Celebrating 34 with friend and Patron

The brakes don’t work!  We were gliding forward, and I was certain that this is it…. I was going to run over my 1st person ever! Why were they riding their bicycle right there?  It was a good 34 years of being free.

To start off, I don’t know what my birthday surprise is, so don’t let the title fool you. It’s the night before we leave Tamarindo, and I’m in a writy mood (apparently, Writy is not a word, but it’s how I feel– so… screw you red-underliny thing (underliny is also not a word)). I have a funny story, and a good life lesson. Read the rest of this entry »

I got my wish.  I’m couchsurfing in another country.  I have the most amazing friends I could have imagined, and even though most aren’t here with me, I feel that I am totally loved.  So, now I’m 34 — here’s the latest from Costa Rica.

1st, since you’re curious as to how I’m celebrating, I am going to learn to surf waves, not just couches.  I would’ve done it sooner, but I injured my foot when jogging barefoot on the beach. Read the rest of this entry »

So people who suffer PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) often get cured by reliving a traumatic experience again and again, in a controlled environment.  Well, I didn’t survive (or not surprise) a landmine blowing up my Humvee…. but I did go to Prom in high school.

Yeah… it was pretty sad.  I didn’t give a crap about the people in my school.  I didn’t get along with them all that well. It’s not that we didn’t get along, it’s that I didn’t know  who I was back then.  I guess you could say I’ve come out of my shell since then.  I was working at the movie theatre, and this girl Sharon came in.  She was kind of hot.  She had huge boobs.  Back then, that was probably good enough reason to take someone to prom.

To the left is my awesome tuxedo picture.  Yup.  I feel like I should be a waiter or something.  May I grind some cheese for you for your salad?

So, I did not hook up with Sharon. Nowhere near.  I had fun drinking with the group.  Riding in a limo was cool’ish.

So today I’m flying out of Austin, to go to Social Media Prom.  That’s right! Me and the rest of the computer nerd misfits who never felt they fit in (which apparently, is most people) are now enjoying and connecting on social media, but the real world is way more fun.  So, what is Social Media Prom?

Well… who cares?  It’s another excuse to hang out with friends and celebrate!  These days I’m not shy and quiet.  These days, I’m rowdy, and way more confident.  I’ll dance.  I’ll sing.  I’ll tell jokes the whole evening.  So– I WAS going to show up in a Kilt, with a Tux Jacket, and this shirt.

My prom shirt.

Yeah. Tuxedo-Tshirts are tacky, so I have to be innovative.  The only thing is that there was a problem with the kilt place, so… now I may just wear a regular tuxedo with this tshirt.

Look… I may play poker with bulls, and train with cage fighters, but I’m just a big nerd!  I’ve been building PCs since 6th grade.  I was hacking video games at 7th grade.  I spend a lot of time in front of the computer.  I was using dating sites before they were considered safe.

So…. yeah… this seems awesome, and even cooler, it’s presented by Funny Or Die.  I love Funny Or Die!  If you haven’t heard of them, just watch this clip that launched them:

Social media has allowed me to connect with some of the people from Funny Or Die in person at various other events.  Amber Osbourne introduced me to Patrick Starzan at a nightclub in Vegas, “You have to meet this guy!  You’re twins!” (not identical… just non-stop corny jokes).

I actually had 3 girls fighting over me!  This is way better than high school prom!  And we can legally buy the booze this time, and the kids that are the cool kids are the people who embrace life, and have a lot of personality… not the people who have a fancy jacket. My official date is Brandie. , my business manager.  She’s become invaluable, and I wouldn’t want to go with anyone else.  I have so many ideas, and if it weren’t for Brandie, many of them would not get executed.  I can’t tell you which dress she’s wearing… but here they are:

I’m voting for the 1st one.

Anyways- the point is that I am always looking for unique and memorable experiences, preferably with great people that I can share them with.  I can’t think of much that will be better than this.  I predict a lot of fun, and I challenge you to go find some cool fun event that makes you feel silly.  Go to some vintage shop, find some crazy costume or outfit, and own it!  Post the pictures everywhere!  Heck!  Post a picture of your prom pics!  Leave a comment!  My prom picture rocks!  I was a younger, dorkier me, and my little brother Itay was all adorable and puffy and tiny.

These days he is 6’2, 240LBS of solid muscle, and he hates that darn picture

Craig buckling in

Steve Siegwalt has been leaving comments on many of my Facebook updates.  I love when people engage, but even more when they are “regulars”.  When he heard I was coming to Austin, he said I have to visit his 16 acre ranch.

Craig Allen (whom I was staying with again, since we are working on a marketing project together) had his nephew come into town.  We all went to Steve’s ranch, which apparently has great hospitality, great food, a professional go-kart, a quad, and a mile and a half home made track.

The thing about Craig is that not only is he the first person I said that I could actually be long-term roommates with, the first person to get me to try raw food (and stay with it for 30 days), considered by me to be family, but he also happens to have driven in the Baja 1000 (a crazy off road dune-buggy race in Baja, Mexico).  So- here’s yet another random adventure: Read the rest of this entry »

I drove into Hutchinson, KS to attend the 140Conf Smalltown event. On my drive down, they said I should present, so I said I’d come up with something.

