I'm a 42 yr. old English Teacher from a small town in WNY currently teaching 7th and 8th grade middle school(yes, spellchecking and grammar count). I am a farm boy and have some very old fashion ideas about behavior and kindness. I have completed 3 master's degrees and am done with school (finally).
I am currently looking to buy a house and am going through all the fun that goes along with that. I am very much into my family and am totally devoted to my niece and new nephew. I'm a spoiler, but with a firm hand. I love animals, but merely tolerate cats. (Unless well behaved or cooked). I am a fast friend, with few people who know me well, but I'll also talk openly to strangers to pass the time.

My hobbies include bonsai (yes, those little trees), martial arts(currently Tai Chi), making wine and sake, and collecting complete sets of DVD's and books(either on-line or at sales).

I'm currently dating a wonderful woman that I met on this site and am trying not to screw it up. (We are both "burn victims")

As I mentioned, I am trying to buy a house in the area and driving my realtor batty.

I'm trying to perfect my bonsai skills so that my teacher won't make too much fun of my work. I am also working on a new Halloween costume. (Very big with me)

Trying to blend a drinkable wine (concord and blueberry is my best)

Making a sake that will change peoples' minds about it (but I must admit, it's tough)

Being a good friend.

Not using a hammer on stupid people.

Seeking a balance in my relationships.

Having a joke for any occasion (Usually getting me in trouble).

Quotes and humor that educate and inspire.

Zen thought puzzles.

Scaring villages and running from mobs with torches and pitchforks.

"HOLY CRAP, HE'S HUGE!" which I usually try to play off with humor. ("Yeah, I know, you thought Shrek was green."). Those that stick around and don't judge by appearance alone will notice that I really have a soft side and a huge heart. (For any guys reading this, I have to put this in, really, no tears here...grunt!)

They notice that I shave my head, but then assume that I'm bald.(I love to grow it in for a month and freak people out). Seriously people, it's a hair style not a lifestyle.

My big laugh and booming voice, but both can adjust for the situation.

Books - The Hobbit, LOTR, Dexter, Dresden Files, Sun Tzu "The Art of War, Buffy and Angel books, Graphic novels, good detective fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, and any well blended version of the above.

Movies - The Maltese Falcon, It's a Wonderful Life, Harvey, Most older Mel Brooks movies, Intelligent humor(Kevin Smith vs. Jud Apatow), Rio Bravo, (Best wine trilogy Sideways, A Good Year, and Bottle Shock). Many IFC films.

Music - Anything but Rap and country. Love deep blues and jazz. Taiko drums are cool as well as Zen flute.

Food - Yes please. Sushi, pizza, fried chicken, steak...(did I mention I am a big guy?) Not much into sweets, but seconds are good. Also, I am more into tea than coffee.

Good:
-wine
-conversation
-friends
-jokes
-books
-something new to learn

Things I could do without:
-Bad drivers
-Bad manners
-Ignorance
-Slow computers
-Politics
-Bad service

How to help out my parents.

What my friends need of me.

My lesson plans.(In case my boss is looking here...lol)

How many times can I hit the snooze alarm and still make it to work.

The 5% situations. (IE. Truth is stranger than fiction)

The other shoe...

What my superpower would be.

What is the difference between undead like Frankenstein and zombies? Both should be shambling slow in my opinion!

Not a big fan of bars, but love pubs. A good conversation should be heard over the music. So a drink in with friends or a dinner out at a house.

Sci Fi channel and a person to snuggle up to...(OK, I will not be using the new SYFY logo anytime soon).

A movie out, dinner, anything with friends or family.

Plotting to take over the world.

Sampling the a nice scotch.

I once bought a George Michael CD and sang it out loud on a cross state trip(Hey! "Faith" and "I Want Your Sex" are cool, admit it.)

I once had a passing one night stand with a very young box wine and have regretted it ever since.

I drank a bottle of peach schnapps just to see it die.

I wish heroes were real, but I know that would mean that the villains were too. (Not sure if I'd be a misunderstood hero or a villain with big heart)

You can use spellcheck and proper grammar, like good conversation, understand puns, one-liners, like animals and children (any order is fine), want to talk about movies and how remakes should be banned from the world, have a bad day and want to talk or compare notes.

Like I said, I'm seeing someone right now, but no one has all the friends they need or want. If you made it this far, good for you, and send me a note. No winks please...