Before we go any further, I have something to confess: I use empty M&M mini containers for quarters religiously and always have the ingredients for root beer floats in my fridge / freezer and

If you are still reading, here's a little bit more about me: I'm a Californian, however I moved to DC 6 years ago after graduate school to work for the federal government and because CA's economy is so bad, even earthquakes are leaving the state :-).

I am someone who is passionate about helping others and likes to make people feel included. I live in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington with my dog and work a block away from the cover of my 8th grade U.S. History book, the U.S. Capitol (let's not discuss my actual academic performance in that class).

Physical fitness is important to me and I just ran my first half marathon and am hooked.... however I also enjoy less intense activities like indoor bocce, top golf and hosting guys poker night.

My family means more to me than just about anything in the world....My parents are in their 45th year of marriage and I am proud of my two nieces / goddaughters for being habitual 'honor roll students'.... a term that was foreign to me when I was their age :-)

I work as a Senior Policy Analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and love my career.... and trying to enjoy my life outside of work as much as possible...volunteering is important to me - used to teach Government related material to middle schoolers for Junior Achievement and love it. As an Eagle Scout I love the outdoors and I used to volunteer as adult leader, but I left when they continued to ban gays - growing up in the SF Bay Area was an awesome experience in terms of being open minded about people with different lifestyles.

Reciting funny lines and inspirational quotes and claiming them as my own and admitting what I am not really good at... More seriously, I enjoy public speaking and performing well in high pressure situations at work.

I make them feel welcome and comfortable in my presence, whether it be for work or fun...

Books - Great Gatsby, Julius Caesar, Game Change, Ulysses, Team of Rivals, Money Magazine...

Movies - The Godfather, On the Waterfront, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Kramer vs. Kramer, It's a Wonderful Life, Drive, The King's Speech, Annie Hall, 500 Days of Summer, Adaptation, The Other Guys, Anchorman

TV Shows: Portlandia, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, Community, Archer

Music - Bob Dylan, Tom Petty (with and without the Heartbreakers), Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, Miles Davis, Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holliday, currently Mumford and Sons, Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, The Killers, The Civil Wars, Radiohead, Swell Season, Weezer, Fun... I have music varrying from Drake to Rolling Stones on my jogging playlist and thus cannot be pigeonholed.

1)Family
2)Friends
3)Seat in metro ride home from work.
4)A good pair of running shoes
5)Sports (playing and watching)
6)Napa Valley Wine and Craft Beer

How to make the most out of my day and how Scrooge McDuck was able to swim through all of those coins on DuckTails :-)

Out and about usually, however sometimes I stay at home - there are no routines and that is what I like about Fridays :-)

The first 7 minutes of the Pixar movie 'UP' is the only time I teared up while watching a movie.

I donated my dish rack because as I am a messy cook, kitchen counter real estate is a precious commodity.

Also, I keep clothes that don't need to be folded or hung up immediately in the dryer so they come out smelling so fresh and so clean (clean) :-)

You would like to get to know me more :-).. and if you find Epic Rap Battles of History at least mildly amusing - including Santa Claus vs. Moses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kRAKXFrYQ4&feature=youtube_gdata_player