I enjoy the world around me, and I like to laugh! They say it's the best medicine. I thrive off sunny days, so I'm really glad that we just hit daylight savings. Brighter evenings are on their way!

Small disclaimer: I didn't fully remember the words/theme of the Kinks song when I picked this name. It is really hard to come up with a screen name! :)

I really enjoy being active, whether it's eating out, going to a bar for a drink, going on a bike ride or a hike, camping, reading at a park, volunteering, etc. It's always nice to stroll through a farmers market, pick up a bag of kettle corn and lounge in the park, wouldn't you agree? I also savor the opportunities to have a quiet night at home cozied up with someone on the couch, enjoying a homemade dinner with a movie and a glass of wine. I can treat you to my shrimp scampi! I haven't done it in a few months, but I really like to host game nights, poker nights, fondue nights, taco nights... really any reason to have friends over and feed them and have a good time.

I feel that I have achieved a balance of having my act together, but not taking myself too seriously. I strive to be an optimist, with a major lean towards realist. :)

Right now I'm pretty pumped; I'm between eye surgeries to get my vision fixed; no more glasses, and I get to wear all the cheap gas station sunglasses I want. Woohoo!

In general though, I'm working and enjoying life with my friends and family. When I'm out in the evenings, I'm having a drink in Walnut Creek, Oakland or the city. I'm just as inclined to hit the road for a couple hours just to soak up the beautiful scenery (hills, mountains, valleys, the Bay; we live in a beautiful place), or to head to the movies for popcorn and a soda.

I went to Puerto Vallarta last year with friends and went ziplining for the first time; amazing! The longest run was 1/4 mile at 700 feet up over a river! Funny enough, I did a zip line in the old downtown of Las Vegas last week... not quite the same. :) This year I hope to fit a trip to New Orleans in. I was in the French Quarter for a few hours a couple months ago, and it was so awesome! It's beautiful!

I love to take classes at the gym (just discovered an awesome Zumba instructor), but when the weather is warmer, I like to scrap the gym, and go for bike rides and short hikes around the bay area. I aim to get up to the Point Reyes area few times this year; last year I did the trail out to Arch Rock, and it was very scenic.

I'm lucky enough to enjoy my job; I'm in my 16th year in my field. I've been tinkering with ideas for what career to do next, but recently negotiated having weekends off, so I'm staying put for now. Enjoying them so far; just discovered Sunday brunch complete with bottomless mimosas. Fun!

You'll have to tell me, I try to be humble.

That I'm shorter than them ;)

I've always been a big reader, but more of a book borrower. I got a Kindle about a year ago, and I'll admit that it's a hindrance to my reading. I recently read "Wild..., by Cheryl Strayed" (awesome!) and 11/22/63, by Stephen King (slightly sci-fi, and a little trippy.) Some recent favorites: "The Art of Racing in the Rain", "Replay", and "A Dog's Purpose". I mainly read fiction/novels.

I love going to the movies. I've always thought I enjoyed all genres, but I think I'm discovering that I much prefer comedies. Fully planning on re-expanding my horizons this year. I'll see almost anything; except horror movies; I don't do scary!

I love the convenience of my DVR. It's currently empty, but usually saving Pawn Stars, Criminal Minds, Storage Wars, SVU, Project Runway and sometimes Long Island Medium.

One of my favorite restaurants in SF: Cha Cha Cha (decor at the one in the Haight is cooler!), and I've recently added The Velvet Cantina in the Mission. Favorites in Walnut Creek: Ruth's Chris (their steak is cooked in butter- um, yum!), Fujian, Stanford's. Lemongrass in Martinez is outstanding!

laughter, my pillow, my IPhone (yes, I said it), my toothbrush, sunshine, vacations

'being all that I can be' :)
No, really, and doing right by others.

Grabbing drinks or dinner with friends, or playing a spontaneous game of Spot It. I prefer conversation or a game of pool or darts over listening to a loud band.

I've owned a crockpot for more than three years and I'm scared of it.

You're intrigued, you're up for a chit-chat, and you're courageous enough to also have a full, photo-laden profile up