their true character.

Outside of that, I love the outside! Hiking, swimming in a mountain lake, rock climbing (top rope or bouldering), finding a sunny spot to have a picnic, or traipsing around town. I do, indeed, occasionally, LIKE the night life, baby.

And beyond that, I love poetry and song, words that cut down to the marrow of a common feeling or thought.

• poetry
• singing
• dancing
• cooking
• exercise
• running
• board games
• reading
• drawing
• music
• karaoke
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• rock climbing
• swimming
• escape rooms
• d&d
• drag shows
• speakeasy / tiki bar hunting
• no bullshit conversations

Music, Movies, and Books

With music, it all depends on the mood. I've got my loves, but I hit shuffle on Spotify plenty. Some classic artists for me: Robbie Williams, Lizzo, Johnny Cash (later stuff), Brandi Carlile, MCR, Ronnie Radke, Sam Cooke... yeah, it's wild in this head, haha. For the most part, I just can't stand repetitive songs; I like some meat in the sauce... unless it's a dancey beat, than who gives a shit.

As for movies, that's a toughie. It was my industry for awhile, so it's safe to say I love the medium. Off the top of my head: Parasite, Labyrinth, What Dreams May Come, Fresh, The Apartment, Gran Torino. I could go on.

And, unfortunately, I don't get my hands on books as often as I should these days. When I do, it'll be a quick thriller / horror, some queer romance, or something utilitarian.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'd say fighting for what I want. My family wasn't really "well-off", so there was a lot of sink or swim. Even when life has been incredibly hard to muddle through, I've made it a point to chase what I want.

So, something "amazing" in my eyes that I've done? ... I dropped out of college, headed to California not knowing a soul, and built up a reliable reputation and steady work within the film industry, without a degree or being born into it. ^_^

Teach, Learn, Share

Well, I could teach you how to set up a shot, fight for a good day rate, paint a portrait, re-carpet a bedroom, or maybe something more meaningful, like how to look stupid but still have fun on the dance floor.

As for learning, I hope I never stop. I'd love to learn how to hike / camp in more difficult terrains, speak a different language (not just the fun, naughty phrases), different painting techniques, film photography and then some.

Want to swap tasty curry recipes? Share climbing chalk at the gym? Show off those poems from that dark time in your life that are super real, but also a bit embarrassing? Sing a duet at karaoke? I'm down for all of the above.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Plenty! I make a fun activity buddy: power-lifting, hiking, swimming, climbing, or outdoor ropes course aficionado. I've usually got a great film recommendation that is either obscure, old, oddball, or all three, that I'm sure you haven't seen yet. If you want a portrait of yourself / dog / loved one, that isn't out of the question either. Escape room teammate, fellow adventurer, or RPDR binging, and I'm down.

Other than that, I grew up in that repressed, "don't be a bother to anyone", 90's mindset, so I am more than willing to cook, clean, dog-walk, cat-poop-scoop, and drop off / pick up for whoever would be willing to host me. :)