CURRENT MISSION

To focus more on personal development, as I've been quite focused on my career

ABOUT ME

Hi. I've spent the past ten years teaching for an American University in Japan, and I have decided to move to a new stage in my life: I'm 40 (ok, just turned 41)--how did THAT happen?? :)

I'm going to be traveling in Europe in early 2014; I have never been to the continent before. I am really looking forward to experiencing new cultures and learning others' perspectives. Couchsurfing is a great idea in this regard.

PHILOSOPHY

Certainly to "live and let live" in a compassionate and positive manner; to continually learn from experiences.

Personally, I need to try and determine my life's meaning and acquire greater fulfillment.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have never experienced Couchsurfing before; I recently learned it existed from a guidebook. As mentioned above, it seems like a really great way for people to share their cultures, perspectives, and experiences, in ways that both surfer and host can benefit.

Interests

Hmm, lets see...

I enjoy hiking, camping, snorkeling--activities which allow me to enjoy nature without much fuss or equipment.

I like roller skating--yes, the old quad kind, karaoke, amusements parks, and festivals of various kinds--anywhere people are having fun.

• festivals
• traveling
• karaoke
• hiking
• camping
• snorkeling
• rock climbing
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

Comedy is my favorite genre for movies and TV shows.

The TV shows I enjoy are primarily adult cartoons (Family Guy, American Dad, Southpark, Futurama), as they can present crazy situations not possible with live action. I also enjoy It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

I am mainly drawn to various streams of alternative rock music--Dandy Warhols, Foo Fighters, Oingo Boingo, for example--I'll be very impressed if you know that last band. :)

I read numerous types of books and particularly enjoy mysteries. Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are nice because they are short; I often become engrossed in long novels, to the detriment of other responsibilities :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Just one great experience I have had is climbing Mount Fuji.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can help you learn the English language, in oral or written form.

I'm happy to share my knowledge of the United States and Japan.

I would live to learn about and experience the cultural traditions and foods of the countries/areas I am visiting.

Countries I’ve Visited

Philippines

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, South Korea, United States