CURRENT MISSION

To grow younger in spirit as I grow older in body. To meet people who can expose me to creative ways of thinking about life and daily coincidences.

ABOUT ME

Hello I'm Mark. I've always hated to write a little something about myself. I mean I'm not making any money with an autobiography deal, I haven't been contacted by someone who wants to write about me, and God willing a eulogy isn't in order (smiles). With that said though, I can put a little in this box so that readers can gain some perspective as to what makes me tick. I was born in Grosse Pointe Woods (MI) and then lived in Detroit, MI until I was 21, after which my family relocated to St. Clair Shores in 1984. I now own my own home in the Shores and share it with my partner David. Then there are the animal buds - Devin and Binx the cats. Buster our Jack Russell Terrier and Clover or retired Greyhound. I am the oldest of 6 children. A regular 'Brady Bunch' with 3 boys and 3 girls. I consider myself to be the primary instigator of the family (a self proclaimed title) and the default escalation individual should there be a brother or sister who needs advice or maybe just an experienced ear to bend. I love movies and have found that I have a specific interest in those related to the theories and fantasies of time travel. 'Somewhere in Time' is one of my favorites, and of course the 'Back to the Future' trilogy has a special place on my DVD shelf. Sci-fi series with episodes spotlighting the pardoxes of time travel and the second chance 'what if' scenarios always keep me rooted to the tube - and with my level of energy (you can see the association back to the Jack Russell now) sitting still for the duration of a movie or series show can be a challenge. My family and friends are extremely important to me. Over time my family has grown to include brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews - and to be honest I can't recite to you their ages or birthdays. Somehow, some way I always seem to participate just in time ... I have a small circle of friends but always look to expand it. I'd like to believe that I have a unique sense of humor that I typically use with my family, friends and those I admittedly wish to impress. I'm a pretty thin guy and always have been. I've heard just about every joke and even considered doing stand up for the sole purpose of promoting 'slim individual' awareness. If gas prices continue on the upshoot I may just do that for the sake of being able to use my car and stay warm at home. The secret I've learned to live by is that one my size can truly appear invisible to the untrained eye when I stand sideways ... unless of course my tongue is sticking out.

PHILOSOPHY

Be nice. Understand that learning can occur at anytime and from anyone. I believe in coincidence, and that people are drawn together because for some reason they are intended to.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'd have to say that I look to open things up on my end so that another person has a place to stay and maybe the philosophy of 'Pay it Forward' will apply in the future.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I recently hosted my first time and it was a great experience (thanks Ryan). I'm excited about meeting people and making friends, maybe make a difference in someone's life.

Interests

I am very close to my family, in fact I'm the oldest of 6 and all of us live within 15 minutes of each other with the exception of one sister who is 45 minutes away. I enjoy spending time with our pets and harassing all my nieces and nephews with prank phone calls when I have the time (and I always find the time). Computers are an interest aside from the time I spend supporting them during the day at work. Going out to dinner - especially trying new places is always fun, and so is hanging out at home with friends and a couple new DVD releases. Plays are great, small venue concerts, museums, bowling, shopping for a good deal (yup malls) and of course - new things that satisfy a sense of adventure, learning and feeling like a kid again.

Music, Movies, and Books

Historical movies, time-travel themes, 80s movies and music (retro alternative). Need to update the movie list - but a fan of Sense 8 and Halt and Catch Fire.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

We had some serious rainfall in the Detroit area one summer night. I mean major, serious rain where freeways filled up and over the course of days caused infrastructure to decay/collapse. We were at a concert in the downtown Detroit area and had to navigate through all the flooding and closed roads to get home. It was a super concert but I think I'll always remember the crazy and super long drive home.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A feeling like you're at home, good conversation and a clean place to stay. And maybe a little bit of the everyday chaos that makes it real.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States