It turns out that I’d be here Halloween weekend, so I was wondering what we’d do for Halloween. Thankfully, Jeff Pulver does things with style- he arranged to have a private costume party at the local salt mines! We were hanging out 650 feet beneath the ground.

I wondered what I’d wear… so I put it out there on Twitter and Facebook. I got many obvious suggestions: “Couch” “Photographer” “Wizard of Oz character”. None of them moved my soul, until Read the rest of this entry »

In 2007 I met Skizzy when I couchsurfed with him, instead of staying in Alabama where there was a tornado.  We adventured all over the place, from road trips, to crazy skydiving events.  We’ve been through a lot. When he started dating Alyx, I thought from the start she was brilliant.  She was (is) pretty, hardworking, polite… clearly has had good parenting.

Alyx found an embarassing old VHS tape of Scott dancing, and asked me to convert it to digital. I said that I would, and that I would post it when it was least expected. A year later, I gave Skizzy the VHS back. He said “Couldn’t convert it, eh?” I replied “It’s difficult to find a VHS player, let alone one that converts to digital.” – but I never said that I didn’t get it converted. Almost a year after returning the tape, here’s the video, posted online, after it’s been long forgotten:

If we’re not careful, all our analog memories shall fade.  It’s fairly simple to get your VHS tapes, 8mm films, slides, and photos converted to digital, so that you can humiliate yourself and your friends and family… er… so you can share and relive those precious memories.

Why not go find your own faded memories, and put them online, tagging all the participants  You’ll brighten not only their day, but also all that they are socially connected with.

More importantly though, always keep your word.  This was one of the more difficult things  I’ve had to do– to have this video, and actually wait until it was forgotten about.  But, damn, I feel GREAT posting this.  Many people got a smile today.  Check out some of these comments!  Leave your comment below, and make sure to like / share this.

There is no witticism or bad pun here, this is just an update on where things are going, some life lessons (that can be practical for everyone), a new toy I got, and that sort of thing. So read on, pass it on, and I hope it adds value to your life. Oh yeah, stay till the end, ’cause there’s a funny story about some federal agents patting me and my friend down for drugs! Read the rest of this entry »

At Disc Golf Mastermind I was pretty goofy.  I climbed pretty high up in a tree to get a disc (not the one I lost, mind you, but the one I found… which was even better), I threw without aiming, I told lots of stupid jokes…. The guys were entertained, but I kept saying, “I’m way more entertaining when I bowl!”

Little did I know that 3 days later there would be bowling! Immediately following Mexican food (at El Callejon – which I gave a poor review to on Yelp: slow service, horrible parking, ok food, great chips)- which included Margaritas, since it was Steph’s birthday!  This was actually my first time meeting Steph, but I doubt she’ll forget me… ever (see video below)!   Read the rest of this entry »

The Ragnar – a 185 Mile Relay Race in Seattle-  12 people and a dog named Webber, riding in 2 smelly vans, and taking turns running 3 legs of the race in 24 hours!  How could that not sound fun?

http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage

We’re missing a runner or two….  We have 10 confirmed, plus the dog (not every team has the dog, we’re just cool).

So… help get the word out!  Our team needs one or two more people!  We CAN run as is, we’ll just run more miles per person.

Do you live in Seattle (Actually, the race says Baline to Langley) ? Near Seattle? Like to run?  Know someone that’s in or near that area and likes to run?   Join us! Contact me, and I’ll let the team know!

I will bring my camera, and you’ll get professional photos of you running, and have a blast with a bunch of goofballs!  Bad jokes and good photos are guaranteed!

I’m going back to Cali… Yeah, I do think so! My last 2 posts were kind of sad, so here’s a happy one:
“Open invite to surf by beach spot for 6 weeks from june 12th till mid/late july.  Must watch Webber though.  Trying to find someone.”

Ummmmm….  6 weeks, with a 1.5 week notice. Wait,  I’m already packed up!  I had cleared out everything (‘cept Read the rest of this entry »

The Couchsurfing Radio Host- Couch Surfing Ori

What did I do in Dallas?

Billboard climbing

Art fair

warehouse party

consulting

met new people

got a speaking and mc gigs for next month

played poker (learned to play poker actually)

There was more… and that’s why you need to listen to Episode 7.  You can hear what the listeners who got their consulting thought, and check out a funny conversation with Jason Moffatt.  That reminds me– this is the first episode to have the word “shit” in it.  I was wondering how long the G rating would last

[podcast]http://www.couchsurfingori.com/couchsurfing-radio/couchsurfing-couchcasts/Couchsurfingradio-Couchcast-number7-February-08-2010-Jason-moffatt-dallas-adventures-art.mp3[/podcast]

Download the episode for home/car/plane/etc.. listening.

Fireworks - seems like a good pic for the new year

As of 2pm on January 1^st, I will have been couchsurfing a full 3 years. I have to admit, it’s gone by quickly. Everyone says “Where did the year go?” But because I blogged more this year, I actually know where it went.  I didn’t blog everything- but here’s my summary.. Read the rest of this entry »

Back then it was more like Crib Surfing Ori

I was cute and innocent back then.  My parents can give all sorts of examples of how early I caused trouble   I like being mischievious.

