CURRENT MISSION

Make contact with human life and establish diplomatic relations

ABOUT ME

I go by Leon. I'm a native to Texas and have lived here my whole life.

PHILOSOPHY

I don't have a philosophy so much as a drive. There's a very strong creative streak in me that seeks as many outlets as I can give it. This has led me to pursue strong amateur passions in photography, acting, playwriting, and music at different times in my life. Throughout, I have always felt like any day during which I had not made something was to some extent wasted. I guess what I should say is that every day should change your life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I went to my first CouchSurfing meeting here in Houston a few months ago. Those people were awesome! Everyone was so helpful in trying to get me started, giving me great tips and recommendations. We started out at a bar and then went out to eat afterwards. I didn't get home until after two in the morning, and this on a Thursday night. I guess that's what you prepare for when you hang out with CouchSurfers!!!

Interests

My calico cat: She was an injured stray that I took in. I named her Moog after the synthesizer, because sometimes she sounds like one. My first thought was to name her Stradivarius, but that doesn't sound like a girl's name, and besides it's not pretentious enough.

• cats
• photography
• acting
• music

Music, Movies, and Books

When it comes to movies my two priorities are finding those with good dialogue and good cinematography. I end up liking dramas and thrillers the most but am always on the lookout for a good comedy that can impress technically as well. I'd say my top five are Punch-Drunk Love, Lost In Translation, Road to Perdition, Network, and No Country For Old Men.

Music: Right now it's Alex Turner, Foals, Deerhunter, and Elbow. Overall my taste in music is about as modern as my taste in books is old. I like looking for new bands all over the web and in English mags like Q and Clash. Check out onethirtybpm.com - it's like my daily music newspaper.

As far as books go, I have a bit of an obsession with older styles of English prose. Sam Johnson, Swift, and Emerson are really good examples. The same goes for poetry, of which my favorites are Keats and Shakespeare, but I also have to mention Hart Crane, who is my favorite of all writers, even though I'd have a horrible time trying to explain his poetry to anyone.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Without question spending Fourth of July on the National Mall. It's a constant parade atmosphere, with the band playing, the kids having fun, the adults hanging out, everybody set out with their picnics waiting for nightfall. Then evening comes and the fireworks begin. If I could only use one word I would have to call it enchanting. Best time I ever had.

Teach, Learn, Share

If there is anyone out there in simultaneous need of Shakespearean scholarship, Apple technical support, a/c work on their car, and mediocre Spanish translation then I am the angel who was sent for you.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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