I feel the need to preface this by saying that I don't care what anyone says there is still a stigma with online dating, that it is for the ugly, pathetic, or desperate. Needless to say i am hesitant. Since I don't consider myself any of the above, I thought I would give it a shot anyway and hope there are people online who may be in the same boat as me... Which is I have a busy life. Between work and school I don't have much time to go out and meet new people. I work with all women and coincidentally my classes are filled primarily with women as well... So here I am.

My name is Erika, I am 26 and have lived here in Boise for a little over 3 years. I graduated with my BA in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2008. I moved to Boise soon after to be with my family. I have been working as a social worker since then.

I would consider myself a genuinely kind and caring person. I am pretty laid back and open minded. Unfortunately these characteristics have led some to believe I am a push over. Definitely not true. I am extremely protective of my friends and family and can be extremely stubborn if necessary; I just know the difference between a battle worth fighting and one that ultimately doesn't matter. I am energetic and adventurous, and can be a smart ass... when in appropriate company.

I put a high value in education. Since my work schedule is flexible I was able to go back to school. Call me a nerd but I enjoy learning. I have accepted the fact that I am pretty much destined to be a perpetual student, and it would be no surprise if I earned several degrees in my lifetime simply based on my love of education. My interests, and therefore courses of study, reflect human service careers (medical, educational, social work, etc.)

With whatever free time I do have I try to keep active. I hit the gym for yoga or kickboxing; I'm definitely not obsessive about it though. I enjoy camping, rafting, wake boarding, skiing/snowboarding, hiking, reading, going to movies, the list goes on... I have been shooting a few times and love it. I am pretty much up for anything.

Helping others. I am patient and compassionate. I love working with children especially.

I have been told I have a nice smile. Several of my guys friends comment on me being "small" I usually take this as short or petite... Which I suppose is true, but definitely not super-model skinny.

There are too many books and movies to name. Television: I am pretty addicted to How I Met Your Mother and Bones. Music: I enjoy most music but my usual go too's are country or classic rock.

I'm not a picky eater. I like to try new, spicy, or ethnic foods. I like to cook, but find it depressing (and kind of a waste) to cook for one, so I like to have people over once in a while to experiment with new recipes.

Food, water, my family, my best friend, my iPad, and chocolate (and recently my puppy Oliver)

My goals in life and what I want to do next...what I want my life to be and what kind of mark I want to leave.

I consider myself spiritual and spend a great deal of time thinking about what that means for me and the decisions I make. Also, I think about what it means for people in my life who believe differently and what I can learn from them.

Usually out to dinner with a friend, at home studying or watching a movie, or playing with my new puppy.

My political beliefs are slightly more to the left of center... Though politicians are all similar to diapers.

If you think we would get along. I am always willing to make new friends. If your interested in more, know that I really don't date just for the sake of dating. Ultimately, I want to get married someday so if that's not something you have planned in your life, friends is the best your gonna get. That may be putting it a little too blunt, but I don't like games and I really have no interest in someone if they have no aspirations.