I'm enjoying a life that's equal parts serious and absurd, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity. Reflecting on adulthood (or whatever this is!) I've realized that, while I tend to think hard over most of my decisions, almost all of the best things to happen to me have been the result of saying yes to a sudden opportunity, even if I wasn't 100% sure.

I've enjoyed putting down some roots in the bay area, but have also felt an ever-increasing itch to travel. The past few years have taken me to some very interesting places, some for work, some for fun, some for both.

I've been described as a serial enthusiast, and at various times have been obsessed with open-water swimming, CrossFit, backpacking, skiing, SCUBA, and kayaking.

Working for a software company that's solving some very interesting and critical problems. Perfect job for an English major, right?

Outside of my day job, I've been lucky enough to be involved with an incredible outdoor education program and help organize an annual Golden Gate Bridge fundraising swim.

Books: Lately, I've been reading a lot of mountaineering disaster books. Established favorites include anything by Wallace Stegner, Rudyard Kipling, or PG Wodehouse; Moby-Dick, Confederates in the Attic, A Story Like The Wind, Jitterbug Perfume, and Look Homeward, Angel. I'm also in a book gang (like a book club, but more hardcore) and we read all kinds of interesting things. Up next: Midnight Rising, about John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry.

Movies: I don't see too many movies (something to do with an aversion to sitting still) but the short list includes the original Star Wars, Breaker Morant, A River Runs Through It, Blazing Saddles, and Grandma's Boy.

Shows: I do enjoy going on an occasional Curb Your Enthusiasm binge, but I mostly view TV as an entertainment form of last resort. Update: After discovering Game of Thrones, this is no longer very accurate.

Music: Warren Zevon, Jackson Browne, Johnny Cash, The Band, Dire Straits, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Bob Dylan, Raina Rose Trio, Ray Charles, John Denver, Ian Tyson, Tim O'Brien, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and, when I'm feeling reckless, a little Neil Diamond.

Food: I love seeking out, preparing, and sharing great meals and am always up for something new, especially hole-in-the-wall ethnic joints. I know the location of the hands-down best Mexican restaurant on the planet, and I make a pretty mean gumbo if I do say so myself. My favorite kind of food is high quality, low pretense, with a tendency towards rustic. But sometimes, you just have to have In N Out.

Reading material

Dog time: I don't have my own, unfortunately, but I love visiting/borrowing friend and family dogs. I like pretty much any dog that doesn't get carried around in a purse, but have a special affinity for Australian shepherds.

Open space

Coffee

Exercise

People: I'm lucky enough to have a close-knit, wacky, and very loyal family, and friends of all ages who teach me things, remind me of what's possible, let me know when I'm screwing up, and introduce me to new interests.

Getting together with friends to eat and drink, possibly followed by some live music, a night hike, bowling, karaoke, or just hanging out and being witty and cultured.

When someone lists "The Big Bang Theory" as a favorite, I stop reading immediately.

Any of the above resonates. Especially if you are passionate about something, know a great joke, want to undertake a quest for the best taqueria, or like to hike/climb/swim/paddle to new places. I am usually in SF several days a week, and getting to know the East Bay better, so don't feel geographically constrained!