CURRENT MISSION

Never stop learning, exploring, and growing

ABOUT ME

I am about a quarter of the way through life (if I live an average lifespan, that is). I have recently moved far away from my hometown and my perspective has opened up a great deal. The other sections of this profile should paint a pretty good picture of who I am.

PHILOSOPHY

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. -- Laozi

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I haven't started yet! Let's do this!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far my couchsurfing experience is limited to staying at friends' dorms, houses or apartments. I haven't used the couchsurfing.org network yet but can't wait to start and expand my horizons. I love meeting new, interesting people and sharing meaningful conversation and experiences. I believe it to be one of the most worthwhile uses of our time on Earth.

Interests

Music! I play guitar and saxophone and love to sing as well. I've been in a wide variety of ensembles and feel like something's missing when I'm not involved in some sort of musical project. I love dogs. I've owned a husky/terrier mix, a fox terrier, and a beagle/jack russell mix. I love the great outdoors; I think that undisturbed nature is terrific. I loved going on float trips in Missouri, hiking out in California, and fishing on the quieter lakes up in Minnesota, and I'd like to see a lot more terrain before my time is through. My love for the outdoors is a big part of what brought me to Bend. I've taken up snowboarding and try to make it up to Mt. Bachelor every weekend. I chose a bike instead of a car and don't regret it one bit. I enjoy good food and good drink. I also love experiencing cultural traditions, learning new skills, and just getting to know someone over coffee.

• dogs
• singing
• concerts
• festivals
• dining
• wine
• coffee
• fitness
• drinking
• traveling
• eating out
• painting
• music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• fishing
• hiking
• camping
• snowboarding
• baseball
• beaches
• lakes

Music, Movies, and Books

Message me to become my friend on Songkick and you can see what bands I like and what concerts I am tracking. Music is my passion, the best way to get to know me musically is to meet at a concert or jam with me. I've read many books. I recently finished Sophie's World and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love a good movie. There is too much to list here, if you are interested message me and we'll meet up. I could talk about this stuff for hours.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

-Standing at the top of a peak in Breckenridge, CO
-Watching the sun set over the Gulf Coast on Clearwater Beach
-Sitting on the dock at night in Minnesota and taking in the sounds of the lake
-Getting to see Iron & Wine in concert. And Grouplove. And lots of other great concerts at The Pageant in St. Louis
-Going to Summer Camp Music Festival and LouFest
-Getting to see shows on Broadway in New York
-The first time I walked in to a Major League Baseball stadium
-Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
-Going on tour as the guitarist for The Jackson Hunt Band
-Marching in the Parade of Roses with the Missouri State Pride Marching Band
-Performing at the International Competition of Collegiate A Capella with the Missouri State Beartones

Teach, Learn, Share

As a musician, I can teach you guitar, saxophone, or vocal technique. I can also share basic tips about recording yourself, promoting yourself, and the importance of networking and playing out in the music community. As a personal trainer I can teach you how to reach a fitness goal. As a human being, I can share what I've learned from every time I've fallen and gotten back up, particularly in how to protect yourself and recognize "red flags" in employers, significant others, or friends in general. I've had to readjust my perspective many times and continue to struggle with negativity and self-defeating thoughts. I could really use some help in that department. I'd also love to learn travel and adventure tips from someone with experience, and I'm always up for learning a new, interesting trade or a new musical instrument!

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States