My favorite quote from literature is “To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'”.

I've spent a lot of time pondering the meaning of that whole quotation. A bit of my obsession was finding out how to say 'I'. Experience has taught me that I'm exactly who I believe I am. The things that I enjoy doing (playing and listening to music, writing poetry, reading literature, watching movies, thinking critically), the experiences I've had (my childhood, growing up in high school, being away at college), and the people I keep in my life (my family, my friends) are elements that make up who I am. I'm the combination of my choices, my experiences, and the people I love in my life. I don't wonder who I am and I feel comfortable knowing who I am.

More recently, I've begun to imagine more about the rest of the quote. I believe that there's love in the world, it just needs to be found.. I believe in a love that is out there for me alone too. That just takes even more effort to find. This may just be one small part of that effort to find the ever elusive 'you'. It'd mean a lot to me to figure that part out. To bring closure to the whole process.

As for more concrete things in my life:
I have a full time job (payroll accounting). I have a place of my own and a car. I'm doing well with paying the monthly bills and taking care of my college debt. I'm taking a few classes so I can take on more responsibilities at work. I graduated with my degree in English and Philosophy in 2006. I spent some time exploring becoming a teacher, but didn't pursue that route.

listening. I may not have the greatest advice, but I know how to turn off my mouth and solely concentrate on listening to my friends. Sometimes, the only thing a person needs is someone else to vent to.

And when it comes to giving the advice, I believe that my experiences, education, and personal want to do good can be positive influences for my friends.

Honestly, I don't really know. I've never asked.

I'd hope it's my eyes. Shakespeare said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. I used to have the bad habit of staring at the ground, but I want to keep my head up so people have a chance to look through the window and see the good soul I know I have.

Books: Currently I'm enjoying Tony Dungy's books (the two he's written since quitting the coaching business). I have a place in my heart for Shakespeare and Plato. My favorite book is Rand's The Fountainhead.

Movies: I will watch any kind of movie. TV series (The Office, House, Bones), comedy, horror, action. I enjoy my DvD collection.

Music: Music's been in my life for a long time. I enjoy listening to jazz, rock, classical, and pop. Dave Mathews and Meatloaf occupy my Ipod player most often.

Food: I don't cook a lot, I'm not very good at it. I miss home cooked meals. Mom's lasagna, Dad's spaghetti or cheesy potato soup, Grandma's grilled cheese sandwich.

1) My family
2) My friends
3) My beagle puppy
4) My computer
5 and 6) Pen and Paper

I think I'm pretty simple to understand. I keep a small group of friends because I don't like my attention divided. When someone needs me, I make the effort to be available. I believe that the best kinds of love start in friendship.

I do have my flaws. The greatest of which might be my habit to over think and over analyze situations. I don't often step outside my comfort zone and I've been accused of being a bit boring when it comes to trying new things.

On the whole though, I'm pretty happy with who I am and where I am in life.

hanging around my apartment, taking my dog for a long walk around town, or going out to the drive in movie theater in Hamilton.

I'm definitely more of a home-body, but I'm open to suggestions with the right company.

is probably that I'm a little more timid in person than I'd like to be. I don't have a dominate personality, I like to fit in with people. That leads me to be more of a follower, and sometimes that includes when I'm in a relationship.

I have my share of fear of change, but I'm doing my best to work on it.

you're willing to give me a chance. I think that I'm worth it.

If I message you, and you're not interested, please do send me something back saying so. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to try to make new friends, and hearing nothing back is definitely worse for me than hearing a 'no'.