I can get dressed up for a night on the town, or feel just as good in a pair of jeans and Chacos. I am always up for good conversation that makes me think, and you think. After working hard all week it's the weekend mornings I'm excited about- no alarm, good beats, hot chai tea or coffee, a good breakfast, a stroll bundled up, and no "have to" schedule. I try to take pleasure in the details of life. A decent dose of sun on my skin makes me feel healthy. Reading a good book in a tent, or under the covers, is cozy. A quaint restaurant, a bottle of wine, some great food and company goes a long way. Or making dinner at home and sitting outside under the stars is a pleasure as well. I am drawn to outdoor activities of all sorts (mountaineering, cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking, trail running, etc.). But, balance is a good thing. As much as I like the outdoors, I enjoy living in the city (spending time in a museum, shopping for organic vegetables at the Portland Farmers Market, people watching at a coffee shop). Cooking is one of my favorite pastimes – I find it an excellent way to be creative and relax. I enjoy making big meals with friends and sharing bottles of wine. My tastes for going out on the town are eclectic: I like checking out dive bars, going to fine restaurants, and most everything in between. I think I have a pretty good life. So what am I looking to add? I'd like to meet someone to share time, me, and the experience of life with. There is nothing more special than a true bond between two authentic people. I sure didn't get a set of instructions for life so I try to remain open as to how, when, and who that develops with. I see it as the feeling of a best friend with great benefits - pal around, eat/drink/be merry, laugh, travel, talk, think, grow, learn, be affectionate and intimate. Someone with good intentions and a good heart. Integrity and honesty are paramount in my life, and I expect the same in a partner. It's that person that you just have a "bam!" factor with. You look across the room, see them and naturally a smile comes to your face and good feelings to your heart. You know them, and they know you. It's consistent, and it's natural. Too much to ask? I am thoughtful, intelligent, and loyal. I am a good listener, a problem-solver, and a bit of a jokester.

I finished a doctoral program in educational leadership in June. Currently, I am an assistant principal at a middle school.

Navigating in the wilderness.
Organizing projects.

My smile.

Some of my favorite authors include: Sherman Alexie, Edward Abbey, Tony Horwitz, Peter Jenkins, and Jon Krakauer.

Music: Yo La Tengo, The Clash, Bob Marley, Violent Femmes, Cat Stevens, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Dave Matthews Band, CCR, misc. bluegrass, zydeco, and 80s... (I listen to a lot of different things).

Food: Mexican, Thai, Cuban, pizza, breakfast/brunch, cheese.

Music.
Bicycle.
Family and friends.
Adventure.
Wilderness.
Humor.

I am looking for someone who is active and who challenges me to experience new things and look at ideas in new ways. She should be intelligent, worldly, and easy-going. Above all else, she should make me laugh.