I live in Michigan, but grew up in warmer climes (Florida, California); that makes me spoiled for warmth and something of a baby when it comes to cold weather.

I laugh about everything, and it's something that I feel deeply.

I'm not religious, or spiritual, or new agey. Consider me a lay scientist, engineer, and rationalist. The world is beautiful and owes nothing of its beauty (and ugliness) to any supernatural force. It just is, and it is incredible.

In my close friends, I crave playfulness, adventurousness, and the ability to just be silly.

Wish I knew someone who enjoyed games (board, card, anything interactive). Does that sound boring? Friends gathered around, a beer or glass of wine in hand, finger foods on the side, music in the background, light-hearted conversation and competition as we pit our minds against one another for fun.

I've done a few things. Seems like half my life was spent in school. Have had a couple careers revolving around software engineering, science, and business processes. I work in the insurance industry, and do a considerable amount of work on software development and database analytics.

I spend a lot of time running, biking, and swimming. Triathlons are a blast, but I enjoy running and biking by themselves and have fun racing. 2010 has a major goal for me in store, Ironman-distance triathlon.

Spelling. I turn off spell check on my word processor, on everything. If I doubt my spelling, I'll look it up, but it's a little game I play with myself.

I THINK that I am a reasonably good writer and conversationalist. I can enjoy talking about ANYTHING and find it interesting......well, let me take that back. I will not be able to talk about team sports. I just couldn't care less. I know how to play most sports, but watching them is impossibly boring for me. So let's pick ANY other topic!

I'm not half bad as a cook and can be fairly accused of being a foodie. Although my diet does have some challenging self-imposed constraints. I like to think of it as "character"

Not so much the FIRST things, but...

I like people and I want to connect. I think you'd sense my sincere interest in who you are. If I'm attracted to you, I don't hide it. That should be very noticeable. You'll have my full attention.

I'm sensual in that I love physical contact. If you're NOT into touching, kissing, holding hands, foot rubs, sex, and all that other good stuff, then I'm a poor match for anything more than pure casual friendship.

I'm not especially shy, but I hope I don't come off as dominating. I think you would recognize that I have a pretty healthy and agile mind and enjoy getting minds tangled.

I smile a lot and laugh a lot. Enough that people often comment about that.

Mine is a roving mind, and really have a hard time picking out "favorites" of anything. But a couple highlights are probably worth mentioning so that you'll at least take my hand and walk this way....

My favorite color is blue. Blue makes me coo, moo, and woo.

Love Roman history. I don't know why Rome is so intriguing to me but maybe it's because it was socially complex, filled with debauchery, violent, and proud. I don't think I would have enjoyed living there anytime between 500BCE through 200CE. Now, however, I could enjoy it very much!

Love Sherlock Holmes stories and other well-constructed, ambient mysteries.

Richard Dawkins is a favorite science writer, but there are so many good ones. Oh, I'm a real science nut. Did I forget to tell you that? A REAL science nut.

Loved the movie Memento - totally brilliant. Lord of the Rings a hands-down winner. 50 First Dates - just kind of resonates with me. Memento and 50 First Dates both employ a theme that I find endlessly fascinating- how the brain can be damaged and how we might be different as a result.

Real Italian pizza pies are soul changing. But you can only get them in Italy. In the US we have something that should be considered a distant cousin to Italian Pizza. Couscous-stuffed artichokes are high on my list. You can seduce me with good yogurt. Apple or Rhubarb Pie are excellent bribes for almost anything.

Music - wide ranging interests, but I keep a safe distance from country, stupid rap, and pointless rock. Love ambient chill, acoustic guitar, dance music (ironic since I am a poor dancer), classical piano, and pop. So some of what is on my ipod: Pink, Mazzy Star, Jason Mraz, Lily Allen, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, Supreme Beings, Zero7, Finger Eleven, Amy McDonald, Frou Frou, Moby, Orange Factory, Vanessa Carlton, Kate Perry, Buckcherry, Sting, Ottmar Liebert, Matt Darey mixes- yeah all over the place.

HOW ABOUT - things that resonate with me.......

Brilliant people
Warmth of the sun on my body
Whispers in the Dark
Pasta
Long Runs
Walking in the Rain
Fingers drifting over soft skin
Clean Soft Sheets and Pillows
Matt Darey's Nocturnal Podcasts
Maui in the Spring
Sand Under My Bare Feet
Playing the piano
Lake Michigan
A Starry Sky
Beautiful Smiles
Long Rides on my Bicycle in the Countryside
Strolling Art Galleries and Museums
Pouty Lips
Thunderstorms
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Sailing on a Blustery Day
Sleeping in on Saturday Morning
Canoeing on a Winding River
Clean Blue Jeans
Sunsets over the water
Dance Music
New York City
Smooth Legs
Snorkeling in the Ocean
Steamy hot showers
Strawberry Yogurt
San Diego
Beautiful design
Belly-laughs
Roasted Almonds
Soulful eyes

o Fleeting feelings of loneliness. That tension between the joys of being single and independent, and the fulfillment of having a companion.

o Music. It's emotion manifested.

o Science and Religion. An age-old and eternal debate.

o My many projects, both work and personal.

o Endurance training

Not worth describing.
You can improve it.

I like poetry and try to write it. I'm bad.

I love thoughtful prose and I'm not terrible at it.

I love to chat in messages with almost anyone. But in voice or person only with people that I feel a click with.

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years.

Crap! I feel so exposed with all those secrets out there now!

If you have anything interesting to say, I'm likely to respond.

We don't have to be potential lovers for you to talk with me. I am not afraid of meeting a new friend - nay, interested in meeting a new friend!

So reach out and take a chance. Don't wait for life to happen. Risk precedes experiencing the best things in life. I'm not saying that I am some great guy, but maybe we would be great friends.