Hello, hello! Thanks for taking the time to check me out!

I never honestly thought I'd find myself on a dating website until my best friend met his wife on one. I'd always figured it was just for people who couldn't meet anyone in real life. He gave me a different view on it that I'm starting to see: It's a whole lot easier to sift through people in your area who are in the same boat as you, rather than hoping to find someone who happens to be single, available, and interested by chance out in the real world.

I really despise writing these things -- amost as much as I hate reading some. It can be pretty painful. How can you really sum yourself up in a few paragraphs, let alone describe what you're looking for?

I'm not a psycho, nutjob, game-player or stalker -- just to get that out of the way.

I suppose it sounds ciché, but first and foremost I'm a nice guy. I'm the first one there to help a friend in need, whether they're just feeling down and need cheering up, or they've gotten in some sort of bind and need some good advice and to be bailed out of jail.

I'm pretty laid back. I take most everything in stride and don't sweat the small stuff. When the stuff that's not so small rolls around, I look at things rationally and decide how to go from there.

I get along with most everyone. As far as really close friends go, it takes me a while sometimes to warm up to people. One of the tests I did here on OKCupid summed me up pretty well, so I'll just go ahead and paste that rather than blathering on:

"Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest... Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken. "

It was almost scary when I read that, because that describes me to a "T". Anyway, on to other things. Trust and loyalty are very important to me. I've dealt enough with cheaters and...well, I hate to say it...tramps. I'm not one for one night stands or quick flings. I'd rather gain a friend for life than a bedmate for a week. That's just the way I am.

I enjoy the nightlife. At least a couple nights a week you'll find me at a bar having a couple beers with my friends, but I'm just as comfortable spending a nice night at home with someone special.

I'll listen to most kinds of music. I can't say that I'm really a "music" person though -- I don't remember when the last time I went to a concert was.

I enjoy movies from time to time, but I am not one to stand in line for an opening. I'll usually forget to go, and end up renting it on dvd later. I love to read. When I get the chance I like to sneak out to the library and check out the new books.

I love to cook, and like to think I'm a fairly good chef. Nothing's more fun than having a special someone over and trying out a recipe from a new cookbook for her.

All in all, I guess I'd say that I'm a fairly well rounded guy. I'm not very high maintenance. The occasional hug and kiss, and random text message saying "I love you" goes a long, long way.

I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not perfect, and I'm not looking for someone who is, either. We've all got our faults and limitations. Let's face it -- if we expect too much and spend all of our time waiting for the perfect person, we just might miss the one that's perfect for us. I'm just hoping to find someone who fits me, so if you're interested in a caring and loyal guy, hit me up.

Making people laugh and be happy

My eyes, and my sarcastic yet self-deprecating sense of humor

I read all sorts of books. Movies and music? I listen to pretty much anything. Not a real big movie person.

Food? Give me a cookbook and I'll (attempt to) cook up something delicious.

1. My Blackberry
2. My friends
3. My family
4. Diet Coke
5. My car
6. My ipod

I spend a lot of time thinking about all sorts of things when I'm bored at work.

At a bar with friends. Unless I've got a special someone to spend a quiet night at home with.

I'd never admit that here!

If you're looking for a kind, caring guy who's halfway normal ;-)