I'm a born-and-raised New Yorker. I've been in the Bay Area for 17 years now, but I haven’t left it all behind. I sometimes miss the chaos of Manhattan, and I still have the sarcastic sense of humor people associate with New York.

My friends describe me as easy to talk to, and when a conversation really gets me going I can be quite energized, but I lack the mingling instincts for events with people I don't know. Once I get comfortable, though, I quickly open up. I'm most in my element when in a restaurant or cafe, or someone’s living room, or even the occasional hot tub.

In politics I can be pretty cynical, yet despite it all I still care and want the right thing to happen. I'm comfortable talking politics, philosophy, or even religion, with people of different views so long as those views don't come from fear or ignorance. I'm basically in the liberal camp, but maybe not by San Francisco standards. My conversations can be cerebral at times, which is all well and good for a while, but the right company can loosen me up and suddenly we're talking about AbFab, The Little Mermaid, and rum drinks.

I may work in computers, and I'll happily chat about it with someone who's interested, but I don’t take my work home with me.

I love to travel. I've been to a number of countries around the world, and intend to keep growing the list. Most recently I returned from visiting Egypt and Jordan, but I also enjoy periodic pilgrimages to Disney in L.A. or Florida, had fun hiking in Maine, am about to go back to Italy, and have been known to go on a few cruises. I do regret that I haven't spent more time seeing my own country -- gotta fix that!

My main day-to-day hobby is singing with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. I first sang with a chorus fifteen years ago and I’m still hooked.

You may find me playing board games with friends. Sometimes I even get in some hands of bridge.

I've been using a gym and trainer consistently three times a week for three years now, after never having exercised before. Better late than never, right?

making chicken parm
arguing for the Oxford comma
fast-forwarding through commercials

You'll find that much of the fiction I enjoy has at least some elements of sci-fi or fantasy.

Two TV shows that I have really enjoyed are Lost and Pushing Daisies, with Lost for my serious side and Pushing Daisies just simply leaving me happier than I started. They're a little out of date, I know, but they were faves! From current TV, I'm into Community and Parks&Rec, True Blood for guilty pleasure, and Colbert helps me survive the news.

When commuting to work, or traveling on vacation, I'll often be listening to audio short stories or novels. I don't tend to go for serious dramas. I find that the real world has enough issues and so I like my escapism.

I don’t get out to shows as much as I'd like, so I'd be open to someone taking the initiative. Musicals, plays, stand-up, all good. Although I like to sing, I find I'm not generally into going out to concerts. Notable exceptions have been flamenco and Weird Al.

Food? There’s no cuisine that doesn’t appeal to me as long as the food is good, and in the Bay Area that’s easy to find.

chocolate (obviously)
friends
cheese
singing
fru-fru drinks, see also: "tiki"
frequent flier miles

… where I'm going on my next vacation.

… hanging out, or dining, or gaming with friends.

I came out to myself and the world somewhat late in life, and I'm still trying to figure out what I'm looking for.

... you want to get to know me, maybe over coffee or a meal. I'm not looking for quick intimacy - my hope is that we find a personal connection.