CURRENT MISSION

To take it all in...

ABOUT ME

All about me, huh?

Well...I define myself as a balanced, highly social individual who enjoys the company of interesting persons and occupying my time doing interesting things.

How vague can I be?

More specifically, I: promote getting involved within your community; love to create things people can utilize practically; enjoy bantering with strangers; take time to self-reflect; believe in the importance of laughing often and, at most times, at oneself; strive to try anything once; chide myself into being courteous and considerate of other people despite the circumstance; explore as often as possible; read uncontrollably; volunteer when plausible*; naively believe I can accomplish any task; learn everything I can.

*Listed are several local organizations (member/volunteer) I work with that I recommend checking out if you're new or moving to the area:

• Free the Hops
• Hands On Birmingham
• Alabama Theatre
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Lastly, I've learned to always have a Plan B...

PHILOSOPHY

I personally believe that in each moment there is something to savor.

Why? Well, this community offers things that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Words fail to explain it, but it is a feeling you get when you meet people along the way; or it could be exploring territory you never thought you would have the opportunity to see. It can be as simple as trying new foods, going to events, etc.

Whatever this is; I cherish it. You connect with yourself and others on a totally different level (how cliché :)). I am very grateful for this enlightenment. I learn everyday to appreciate things more and to do things a little differently, no matter how hard that may be at times.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Admittedly, my initial support for the community fell a little flat due to shifting responsibilities and my new respect for time-management, which is something I plan to remedy in 2009.

I love to travel and thanks to a good friend, I really enjoy this community. I hope to become more involved, possibly even hosting an event (or two) for the local crew.

Regardless, I definitely want to help out when/where I can. So look me up if you're new to the Ham and want to visit local hangouts or simply see the sites. I'm always up for a cool beverage. That's not to say I discriminate against those of the hot variety.

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Since my initial post (from '08), I have become a prominent member of the CS Birmingham Gang. I aid in promoting our meetups/gatherings, welcome new members to the group, and generally, promote local/community events for the group. I attempt to get as many people involved as possible as I believe this city and its inhabitants are equally amazing.

Information about my city:

• Magic City Wikipedia Entry
• B'ham CS Gang
• Travel Guide
• Events

Unfortunately, there is no one source to consult for all the great events that take place here. Having stated that, listed below are annual festivals that should not be missed if you, the visitor, are in the area.

• June 1st & 2nd, Magic City Brewfest 08, in St. Loius. It was a great time that highlighted a great city that previously, was not on my radar.

This year is a huge leap for me as I head to Europe next month. I hope to connect with CSers internationally and enjoy the local flavor. Stay tuned...

Interests

• Traveling - why I'm here!
• Music - my soul; it keeps me moving. Can't go very long without it. Which brings me to my first love...
• Drums - I've been known to produce a beat or two. More specifically: rock, folk, jazz, and a few tricks here and there.
• Socializing - hanging out is what I do best, or so I've been told.
• Outdoor Pursuits - camping, climbing, rafting, hiking, swinging, and swimming.
• Reading - I do this more than I realize.
• Movies - my blood...when I'm not reading.
• Gaming - video/analog - pick your poison.
• Creating (artist/artisan) - drawing, painting, sculpting, modeling, illustration, animation, design.
• Coding - maybe it's not that bad after all.
• Technology - new tools to learn.
• Sports - playing tennis, soccer, frisbee, baseball, football, kickball, billiards; more so than watching.
• Theatre - yeah, I do enjoy a good show.
• Cooking/Eating - love to try new dishes and old favorites.
• Beer - nothing like relaxing with a nice beverage or brewing your on for that matter.

I guess it should say things I'm not interested in. Then I wouldn't be able to go on and on.

• design
• illustrations
• festivals
• dancing
• cooking
• beer
• modeling
• pub crawls
• technology
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• billiards
• socializing
• painting
• drawing
• coding
• magic
• music
• jazz
• drums
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• sports
• baseball
• rock climbing
• soccer
• tennis
• swimming
• kickball
• animation
• tourism
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Lollapalooza '08 made me realize how much I really enjoy Radiohead. Amazing music only matched by their awesome live performance. That was simply amazing and I've seen many bands live.

I particularly enjoy anything Jack White touches (White Stripes, Raconteurs) or Danger Mouse. I'm also a huge fan of the Avett Brothers. But, above all, I absolutely love discovering new bands and new sounds. As of right now, very heavy into Indie, Rock, Alternative, and all the varying combinations thereof. Enjoy Jazz, Folk, and Blues as well with a dash of Instrumental. Basically, I can appreciate and enjoy all forms of music (except modern pop-country of course).

If you're really curious about what/who gets play time from me, check out my LastFM profile.

Or, check out my favorite music station, which operates right here in the Ham! I am a rabid fan and actively promote Birmingham Mountain Radio for a great source of discovering good local and nonlocal music fare. It's online, so check it out!

Movies: I am a sucker for a good horror. Unfortunately, that statement seems to be more of a hyperbole in current cinema. Yet, every now and then, there is a gem (like Cabin in the Woods). I also enjoy foreign films tremendously (historical, horror, suspense, satire, etc).

Television: Not much I’m afraid. However, I do enjoy a good British comedy/drama. I am simply addicted to the Might Boosh.

Books: Argh! I have such a backlog thanks to school. Which reminds me, I don't recommend Formal Language Theory & Finite Automata, unless you're a fan of Hopcroft.

Other than that, I enjoy anything by Terry Pratchett. Max Brooks if you like horror. I tend to read a lot of graphic novels as well, so if you follow suit I'd definitely suggest you read Watchmen right now. In fact, I recommend that book to everyone. If you like that check out more of Alan Moore's work. I am currently enjoying: A Song of Ice and Fire series.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

While backpacking through Washington State & Canada with two other friends, we climbed our way as high as we could go on Mt. Reiner. Then we stopped to play in the snow on an active volcano, using a "No Sledding" sign as a sled.

Other Notable CS experiences:
• View from atop the Sears Tower.
• View from atop the Empire State Building at Sunset.
• View of Liberty Island and Statue of Liberty.
• Checking out the works of Dali at the MOMA.
• Unintentionally celebrating with fellow Alabamians after a Yankees win in the Bronx.
• Taking a lift in the interior of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to an observatory at the top.
• Hanging out at the 360 Rooftop Bar after taking in a Cardinals game.
• Taking in a last minute tour of the original Budweiser brewery.
• CS Prom Pub Crawl of ’09 - Pics.
• Participating in the great Northside Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza back in ’10.
• Zombie Pub Crawl of ’10 with complimentary Thriller dance. Video included, but...viewer beware...spooky...o_O...some things can't be unseen!

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to teach you how to play the drums. Keep in mind, I am no expert, but I have a good bit of the basics down (hopefully by the time my nephew is old enough to learn I won't suck). Also, creating music with other people is always an acceptable pastime.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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