CURRENT MISSION

Simplify!

ABOUT ME

I'm Jeff and I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I've lived in the metro area here nearly all of my live, except for the first 13 years in Boise, Idaho. I have done various traveling limited to the US and hope to travel internationally by 2025.

I worked professionally since before I was 18 in the computer field in the public sector and then transitioned to consulting in the private industry when I was 33. By the time I was 40, I experienced unexpected life changes and stopped working full time. Now 10 years later these experiences have forged a renewed and refined sense of purpose in my life. After more than 10 years away from Couchsurfing, I feel ready to participate again in this unique community.

I have an extensive collection of references and hope to gain many more. Hosting Couchsurfers in the past helped to vicariously experience international travel despite staying here in Arizona (with some traveling in the Western US).

I like to see movies and try out cool restaurants. Movies, one-on-one conversations, dates...all good stuff.

PHILOSOPHY

It's hard to articulate things like this, but I feel the most important things it to be honest with all your relationships -- even with yourself.

I feel it's essential to always be willing to accept the help which others offer -- this is as important as it is to look for opportunities to help people out. I have found that the most gratifying opportunities to help are presented when it may otherwise seem inconvenient.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I only found out about Couch Surfing recently when I ran into two surfers on their way through Phoenix. I found out that I was participating already without even knowing it. I have some great stories about coincidentally meeting people and allowing them to stay at my place.

I think it might be in my blood; my grandmother had an entire family of Paiute Native Americans (extended members, too) stay at her home for about a week back in the 70's when they were in town for a Pow Wow. We've always repeated that story and I would like to make my own stories.

So, back to meeting a fellow couch surfer, the two of them and was impressed with how they seemed similar to me in how I try to approach life in general. I signed up for CS that night and want to be able to offer my place for whomever is staying or passing through the Phoenix area.

I also do a fair amount of traveling but have only stayed with friends along the way. I hope to be able to expand that in time.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

One of the most amazing experiences was with Omni. I pulled into my parking garage at work after lunch and saw this very strangely painted Dodge hatchback (yes, the Omni) with a guy standing outside with his shirt off out in front of the Business College. It was quite a contrast with the primped and tanned college students of ASU.

I immediately walked up to him and began talking. His clean cut and very East Coast friend walked up. They'd been traveling from Colorado.

They stayed at my place for a couple days and Omni went on. Michael stayed at my place for another week or so before taking a flight back to Buffalo.

Omni has come back to Phoenix twice and still amazes me with his voice and guitar skills. My roommate who was going to school for recording arts was able to have a few sessions with him and school and the tracks turned out all right.

It's been a while since I've seen Omni and I look forward to it again.

Interests

I like live indie music. I also am involved in the art scene in Phoenix (yes, we have quite a nice one). I also do writing and photography for a local zine called Hoozdo. Check out http://www.facebook.com/hoozdo if you're interested.

I do IT support and am a geek of sorts, but really don't get much personal computer time otherwise I get burned out. But I do enjoy trying to help people out with computers who cannot afford someone or can't yet replace their old computers.

I also volunteer for a film festival run in Scottsdale, Arizona.

• arts
• writing
• photography
• festivals
• yoga
• running
• movies
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• guitar
• surfing
• business
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I usually stay away from trendy things, but that can often result in my being a late-adopter of something truly great -- like jazz. Or Radiohead, for that matter.

But I do like indie music and also have a taste for solid electronica.

As far as movies, I also like independent films but have really enjoyed the big budget movies based on graphic novels and comics. SciFi is cool and so is a good drama. Foreign films are always a good thing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Pretty mundane stuff, but I was atop a 45 story hotel in midtown Manhattan. I'm very scared of heights but it was still exhilarating.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have taught some basic yoga principles, but am not a yogi by any means. I am happy to help someone with anything related to their computer.

I stumbled upon healing within the methodology of Internal Family Systems in 2021. Having read the book No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz, I have increased hope in the future of humanity. Like innovations in nuclear fusion, 3D printing of wood and other technological advances in recent years, IFS will impact the human race in unbelievable ways.

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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