OkCupid is Free Online Dating.

I'm one of the luckiest people I know. I have a great family, that I love dearly even when hey are driving me crazy. I found a career that I enjoy and that I'm really good at. It's time consuming, but is there anything that's worthwhile that isn't? Besides, the time spent at a job you love doesn't seem like burden; on the other hand working at a job you hate can make time stand abolutely still.

I'm probably a little smarter than the average bear (and sort of know it), but I despise any kind of pretension (intellectual, cultural or otherwise). It constantly amazes me how many "successful" people act as if their achivements make them special or entitled, like it's a god-given right. The truth is that for the vast majority of us, our triumphs are due to the help we have recieved along the way and big dose of good luck.

All in all, I'm much better company than I was 20 years ago. I understand the world, people, and myself so much better now. Sure I'd like to have the abs I had in my mid-20s, but being self-aware, confident, empathetic and comfortable in my own skin seems to more than make up for it.

My work and family take up a fair amount of time, but in my spare time I am finding the time to learn Spanish (just because, planning a trip (maybe England), working my way through the backlog of books I have on my night stand and moving into a new place (it's a long story) ....

... and of course answering all these questions

My job -- I know it sounds completely immodest but I don't think there are more than a handful of people who ar as good at what I do as I am. I'm just one of those forunate folsk who stumbled into a career that suits them and have had the help and guidance of some great mentors.

I'm also a great talker AND listener ... I never have trouble holding up my end of a conversation, but what I really like is hearing the views and thoughts of other people -- Nothing's more fun thatn the give and take of great conversation ... ok at least there are no PG-rated things that are more fun than a great conversation.

My sense of humor -- My brain works in a bit of an abstract, non-linear way so my sense of humor can be a litle offbeat, which can interesting on the job. I work with a lot of engineers, who tend to be very linear and very concrete thinkers. Sometimes I'll make a joke that I think is hilarious and the engineers will look at me like I have two heads -- oh well, you can't please everyone.

Ok, I don't think I can list all of my favorites without developing carpal tunnel syndrome, but here is a represntative list,

Movies -- The Hustler -- so much better than the Color of Money; Elf -- so funny and I think I'm the biggest Jewish fan of Chrstmas movies; Just about all of David Mamet's and he Coen Brothers movies -- there's something about quirky characters and great dialogue that makes for a great movie; The Godfather; Love Actually; Seven; Raiders of the Lost Ark; Sweet Smell of Success ...and the lsit goes on and on

Books -- The Conquest of Happiness; Middlemarch; The Corrections; A World Lit Only by Fire (a history of the Middle Ages and one of the best written books I've ever read) and just about anything by Neil Gaime or Jonathann Carroll.

Music -- I hate to admit this, but my musical tastes run to the mainstream (probably because I lack any mucical talent whatsoever). So my Ipod contains a range of stuff but nothing very exotic -- Van Morrison, Bob Marley, Blink 182, Fallout Boy, Elvis Costello, Muddy Waters, U2, Dashboard Confessional, Beastie Boys, Sinatra, Annie Lennox, etc.

Food -- yes please! I'm not sure I ahve a favorite -- really anything but turnips. I love Thai, Vietnamese and Indian (but I'm still not sure why you can only find really good Thai, Vietnamese and Indian food in a strip mall. While I like a wonderful "upscale" meal (who doesn't), one of my guilty pleasures is that I like junk food -- there are times when only a slice of pizza or a sloppy greaseburger will do.

Sea salt and butter -- I'm sure there are people with enough skill to make delicious food without salt or fat; I'm not one of them.

The gym -- I love working out -- it's like meditation for me and let's me rationalize the fact that I eat like a killer whale.

My adminsitrative assistant - I know it sounds weird (and I probably should be saying things like "sunshine" of "the laughter of a child") but my life can be so hectic, I can't count the numer of times she has come to my rescue by keeping me organized.

Coffee -- my one and only addiction -- I usually only have one cup in the morning, but wihout I'm not worth shooting.

My family - ok, it's trite, but they really are the most importnat people in my life.

The future of this country -- I think that may be a function of this most recent election cycle -- it was fascinating stuff.

My job -- like I said before -- it's time consuming and I've got a lot people counting on me.

My nephews - They are great kids, but I worry about them.

Sports -- hey I'm a guy; that's what we do.

Friday is usually wind down night after the work week. So it's ususally something low key, like out to dinner with friends or a movie or a Canes game. Of course sometimes it's a workout and home to fix dinner.

I watch TV .. and not just PBS and C-Span. I'm talking regular old TV. It amuses me how many people say "I don't watch much TV" like it's a badge of honor. There have been some great shows to watch --Buffy, Angel, Lost, The Office -- not to mention sports, music, movies. I don't think that you should spend your life in front of the tube, but at the end of a long day -- cooking dinner and settling dow to watch something fun on TV can be pretty nice ... particularly if you ahve someone to share it with.

I'll write back. I don't get people who are online and choose to ignore messages from others. It seems rude, but maybe I'm jsut old fashioned that way.