*Note: My IM is turned on ONLY when I am talking to someone. If you IM me without sending me an email and introducing yourself first - you will be deleted and ignored. That is no better than walking up to someone and rudely interrupting the conversation they are having without consideration. This does not apply if I emailed you first. Nor does it apply to people I've previously had conversations with (you don't have to email me each time but be aware I might tell you I'm talking with someone).

A few things you should know:
1.) FYI - I have absolutely no issues with you visiting my profile numerous times - I do the same thing, so please don't be hesitant to revisit. (in direct response to a few emails).
2.) I am not dumb enough to have a conversation via text, so please don't go there. I will text to a point, but not to have a conversation.
3.) Like the pictures? Thanks! If that is the only thing you like, please....don't waste my time.
4.) I am NOT INTERESTED ON ANY LEVEL with good ol' boys. Sorry guys, I'm in the south, but I don't live it.
5.) I am NOT INTERESTED ON ANY LEVEL with dating/meeting individuals who practice religion seriously. You can believe - that's fine - I've no issues with that aspect. But I simply do not have any interest in changing my lifestyle - and let me assure you, if you are a die hard, being around me is a sin.
6.) No married men.
7.) Must like cats. I have a herd. I like all animals - with 4 legs. More legs than that, and the shrieking horror filled noise should give you an idea of how I feel.

I'm an independent person with many varied tastes & interests. I love music and am quite passionate about it. I certainly have genres that I don't like but in general I cross borders on many styles - progressive and ambient/electronica tend to be favorites though. I enjoy going to concerts of the groups that I'm interested in - which unfortunately usually means crossing half the country to see a show! Not really into mainstream music & haven't acknowledged the radio since 1998. I need to correct this line here - I transposed the numbers - I turned off the radio in 1989 - so except for NPR - I've been radio free for almost 20 years. And AMAZINGLY - if you turn onto say "the classic rock channel" that Clear Channel (Crapnel) has on air - they are STILL, STILL playing the same shit they were when I was in High School.

I like to talk but I like deep conversations (not necessarily argumentative debates however) about many varied subjects and enjoy conversations with people who have something to offer or respond to. I've dated people in the past that would simply say "Interesting" and then change the subject. That really doesn't work for me - I do require intellectual conversations with a significant other.

I enjoy wit & sarcasm - though I don't care for people who think it's okay to be personally insulting with it. All in good fun & general ribbing, is one thing. Using it as an excuse to verbally abuse another is simply not acceptable.

I am not formally educated - more self taught than anything. But I do personally prefer men who are educated. It's not a requirement to be formally educated, however.

I like to read though I wouldn't say I have a book in my hands at all times. I'll read anything from fiction to non-fiction. It really depends on whether I want to escape into imagination or want to learn something. I am not religious myself but I do have several books on various religions - and tend to get along better with individuals who lean towards agnostic/atheist beliefs.

I like to hike/take walks, swim, cook, very, very moderate drinker, prefer non-smokers in regards to cigarettes, have mild to moderate interests in weather & astronomy (I'm no expert, just generally enjoy learning about both subjects). I love the ocean and would like to live by it (but I'm not so foolish).

Not really into sports - though I can handle moderate amounts of it. Frankly, I think I'd rather play or learn to play them than just watch them.

Love puzzles and used to really enjoy board games with friends but then I moved several times and now I don't know anyone that likes them. I can play chess - dismally. Strategy games always bumfuzzle me - as my brother found out to his delight when we were kids. I haven't done any of these in a while: but I enjoy card games, pool, darts - and competitive enough to enjoy learning how to play well - and making all attempts to kick your ass at it! :)

I definitely have several soap boxes that I can pull out - which leads some people to say I'm too outspoken or too intense. Others say they like it. Just depends on how you are, I guess. I make no apologies for who I am or what I believe.

Work! Is there escape from it? Of course, someone recently told me that if you find a job you love, you'll never work another day in your life. Very true - wish I could find that job! :)

Other than that, I volunteer my time to a couple of different organizations - so sometimes my time is taken up with that. I enjoy getting together with the friends that I've made here (I moved here in 2001).

I also work part time for a catering place doing private functions/parties. That's more during certain times of the year versus all the time.

Walking into walls. Collecting cats, music & books. Talking. Organization (despite being a pack rat - moderate level).

That I'm opinionated.
I have been told I have a nice smile.
And for those that get "my angle" - a sharp, dry, sense of humor. But that would depend on whether the situation called for humor or not.

I like food period - ethnic, too! But I have a passion for desserts.

Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child are pretty much my favorite authors.

In general, I like movies - but my mood dictates what I watch or am interested in at the moment. I don't rush out and watch all the newest flicks - I'm more the type to let them come to me on Netflix or something. Only a few movies will pull me into a theater. I will watch anything from horror, comedy, foreign, romance, period pieces to animation, etc. Tragic or dark dramas aren't my style and I tend to avoid TV shows on the same vein. In fact, I really don't watch much TV at all.

On a really simple comfort level:

peace of mind, my cats (or any animal companion really), music (especially Porcupine Tree), coffee/tea, space heaters & modern bathrooms. ;)

On a more realistic level:

a job, a car, a home, a computer, a well equipped kitchen, and a yard boy (I'm accepting applications for the position now)....

Damn, what did I do with that? Where did I read that article? Who said that? Who am I talking to again? Do I know this person? What the fuck is wrong with this planet?

Usually home but sometimes out with a friend or my cousin (but not at bars). Usually more along the lines of getting together for dinner.

I have crayons and I like to color. If you have issues with that, I will take my crayons and go home.

... if you want to make contact. My IM is turned off - too many at one time! It's better for me to communicate via email. Thanks!