I am basically a nerd and or geek. I am more and more trying to become a do-it-yourself'er with a sort of future goal of making my own smart house and/or evil army of robots. Unfortunately I lack the house (and robots), but that's why its a future goal. I greatly enjoy many forms of media/entertainment though I lean heavy on comedy or technical shows like modern marvels or well, anything on the history or science channels, If its new to me I love it.

I am quite shy, though in a small group of people I'm familiar with I can become comfortable enough to be rather outgoing. I don't drink except only occasionally for social reasons and to try something interesting, or do drugs. It's simply because alcohol tastes horrible to me and I'd rather have full control of my facilities at all times. I am pretty close to being acrophobic (heights) though I'm getting better.

I was a Navy brat, my father was a pilot, and have lived in Florida (where I was born), Hawaii, California, Michigan, and Texas (I've also been to Europe so I think about 14 countries so far). Though most of my life has been in Texas (Corpus Christi ~ HS, Lubbock ~ BS, Amarillo ~ MS). I own guns and go hunting and fishing with my coworkers, but don't require it, and honestly always feel a little guilty. This at least gets me out of doors a bit and being social with my coworkers.

I would consider myself more of a libertarian (true liberal) than a republican (though I tend to vote conservative) and not a democrat at all. Something close to what would be defined as a south park republican. Like the ownership of guns I wouldn't let it deter a friendship. We're all welcome to our opinions but in the end most of it is irrelevant to our day to day lives anyway. Freedom is the most important thing to me.

I really try to stay in shape. I'd some day prefer to live in a part of the country more friendly to outdoor activities, and my allergies. I currently practice Tae Kwon Do, not for the fighting which I personally dislike but rather the heavy aerobic exercise.

I could probably put more here, but like most everyone, it takes an outside opinion to truly summarize an individual.

Also, for those cat lovers out there. I only put dislike cats because I'm allergic to them. Otherwise they're kind of cute in that "super tiny predator could be thinking anything but most likely plotting to kill you in your sleep" kind of way.

Currently I am a bit of a programmer. I am the instrumentation specialist in an agricultural engineering research group focused on environmental quality and natural resources. Current research is split between monitoring air quality, sustainability, and water conservation.

I am also working on a graduate degree in engineering technology.

I practice Tae Kwon Do, mostly to stay in shape as I mentioned, and am a first degree black belt.

In a year or so when I finish my masters I hope to move to east Texas to be closer to family. However, I would be open to moving just about anywhere and would like to live in an area with more seasons. I love snow, trees, rain, and all things green so I've always thought Washington or Oregon would be cool.

My thoughts on work are, do the job well but don't let the job own my life. I want a job that pays well enough and allows me to learn and experience the most I can.

Manipulating technology. Handling stress. Computer games. Making mashed potatoes. Trying to bring humor to most situations. Being a good source of useless information. Avoiding cameras.

I'm an ok artist, preferring pencil and would like to do more with oil.

I have some difficulty reading people especially with regards to me. Usually when they actually make a statement about me it's something to do with me being sarcastic. That or my sense of humor. Or the color of my eyes. I have been accused of wearing contacts.

Other than that I'm about 6'1 and have blue eyes and have a tendency to forget to shave. I also avoid formal attire. I prefer wearing something comfortable or purposeful.

New Favorite Song! Code Monkey by Jonathan Coulton.

I like Koontz. Yes the conversations between his characters are always a bit contrived. But he makes up for this by always making a major character be a dog. And quite frankly dogs are awesome.

I'm rather open about books, and spend a lot less time reading than I mean to. The Dune series is fun, also rather enjoy the Dresden Files. Too many Star Wars novels to safely declare myself not a nerd.

Movies... Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction, Action, Foreign Action (Kung fu movies!). I have several TV programs I like to TiVo such as Eureka, Psyche, House, Metalocalypse, Chuck, Terminator, etc. I'm also a big fan of Monty Python though its been a while since I've had a refresher... too long actually.

Music varies usually due to the desire to hear a certain kind of sound. For a while I couldn't get enough drums, then it was bagpipes, then it was a certain kind of scratchy guitar sound. I don't really like this modern pop rock stuff. Too much angst/screaming and not enough actual talent. A few bands for example... Gorillaz (not really a band), Frau Frau, Spoon, Feist, Death Cab for Cutie, Dethklok, Eric Clapton, Black Eyed Peas, The Aquabats, Chemical Brothers, Moby, Gaelic Storm, Oingo Boingo, etc. I do like ska. One thing though is that I remember the song, not the artist, and I'm terrible with band names.

Food... when I remember to eat I usually have a pretty simple typical guy palate. Meat, potatoes, some veggies. I'm picky, but am looking to be more open in this department. I think the biggest problem I have with some foods is the texture. I dislike sea food, but like shellfish. Though shrimp are a little creepy. I love chinese, really like Korean, and some Japanese food. And of course I'll eat just about anything originating in Europe.

Almost forgot my favorite movie... Ghostbusters! The ultimate movie, it has humor, science, horror, and action.

Other people. Even as a self described loner (which is not really true as I think about it, I just find more peace while alone) I still require at least weekly or alternating daily social interaction.

Technology. Vague I know, but any technology would keep me pleasantly occupied (until I take it apart out of curiosity). I've always wanted to experience living completely without technology though.

Fiction. Preferably magic/fantasy related though I do enjoy science fiction. Something unexplainable but without all the dogma. I think diving into fiction is a true escape.

Food/Water. I'm sure this isn't within the context of the question. But I do actually like food.

Musical Variety. I don't like the same old cookie cutter crap. The more instruments the better. Preferably a horn section. If I can close my eyes and the music alone, without lyrics, can get my mind racing I love it.

Comedy. I could be happy dieing of laughter. Vulgar comedy does put me off sometimes. I saw George Carlin once and though while I laughed at many of his jokes, the overall theme regarding suicide just made me felt uneasy. That's not to say I don't enjoy dark comedy.

Adding a seven... webcomics and funny sites. penny-arcade, icanhazcheezeburger.com

Everything, my mind has a tendency to wander between subjects based on environmental stimuli. I am distracted easily and tend to focus on the construction/operation of objects I come across.

However, lately I've been thinking more about the fact that I'm closer to 30 than 20 and I'm still single. I want to settle down, finish college (though maybe I'd like to pursue a PH.D some day) and start getting more out of life. I've wasted enough time playing computer games. I want to stop letting my inhibitions control me.

I also fantasize a lot about inviting something really cool that helps humanity.

In front of a computer. Occasionally playing Wii with my friends. Maybe go to a movie or the driving range. Every so often I start a clean fest.

I second guess myself often and generally have a low opinion of my abilities which is likely an irrational fear of not living up to others expectations.

Also, and this is probably more private... I like to sing. I have the play Cats on DVD and know most of the lyrics and I enjoy singing along.

If you feel like it. If you actually want to talk to me. Feel like a conversation.

I'm really looking for a relationship, but I'm also friendly to ... friends.