CURRENT MISSION

to avoid road rash and impotence while spending as much time cycling as possible

ABOUT ME

I've just discovered this site as I'm preparing to do some cycling in europe, where I lived for a couple of years before settling down here in Portland, Oregon. I work for Trader Joe's as a store artist, doing murals and large paintings as well as a fair amount of illustration and other art projects. I've been enjoying trying new things lately and am excited to host some travelers before I head off with my bike in May.

PHILOSOPHY

To be open to new possibilities and new people and keep an open mind about what life can be. Also, to always have a positive impact on those around me, from the waiters and clerks at the grocery store to my closest friends and family.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm up for hosting people traveling through or just meeting you for a drink somewhere to help show off the best attributes or Portland. I'm also a drummer, so I know a bit about the music scene here and could help in tat way. I'm a very respectful guest, too, and am looking forward to the experiences of being hosted and creating positive experiences with new people.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been on band tours, and possibly the best experience was in omaha, when a young couple at our show offered to let us stay at their place. We ended up staying up late talking about music and life there, making breakfast together and even going out in the city the next afternoon to look at more of the music scene there. It was nice to see what can happen when people are open to the unexpected and to each other.

Interests

Music, Art, Drumming, Backpacking, Theater, Cycling, Exercise, Cooking Soup with friends, Microbreweries, Chocolate,

• arts
• theater
• illustrations
• cooking
• breakfast
• chocolate
• exercise
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• backpacking
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Radiohead, Bon Iver, Explosions in the Sky

Books: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Murakami, Enjoying Rick Steeves at the moment and going to start Into the Wild on my brother's recommendation.

Movies: Happy Go Lucky, Slingblade, Sabrina, Persepolis, Coraline

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacked in Glacier National Park in Montana.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've learned that it is good to be patient and to listen carefully, then to respond. I've enjoyed a number of sincere and meaningful conversations and feel I've gotten to know my friends better by asking questions and being open to what they say.

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States