Born and raised in the United States, but after graduating moved to Japan and have spent most of my adult life there. Temporarily back in the United States.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm traveling a lot while I'm here, and I'd heard from a buddy who stayed with me in Osaka about semi-unorthodox ways to travel. I've hosted and been hosted by so many kind people over the years, and I hope to meet many more.

Interests

There might be some people whose lives go basically the way they planned them to, but the best things in my life I didn't bring about myself.

• books
• music
• strategy games
• unlikely connections

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC

I play for fun, and the stuff I like tends to all have singable melodies. I'm not elitist about music but respect those who are.

BOOKS

I make a conscious effort to read nonfiction and biographies. Fiction seems to sort itself out.

MOVIES

I am the worst person to talk to about movies... I have minimal patience for them. Vastly prefer shows.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Always amazed every time I go up a mountain.

Teach, Learn, Share

Something I've been thinking about recently: I have a hard time saying no when someone wants my company, even if I see clear reasons to decline. I realized it's because I can't imagine much worse than being lonely. If there's nothing worse than being lonely, then it's always wrong to deny someone companionship.

What I was doing was projecting my own way of life on others, and now that I can state the situation clearly, I can see there are plenty of worse things in the world than temporary loneliness. So I'm better about making decisions based not just off if I or someone else is lonely. But how much of my life is being driven by my as-yet unconscious fears? How can I drive my life by what I love instead?

--

Also I've taught singing, English, Japanese study techniques, and (only once) meditation. Love to learn!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a good listener. Terrible cook though.

Countries I’ve Visited

Dominican Republic, Japan, Philippines

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States