CURRENT MISSION

I haven't updated this profile in a while... I should do that.

ABOUT ME

I am an easygoing person that enjoys spending time with friends (old and new) and I try to have a positive impact as much as possible.

I currently live in Rochester, NY. To get a break from the cold winters, I have visited friends in the South East US for the past few years.

This winter, I am hoping to visit some cities that might be more comfortable year-round. I grew up in a very small town (population 500) in Upstate NY, so I don't need much to have fun, but since then I have gradually been moving to bigger cities. I definitely like the variety of things to do, and people to meet, but I also prefer to find a few closer friends.

I'm filling out this Couchsurfing profile as much as possible, but you can also learn a lot more about me from my Facebook (www.facebook.com/kenbraley) or Linkedin (www.linkedin.com/in/kenbraley/)

PHILOSOPHY

I am much more self reflective now than I was growing up. In the past few years I have increased my focus on, and gradually been getting better at using my time to have as much of a positive influence on the world as possible. I would like to make big positive changes, but I don't want to overlook any opportunity. One of my favorite quotes is: "We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." - Howard Zinn

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I currently live in Rochester, NY. To get a break from the cold winters, I usually visit friends in the South East US. I haven't tried Couchsurfing yet, but a few friends recommended it. I'd like to use Couchsurfing to visit some cities I don't people in yet, and once I get back settled in one spot for a while, will be happy to host.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

New to Couchsurfing, but thankful that many of my friends have used it and had great experiences.

Interests

I love long distance running (did my first marathon last year!), reading, music, dancing and am pretty obsessed with Ted Talks.

• dancing
• marathon
• running
• reading
• music
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I listen to a variety, but the bands I listen to the most, or have been listening to the longest are: Bright Eyes, Rise Against, Frank Turner, Thrice, Circa Survive, Good Old War, Against Me, Brand New, Gaslight Anthem, Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, LCD Soundsystem, Mumford & Sons, Nofx, Propagandhi, Rx Bandits, Saves The Day, Set Your Goals, etc

Books: I read a lot of non-fiction. The last few I've read and really enjoyed were: "Give And Take" by Adam Grant, "Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King Jr, "In Every Town, All Ages Music" by Shannon Stewart, and a collection of writings by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have been self employed for eight years and can help with small business planning. I also live extremely modestly, which I think is something that many people don't consider. It's often much easier, and just as fulfilling, to live simply with less money.