Howdy. Hey there. How ya doin? I'm Nick

Welcome to my couch surfing space, and, if this is your first experience with couch surfing (as it is mine, at the moment), welcome to what I hope will be an interesting, challenging, and rewarding experience.

Perhaps, I should tell you a little about myself. You know my name, already. So, there's that. What else? Well, let's pretend you're interviewing me . . . only, you're not asking questions, and I'm inferring what you want to know, instead. Want to? Lets.

LYNCHARD: a brief, one-sided interview.
(*Insert loud, introductory trumpet sounds about here.)

I’ll begin with some character matter-of-facts you may or may not find useful in understanding a bit about me.

1. In terms of personality, I’d consider myself CLASSIC, but not antique. You know, I'm like the infamous 1980’s tuxedo printed t-shirt or another item that has become a ubiquitous and unique symbol or icon of a time gone by, mainly because of its inherent quality or representative status.

2. I’ve learned that, in life, the only thing that ever stays the same is: EVERYTHING CHANGES.

3. I was COFFEE SHOP, when coffee shop wasn’t cool.

My Humble Beginnings: Ok, there are more cohesive (and a bit less random) facts to follow: I'm originally from Mississippi. Living there, I moved quite a bit…all over the state, really. These moves were motivated in part by my parents’ subjective mission to climb the socioeconomic status ladder; this means, I was born in a smaller house in the city limits; but, by the end of high school (and several moves), my family (just Mom, Dad, and lil’ ol’ me) had graduated to a much larger house in a more socially swank neighborhood in the center of town.

My Academic Career: Post high school graduation, I moved out of my parents’ abode and into a duplex on the other side of town. Incidentally, I had a family of wolf spiders living with me in the duplex; but, well, that’s a whole ‘nother story. I attended Mississippi College, my alma mater. While there, I was a triple major, and graduated with High Honors, Summa Cum Laude, and with the equivalent of 3 Bachelor’s Degrees: a B.A. in Psychology; a B.S. in Psychology; a B.A. in English.

Upon finishing my undergraduate education, I moved downstate to Hattiesburg, MS where I completed a 1-year internship at the University of Southern Mississippi studying Psycholinguistics and Text‐Processing.

The next year (this would be 2004, if you’re keeping up), I moved to South Bend, IN to attend graduate school at the University of Notre Dame. While there, I received a (research) Masters in Developmental Psychology as well as a dual Ph.D. in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology.

My Life…style?: I’m the coffee shop guy… before Starbucks took over the world, I mean. I'm also charismatic, and can command a presence as a public persona. I give a lot of presentations; I stand on desks; I sing (poorly).

On the whole, I consider myself settled in nature, and, while joining several friends at public venues is always fun, I much prefer one-on-one conversation coupled with some lyrically solid, melodically gripping music.

General Likes, Hobbies, and Other Such Meanderings: I guess, more than anything, I love learning. For hobbies, I truly enjoy a good debate (where no feelings are hurt, but where everyone learns something), building/construction, fashion (read: shopping!), exercising, cooking, and all-around creating. Yes, yes, considering these and my love of coffee shop conversation, it’s safe to say, I can best be summized as some zesty amalgam of Lewis Black, Bo Burnham, Alton Brown, Vern Yip, John Varvatos, and Jillian Michaels.

I appreciate most all kinds of music, and consider myself an audiophile. For what it's worth, over the years, I have accrued a sound system that I’ve insured for more than the cost of my car.

This is the CLOSING: SO, there you have it: everything (I think) you need in your “What’s Nick All About?” toolkit.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Long story short - I'm looking to go to Ireland in a couple of weeks for a 3 day vacation with my partner, Marissa. If you're looking for two (EXCEEDINGLY QUIET) guests, and can place us near Vicar Street and downtown, get in touch!

Interests

• concerts
• theatre
• foodie

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: American Beauty, Magnolia, Her, Mrs. Doubtfire, Adaptation
Music: Julien Baker, Elton John, Marilyn Manson
Books: Umm... I don't really read too many books. I've read a bit of Camus and Nietzsche, but mostly spend my time wrapped up in current science literature.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a talker, but basically looking for a quick, quiet stay with a bit of advice on getting to and from dublin to your place. I'm going for a Julien Baker concert at Vicar Street; my partner, Marissa (also quite quiet), is going to explore the city. Essentially, we are looking to save as much money as we can. Being a college professor and a nurse's assistant pays very little here in the states!

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States