CURRENT MISSION

I want to explore the world. Not just geographically, but in all ways.

ABOUT ME

I like to lend a helping hand, I like to be involved in what's going on around me, I try to seek understanding and I don't mind taking the lead to get something really cool done. As a guest, I place a premium on adapting to my hosts' schedules, habits and to the general vibe of their home. Oh yeah, and I like running, yoga and meditation.

PHILOSOPHY

Personal philosophy? Hmm, I'm still working on that one. I guess I'm trying to combine my desire to understand everything with my desire to chill out and enjoy life's essential unpredictability.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I just got back from over a year traveling and working in Australia, Asia and Hawaii. I had a wonderful welcome from couchsurfing hosts in Sydney, and I want to pay it forward here in Toronto. Don't have a place yet, but happy to show visitors around Toronto! (Feb 2013)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been couchsurfing with friends in Toronto for much of October. To date (Nov 2, 2011), I've been a couchsurfing.com member for two days. Am hoping to add more stories soon.

Interests

In a given week, I like a good mix of going out and having a good time, working hard to create something neat and effective from the kernel of an idea, and wrapping my head around something requiriing analysis (eg: research, a new tech product, a new place). I tend to gravitate to coffee shops, where I write, and read news, blogs and social media. Work-wise and in my personal life, I like about a 30/70 mix of alone-to-process time/connecting-with-people time.

• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• yoga
• running
• meditation
• drinking
• technology
• news
• traveling
• communications

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: lately I've been listening to Joan Jett, Sarah Slean, the White Stripes and Tom Waits

Books: ok, very long list. Random selections from different genres: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman, The Passion by Jeanette Winterson, Ian Rankin's John Rebus books, Niall Ferguson's The Ascent of Finance.

Movies/TV: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Being Erica

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've made some hard and surprising decisions lately, such as the choice to go traveling instead of pursuing a new career. Leading with my heart like that is pretty new and scary, but it already seems like an amazingly good idea.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm happy to speak French or English, write or research anything at all, help organize nonprofit fundraising and social enterprise initiatives ... I like the sociable-but-practical nature of serving drinks, food and coffee, or cleaning and cooking in a home or work context.