*Note: I now live in Evanston, a quiet college town a short train ride north of Chicago.

Hi, Internet! Well, I guess most people would describe me as quiet and curious. A friend recently told me about a character in a book who described herself as a "truthball in search of goof," and I think that fits me pretty well. I enjoy simple things: friendly company, conversation, a spot outside to read, a wandering walk, you know. Good stories, calm days, kind people.

In college I studied Chemistry and English literature, but I work now as an accountant. On the side, I'm still involved in the tiniest bit of neuroscience research, and I also do some things with books. Earlier this year, I finished some research for a creative nonfiction book about how technology affects or brains (and hearts). Here it is, if you want to support the author: (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/609118/the-stars-in-our-pockets-by-howard-axelrod/9780807036754). Then I did some editing for another about Western medicine and indigenous healing practices around the world. And now I'm mostly writing my own things.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My favorite part about traveling is the people I'm lucky enough to meet. And as a host? Offering up some of my space is something very simple I can do to help people on their way.

Interests

• arts
• writing
• books
• literature
• performing arts
• coffee
• vegetarian
• vegan
• walking
• technology
• puzzles
• music
• live music
• jazz
• martial arts
• chemistry
• neuroscience
• science
• beaches
• people
• circus
• film
• outdoors
• people watching
• wandering
• comedy
• illustration
• nonfiction
• cooking and baking
• mystery
• bookstores
• bakeries
• writing letters

Music, Movies, and Books

Books — Authors would be easier. Julio Cortázar (!), Virginia Woolf, Italo Calvino, Joan Didion, Lewis Carroll, Vladimir Nabokov, Steven Millhauser, Oliver Sacks, Andre Breton, Jia Tolentino, Rainer Maria Rilke, Franz Kafka, Gabriel García Márquez, Carl Sagan, Tomas Tranströmer, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Rebecca Solnit, and James Baldwin all come to mind. Any good book of essays, really. Or some fantastic fictions.

Music — I like all kinds.

Movies — Casting JonBenet, Clouds of Sils Maria, Synecdoche New York, Manchester By The Sea, Call Me By Your Name, Her, Nostalgia for the Light (Nostalgia de la Luz), Disobedience, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Lucía y el Sexo, Alice in Wonderland (the animated Disney one), Pina (bio about the choreographer Pina Bausch), The Master, and a few silent films—for example He Who Gets Slapped. I like the comedy special "Do Nothing" by Simon Amstell. The Japanese series Midnight Diner is a recent favorite. Some Black Mirror. And a special place in my heart for the Three Stooges.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Having groceries in the fridge and doing laundry regularly. It's the simple things.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can always offer some conversation, and of course, a place to stay. Beyond that, it will change from person to person.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States