I'm a classic Norwegian, in that I'm usually exceedingly shy, quiet, and sensitive, but tend not to show my emotions outwardly, at least at the start (outside of scowling, I'm great at scowling). But, when I get to know someone beyond a cursory level (or they share food with me) the proverbial ice melts, and I open up quickly. I'll work hard to become someone friends can turn to when they need to talk about their most difficult moments or painful issues without feeling judged or overly analyzed. This doesn't mean I can't enjoy just shooting the breeze however, but this often leaves me as sort of the group therapist for my social circle I guess, which is fine since I really enjoy just seeing others happy. :)

I've always been attracted to people with sharp wit and a strong mind, and I enjoy the challenge of trying to better myself intellectually (except on those days where you get so much work you skip sleep). I don't consider myself above anyone for having a degree though, instead focusing on the challenge of competing with myself instead of with others. To me, everyone leads their own life with their own unique set of challenges to face, and I don't feel the need to impose myself on anyone like that. As a biology graduate student, I'm a huge fan of wildlife and wildlife conservation, having done everything from fostering shelter pets to rearing juvenile waterfowl. Sometimes I find myself enjoying animals a lot more than people. (I wonder why I'm single...)

I love to cycle, kayak and hike, giving me a fairly athletic build without costing me a definable neck. While school may sharpen my mind, sometimes it makes me a little stir crazy and exercise and being outdoors is one of the best way I've found to let off steam. This doesn't mean that I'm 100% lets exercise all the time go go go, though. I'm just as content to catch a fun movie, play a game, see a concert or try a new restaurant, as long as it's what fits the day and sounds capable of helping me relax. If you're a bit of a nerd and enjoy just goofing off with scifi movies and video games, that's a HUGE plus in my book :)

Ultimately, at this juncture, I'm not totally sure what I'm looking for. Someone who isn't too wild or rambunctious, but who is still willing to be spontaneous and affectionate. I'm not looking for someone to follow me all over every mountain side in the West, but someone who's willing to go for a bike ride now and then, or a kayaking trip here and there would be great. Being willing to just see what's around the next mountain, even if it's from a car sometimes, is always fun. On the flip side, I'm about as socially inclined as a tree stump some nights, and loud raucous bars or wild parties actually tend to bore me more than excite me. I use going out as a form of relaxing, not thrill seeking.

Emotionally I feel myself just craving a partner, whether that's a spouse or just a great friend I don't know yet. Either way, having someone to enjoy exploring new museums, zoos, performing arts, restaurants and trails is great, but also having someone to just sit with at night, and...turn too I guess emotionally, even at the quiet times. Not just another friend to get lunch with, but someone to relax and enjoy evenings with, open up to about the day to day, and have new and unique experiences to share.

-- update: While I'm still totally open to meeting new people for socializing and having fun, since I'm lacking a lot of local friends, I have met someone through OKC and we are now happily dating. If you are looking to be more than friends, I'm sorry, I am off the market for that. If being friends is too weird or awkward, I also understand and wish you the best in your search :]

If you have questions, please feel free to email me, I am 100% down for just chatting even if that's all you want to do :)

Currently, I'm a graduate student at Idaho State University, and work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the summer on my graduate project. In the winter months, I teach Biology 101 to incoming freshman.

After I get my degree, I really look forward to pursuing a D.A. or other teaching related degree :)

I'm rather tall, and have very dark blue eyes some people just won't stop staring at. It gives me a menacing look though when I come lurching around a corner with these dark, furrowed eyes. But the furrowing is just because I'm Scandinavian and that's our natural facial expression.

Anything SciFi / Fantasy, and I'm in. From Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, I'll probably enjoy watching/reading/listening to it, especially with someone else who finds that stuff fun :) I'm just a big nerd/geek/whatever you want to call me.

Food wise, I LOVE Thai and Sushi, but nothing is wrong with Italian or fresh seafood either!

grading papers or writing an essay for a class.....er, no, I mean...something more fun than that!

Actually most Fridays I take time out to go out to dinner and eat some real food and enjoy a relaxing start to the weekend.