I tend to be viewed in different lights at different times. To the people who know me and are close to me, I am a friend that is always watching and willing to help no matter what. To my students, I'm Dr. House due to my knowledge and curiosity (not to mention a brief stint with a cane). To my colleagues, I'm a hard worker that tries his best to make everything right.

To those who don't know me, I am easily approachable and, while shy at times, can prove to be an interesting conversation partner once I open up or get started on certain topics.

I am known to say "If you aren't going to get a laugh out of the day, when why did you get out of bed?" I live this and at least try to smile, if not laugh, whenever I can. Of course, I need to spread that laughter around wherever I go.

I'm a writer, and I love to play with words. I'm known to speak a great deal and ramble at times, but don't count me out of being able to listen! I love telling a good story (and I always have one up my sleeve), but I do enjoy hearing one in return.

Photography is a hobby of mine, and as anyone who shares that hobby may know, it is often difficult to get to the other side of the lens (thus the lack of profile pictures).

I realized that I've forgotten to mention that most people consider me a bit of a nerd. I love to read and write, I love video games and especially enjoy playing RPGs. I'm a fan of Japanese anime, and I used to study Japanese during a year-long stay in Japan. I also love my job at the library since I get to work with books and research.

I have actually received messages from people that were put off by the above; consider this a disclaimer: if the above is too geeky for you, then just move along.

If you are still intrigued, then proceed with reading on. . .

I am a college graduate with a BA in English: Writing Emphasis, a minor in International Studies, and a few classes short of a programming minor.
Either I had too much time on my hands, or I was just trying everything.

I now work full time at the library of a local Penn State University campus, and I have been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh to earn my Master's Degree in Library Science via distance learning.

Besides working on my career, I do some freelance writing (although this has dried up greatly since I left college), and I also do my own writing with my free time. Maybe someday I'll find my muse, and finish one of the (many) unfinished works.

I'm hoping that, after a few years, I'll have my degree in hand and can really begin to take the next few major steps into the world.

Being an insomniac. This is only partially a joke, actually ^^;

I've always hated sections like this (especially on sites like this and cover letters), so here's what I have to say (and I'll try to keep it as non-cocky as possible):

Listening to what people have to say, speaking my mind and being capable of holding long conversations (usually, I do my best to keep it interesting). I'm known for my ability to learn about someone by minor details, such as the way they walk and the words they use to speak or write (especially when pertaining to the latter).

I've also been praised about my writing and analytical skills. A few odd people also note my ability to tell a story, but I've noticed that this is often dependent on the listener.

And, of course, researching is a must have for my job. I have a philosophy that "If the information exists, I am sure to find it." So far, so good.

Any other thing I'm "good at" is up for debate; you'll just have to get to know me and see for yourself.

People notice the way I walk and my manner of speech before they notice much else.

I have been told that I walk with a "dignified air." Don't ask why these people describe it that way; I'm just as lost.

My speech also tends to be lacking a distinct accent (possibly due to various travels), and tends to show the manner of speech of someone who has played with words on paper for many hours.

I also wear a green and silver pentacle ring on my right hand that only the detail minded notice and the interested or brave ask about.

Oh, and I guess people notice the gray fedora I wear everywhere. . .

To list my favorite books would be a book all on it's own. I read just about anything I can find that catches my eye. Don't expect me to pick up "Twilight" or any romance novels anytime soon, but expect lists of classics (including anything by Shakespeare and novels such as 1984, Wuthering Heights and The Sound and the Fury), world mythology (primarily Norse Mythology and Classical Mythology), and linguistics studies on my book shelves, side by side with The Dresden Files and my RPG collection.
Other titles/options include: The Zombie Survival Guide, anything by Arthur C. Clarke, and the Dragonlance series of books. Anything by Neil Gaiaman is worth the read and, when it comes to metaphysics, I am never without at least one book by D.J. Conway.
I tend to read The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King once every year or two; it's one of the few books I will read over and over again.
This list can go on all day, obviously. What can I say: I like to read!
I should stop there before I bore you.

