CURRENT MISSION

the day we stop playing is the day we start getting old

ABOUT ME

I'm an occasional soul adventurer who suffers frequent bouts of reality. That's where couchsurfing comes in.

I love storms. I think it's the underdog in me. I suppose if I was born a trustafarian, I'd be a complete bum. And if I were born an untouchable, I'd be president. Rarely in life are we blessed with such extreme challenges. Maybe in the next life.

I like dogs and outdoor cats who bring prizes to my doorstep. I like real camping - walking into the woods with all my worldly possessions and coming out several days later lighter of step. I love music festivals where people dance uninhibited. I like costuming up on the playa. I've snowboarded the Alps. So far my favorite snow day was a blue bird at Flims Lax, Switzerland with my traveling buddy Matthias.

Lastly, I believe the purpose of life is your gift to give. A buddy of mine wrote "Life's Golden Ticket" which really crystallized it for me. You do not own your purpose, it owns you. And your lifetime challenge is to uncover uses for that purpose in service to others. And before you rip that halo trip to shreds, just know I think Billy Joel was right...the sinners have much more fun;)

Last, I am a member of the Oakland Nature Friends & Tourist Club where I hike, folf, horseshoe, ski, dance and drink beer. If ur in the area stop by one of our festivals or if you need a place to crash (and I can get comfortable vouching for you), we got an inexpensive bunk house in the swanky Oakland Hills.

PHILOSOPHY

life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I took some time off from my day job to write a book about conservation and travel around the country to see if my aim was true. The road was getting reeeeaaaal old - eating out alone, overpriced flea bag motels, sleeping in the truck, etc. So I thought I might try something different and serendipity struck...couchsurfing!

Now I'm back from my tripping and reinventing myself once again as a video producer. Sorry, no couch available at the moment but when I do, I will owe some serious CS karma! I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area so if you need some direction, give me a buzz and I'll meet you for coffee or just give you the local poop.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

gee, don't want to play favorites or even try to compare the awsum experiences I've had couchsurfing. so there's this:

ryan surfs kites
jen cruises bikes
peter and laura spelunk old train stations

Interests

hiking, running, soccer, chess, snowboarding, Bassnectar, Beatropolis, talking conservation, politics or any subject with people who like to explore the nuances and details

• cats
• dogs
• books
• music festivals
• festivals
• dancing
• beer
• coffee
• running
• walking
• drinking
• clubbing
• politics
• technology
• chess
• traveling
• eating out
• drawing
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• adventure races
• skiing
• snowboarding
• soccer
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Caddyshack, Groundhogs Day, Animal House and Blazing Saddles. I've seen each at least 20 times. Sad, no? Boef!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My trike escaped at 80 MPH, delayed my arrival on playa and saved me from a smooshing by the 40-foot UberMan! It's amazing how one moment's misery can throw off the rhythm of an even worse fate.

Saw a UFO jet...then instantly hover over the SF bay last weekend. Bright orange flame. No hesitation. I feel like it was looking right at us, waiting for us to draw...our cameras...and then dodge and weave to make our primitive technology useless...to make us feel small...to avoid our dissection tables! I'm no Roswellian wingnut but...Jeesh! Irrefutable evidence or wingnut?

Teach, Learn, Share

How can you tell a comfortable couch from a back-breaker from the photo alone? The arms have well-worn dust sleeves? Lost civilizations can be found beneath the layers of family dog hair? Lifting the cushions uncovers enough change for a trip to Taco Bell? Cmon, there's gotta be some giveaway!

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