Anyways– this post will be short, ’cause it’s 12:30am, and I’m still packing up.  I want to be done packing soon, and get on the road to Austin, TX.  I have many awesome friends there, and we’re having a party at 8:30 (CST) at The Club at 360.  You’re invited too!

So… while packing isn’t all that exciting… this time it is.. ’cause what I can’t fit in my car is being thrown away.  And… my 3 monitors are taking up a ton of space, so… that doesn’t leave much for stuff to take.

Other than packing, this is the greatest way to start a new year:

I already mentioned a party. Then there’s great friends.  There’s an adventure (a 14-16 hour road trip in the niddle of the night).  My older brother called right at 11:59, and sang happy birthday… then I made him sing it in Hebrew… then I made him sing it in Italian (he’s really smart… could’ve done Spanish & French too).  Then my parents called and sang.  The great thing is that I recorded all their singing!  The sound will probably suck ’cause my speaker phone ain’t that great, but I was recording a funny video for my blog where …. hmmm… you know what, you’ll have to wait to find out what it is!  But I’ll tell you this much, my friend Brian that was on the phone when I came up with the idea was stunned, and said I must let him know what happens.  Since it was so crazy, and funny, I said I’d record it.  Glad I did record it, ’cause now I was able to get the b-day singing (to be posted once I’m in Austin).

So yeah.. also starting the year blogging, and making cool videos.

33 is great so far!  Yeah.. go ahead and start with the Old Jokes   “Were you sad when the dinosaurs died?”  — I told a 31 year old today that we didn’t have televisions back when I was his age

Anyways- off to pack, and get on the road!  If you want to give me a birthday present, buy me gas, it will really help me out.

Hope you had an awesome Halloween.  My story is a little more intricate, funny, and bizarre … just what you’d expect!  So… read on, and enjoy.  You’ll read about: What I’ve done with my hair after nearly 2 years of not cutting it… hippies… parties… and you won’t believe my costume (I can’t believe I’m posting this)! Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday was Halloween. I was going to meet up with my buddy Dave from south Florida. I met him at Ultra 2003 in South Beach, and then in 2005 he moved to NY. A lot’s changed for us both. I took the subway, and walked. I brought my caveman outfit. I got to Dave’s place, and the doorman said he already left. I was slightly infuriated, as I don’t like people wasting my time. At least there was a big parade that I could catch. Here are the photos from that:

Read the rest of this entry »

My alarm was set for 3:30am, and I left at 4am. Why so early? Because Angela was going to arrive at Baltimore International at 10:45. I spoke to Angela the night before, and she said I can get there by noon, that way they have girl time, and I don’t have to leave as early. I just go for it though… I wanted to be there on time. Once it was daytime, I was on the phone. I spoke to Couch 4, as we were working on a project with Couch 53… we were going to market his skateboard and t-shirts…. quite original designs, and this stuff would move fast, I’m certain of it! However… this has been too long in negotiations, and we decided to scrap the contract, since we’ve put too much into it, and it seemed the client wasn’t putting in nearly as much effort. Actually, that wasn’t till the next week that we scrapped the contract. The day I got into Maryland, I sat in the car and tried the last negotiation. While I was finishing up, Angela and Amy arrived. Angela of course was trying to molest me while I’m still on the phone. One week later, on my way to New York, I would notify Couch 53′s partner that we are going to pass on marketing them.

We were supposed to go White-Water rafting that day, or the next… However, Couch 45 (Amy) decided it would be too cold, so we didn’t. I was pretty bummed, ’cause I’ve gone in freezing wa ter before…. I’ve gone water-skiing in the great lakes, in a wet-suit.. er… think it’s a dry-suit when it gets that cold. No worries. I was just happy to be around them. Amy strikes, or has in the past left the impression as a serious no-bullshit kinda girl. It was this perception that was completely shattered. This girl has one crazy sense of humor! In fact, I know call her my long-lost twin sister! Really! We call each other up “What up sis? ” “How’s it going bro?” Which is cool, ’cause my brothers and I sort of wanted a sister. Amy is like my friggin twin though! She’s athletic, a go-getter, does what she wants, gets angry when her time is wasted, and likes to mess with people! I had no idea! Guess that’s the whole book/judging thing. Read the rest of this entry »

I left South Florida on Saturday morning’ish. I made it to Tampa by Saturday evening, in time to make it to Couch #6′s NO CLOTHES party…. This was after an ex girlfriend of mine flaked out last minute. Read the rest of this entry »

Oh My Frigggin Gawd! This show is on the road again… I hit the ground running!
I took off Friday afternoon, after completing my TAXES, packing my stuff, and cleaning my room @ Couch 26′s. I hauled ass to Clearwater for Festival of Speeds’ Jetport Reception. It was a lot of fun! My ID wasn’t checked, and I didn’t have to valet park, while everyone else did All ’cause of my camera, of course.

Read the rest of this entry »