When it comes to music, I draw the line at Country and Rap music. My personal music collection is mostly Japanese and European in nature, so don't ask for my mp3 player if this isn't your thing.
Some of my favorites bands are (in no particular order): Malice Mizer, Gackt, L`Arc~en~Ciel, Pierrot, Janne da Arc, Sonata Arctica, Poets of the Fall, Hikaru Utada, X-Japan, Hamasaki Ayumi, Sakamoto Maaya, Stratovarius and many, MANY more.
At times, I am a musical fiend. Sweeney Todd, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Avenue Q and a few others tend to find themselves coming out of my speakers when I set my music to "Random." I'm working on expanding this, so if you have any suggestions, please send them my way.

My favorite movies consist of many Japanese Samurai-jidai films such as the Miyamoto Musashi trilogy and anything by Akira Kurosawa, especially with Toshiro Mifune. But, my list also includes such "classics" as Star Wars, The Matrix, Tonari no Totoro, Serenity, Shaun of the Dead, anything with Zombies, Vampires (and not the cheesey "Twilight" variety), or Werewolves. When it comes to monster/Kung-Fu/Sci-fi films: the cheesier the better.
I also enjoy a well done theater production, including musicals. I'm usually willing to give any staged show a fair chance.

I love food. Period. I enjoy making it, and I enjoy eating it. I especially enjoy it when I have decent company (hint hint: I like making dinner for two). I like to learn how things are made and add my own twist to it.
I love Japanese cuisine, enjoy going out (or calling in) for Chinese food, can't live without curry, and probably wouldn't have done much in my life without pasta (with either red or white sauce; depends on my mood) with special emphasis on garlic.

In no particular order (and not including those typical essentials):
1) Books. A house without books is like a house without windows.
2) Coffee. I don't think I can last extended periods of time without it.
3) Good friends. To me, my friends are my family.
4) The ability to write. Without writing, I can't fully express myself.
5) The option to travel. Seeing new places makes my world go round.
6) Creativity/Imagination. Without this, life will be boring.

Usually, I'm thinking of what has happened before, and how that will impact what will happen next. Sometimes I find myself wondering if I'll be alone in the long run.

I often throw all of that to the side and dive into the thoughts of "Which book is next?" or "How can I make this project/concept work?" I try not to brood on things, and some believe it is due to a lack of deep thought or ability to plan.
Personally, I just don't want to be miserable all the time. Why let it bother me?

Lately, I tend to have a game night with my flatmates and some close friends.

If not, I'm often watching something (House, Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Sanctuary or anything else I can get my hands on that catches my attention) or playing a game on the PC. No MMOs for me (at least for now), but I'm still up for an occasional online game if I get the right group.

I am a Pagan (with tendencies towards Wicca/Wiccan ideals) and I am obviously unafraid to admit it. I am extraordinarily eclectic, accepting anyone's beliefs and not pushing my own.

Why I choose this path. . .that's a story all on it's own, and only those close to me know why. So if you want to find out, get to know me and ask. It may tell you far more about me than anything I'll write here.

Honestly, if you've read this far and found a few things interesting, you may want to consider sending me a message. Seriously.

If you are up for an interesting conversation about a variety of topics, click that little button to send me a message.

If you find me interesting somehow, just send a message to say hello. Don't be shy. I usually reply, and who knows, maybe we'll have an entertaining conversation.

Send a message if you think we share some common interests and want to compare thoughts and ideas.
Even if you don't have common interests, send me a message if you are an interesting person that can communicate. There are so few people who are able or willing to interact, much less have an interesting conversation.

Send a message if you are also looking for friends, people who share similar thoughts or beliefs, or even people who just want to hold random conversations, whether it's online in the afternoon or in a diner over coffee at 3am.
To me, communication is key; if that is what you are looking for, even from a friend, then you might have come to the right place.

I don't like telling people reasons to not message me, but I think I should note a few limitations:
1) If you are polygamous and want "one more," don't bother sending that message.
2) Don't send one-word messages, especially if the word is horribly misspelled.
3) Please, for everyone's sake, don't message me if your goal is to convert me to another faith. Those messages get boring after a while.
4) Don't ask for a one-night stand.

I'll leave the limitations to the above, unless something else REALLY needs to be written. . .

And if you read this far down: congratulations! You survived my profile!