At 24, it seems weird to say that the best way to describe myself is young at heart. When I describe what I do for a living (I work full time and am getting my Masters part time), I come off as really serious and driven. I definitely am those things-- I love my job and am really dedicated to it. But I love being active and having fun as well. I played rugby for 4 yrs in college and ran my last marathon last year. I love bouldering and hiking whenever possible. A night out dancing is always a good idea. But most of all, I love to laugh. Life is too short to everything seriously-- I want to have adventures and meet fun people doing it.

I love an intellectual challenge-- whether it's learning a new idea or taking on a puzzle. Music, books, and my friends make life worth living. Cooking is also a hobby of mine; I've started my own recipe book. However, I hate cleaning afterwards. I'll try just about anything once; so far, I've been backpacking through Europe, gone skydiving, and gone white water rafting. Yes, they're a little terrifying, but they were all awesome experiences too.

On the flip side, I have a pretty low tolerance for bullshit. I can't stand dishonesty and have a pretty good sense of when I'm being lied to. I love having a debate about ideas and values, but I can't stand conservative/fundamentalist rhetoric. (Sometimes, I am that crazy liberal your mother warned you about.) Have an open mind, but enough critical thinking skills not to accept everything people throw at you.

Professionally, I'm a high school teacher and lacrosse coach. Personally, my family and friends are really important to me. I'll pretty much drop whatever I'm doing to help them out. Thankfully, they're do the same for me. I'm a lucky woman.

making people feel at ease.

I'm usually cracking a joke about something. Sometimes, it's a good thing (like making someone feel more comfortable in a social situation) and sometimes it's because somebody just said something really really dumb. My favorite "love to hate it" phrase at the moment is, "This is a real life situation." Really? I thought it was fake life. I'm glad we got that cleared up. :)

I can't name a favorite book; I have two bookcases overflowing with books. I love comedic movies more than dramas. I LOVE punk, metal and classic rock. You'd have to ask me about favorites or I'd go on forever.

And I am happily a vegetarian-- although I do miss chicken wings at happy hour, I really don't miss meat. It was for ethical reasons.

1. my best friends
2. my iPod
3. my daily shower
4. that first cup of coffee
5. my car
6. a few minutes of peace and quiet to myself

my job. Teaching can be a little consuming sometimes.

watching the TV show "Psych" with my best friend and a beer.

I have a string of exes who (I now realize) I dated mostly because they needed someone to make them feel better about themselves. I'm looking for a relationship with someone who is happy with their life/themselves and is willing to try new things.

You get the reference to "Psych" and/or have a great sense of humor.