I am starting to define the "NEXT" me. In the last 1-1/2 years, I have been widowed, retired and empty nested. I hadn't planned around that combination of events happening so early in my life or so close together. I've got so much energy but am working to refine how I will channel it now.

I'm moving forward with the plans I had while adjusting for the changes I've experienced: Retirement travel is solo for now; family time is focused around college breaks; and, career is volunteer work or occasional consulting jobs.

I continue to work hard at these but am seeking to expand the possibilities. Who knows where the voyage will lead: a second career; an new relationship; relocation; or ? ? ?

I'm handy at a lot of things. The old line "Jack of all Trades; Master of none" would fit me if it were not for that fact that I am a bit of a perfectionist. I am constantly trying to become a "Master" of new things. I know I fall short of that goal but am willing to try anything from Physics to Philosophy. My strengths lean to the physics side as I am a very handy homeowner. Plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, etc.; none of it scares me.

I had a long career rising to the upper ranks of Marketing for a Fortune 100 company. I guess that might indicate that I am really good at business and marketing. However, the "Corporate Life" was only a preamble. It's a factor of how I got here; not an indicator of where I am going. I can have fun now without the corporate constraints!

That I am tall. For most people the fact that I am tall and relatively thin is their first reaction. After that would be that I have a deep voice. I don't notice this but have had people I just met ask if I am in radio or do announcing. (Move over Ted Williams)

Books: The Client by John Grisham. Okay, I know it is old as dirt but what isn’t to like about a smart mouthed boy keeping both the law and organized crime at bay. The story sort of reminded me of my youth except for the “law and organized crime” part. For me it was “teachers and parents”.

Movies: Sweat Home Alabama. What Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas lacked was made up for by Lynyrd Skynyrd and the scenes of the de Havilland Beaver touching down on a southern lake. Yes, I like airplanes.

Shows: From Broadway to the Paramount, a favorite is hard to pick. One that sticks in my mind was a local performance of Brigadoon one summer in the city park of Metuchen, NJ. We just brought our lawn chairs, sat on the hillside and enjoyed the play. You had to have been there.

Music: I enjoy a lot of different music but lean towards country or folk. I am a bit of a closet Jimmy Buffett “Parrot Head”. (No, I don’t own a parrot head hat.) More and more lately I find Zac Brown showing up on my shuffle list. However, the recent live performances I have been to included Celine Dion, Nickelback, Kenny G. and The Glenn Miller Orchestra. How’s that for all over the map?

Food: Yes, I eat food . . . all kinds of food. My tastes are varied: Steak to sushi; Caesar salad to Crème Brule. My favorites are usually based on where I am. The food enhances the local culture and vice versa.

Who says we are limited to only six things? I have six that start with the letter "F". I'm sure I could do most of the other letters too.

Faith: I am not a "got to be in a church on Sunday" sort of guy but do have a strong faith in God. I do attend a church with some regularity for the social support. That will give us lots to talk about.

Family: My children are a great strength to me even now that they are off at college and starting to be adults on their own. We talk regularly and see each other as often as we can.

Friends: I believe your true worth cannot be demonstrated until you can show that you can be someone's friend when they need it and that you can allow someone to be your friend when you need it.

Fascination: This could also be a "K" for knowledge. I am naturally curious and want to know what makes things work. I have to work to keep this from being obsessive.

Flexibility: By nature I am a planner. Now more than ever; I know that having a plan is only good until you find that it needs revised. I still plan but stand ready to revise.

Fun: You could also call this optimism. I always lean to the “cup-half-full” side. If you are not having fun, change something. If you can’t change something, find a way to be happy with what you have.

How the next chapter of my life will read once I am finished writing it. It will be full and happy I know, but what do I want to make sure is included?

What is typical of Friday night? When you don't have to go to work, every night is Friday night. I like movies, dinner, conversation, live concerts, sports, etc. It doesn't just have to be Friday and it doesn't have to be night.

That I have an account on OKCupid.com. I can't believe that one myself sometimes.

You would like to have coffee or a drink and just meet someone new. I start with no expectations so dissappointment isn't an issue for me. You need to feel that way too.