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I'm originally from the East Coast, and I really miss it sometimes. I've occasionally thought of moving back but I've made a lot of friends here and am finally in a job I really love and that urge seems to have passed. I used to want to find a gig as an editor for a book publisher or literary review but now I'm happy working for (oddly enough) a financial services company. At some point down the road I may try to open my own small publishing company, though.
I've got a lot of great friends here who give me a break from the superficial scene that is southern California. I always love meeting new people, especially those who can carry on an intelligent conversation on topics ranging from politics to art over an imported beer. I love new environments and have a few special places to show those who are interested. I also enjoy bringing people together who wouldn't necessarily meet otherwise, as several of my friends can attest to.
I'm a loyal friend if you don't hurt me or the people around me. I'm passionate about what's important to me, while never forgetting that something else might be just as important to you. I'll respect you and what you believe, but that won't keep me from challenging you to back things up and live up to your own convictions. As for what I believe, it's hard to lock me into any specific group. My spiritual beliefs draw from sources such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hindu but I can't say they're grounded there at all. My moral beliefs grew out of my Christian upbringing but I've rejected some of that and adopted a lot of new ideas. I really don't worry too much about defining what I believe, but will discuss it with those who care to understand me better.
I write poetry and short stories and am currently finishing a novel. It's taking a lot longer than I'd hoped with all the other issues of life continually interfering. I also love to read, and enjoy the arts whenever I get the chance. I like hikes in the woods (not as big on walks on the beach), trips to pubs, jazz, theater, you name it. I also love to cook and am always coming up with new recipes. I rarely take myself seriously.

Aside from completing my novel and getting it published I'm just trying to eke out a living while continuing to improve and expand on the person I am. I believe you have to continue to grow and better yourself every day and am always looking for sources of inspiration for that growth.
I also cultivate relationships whenever possible. I believe strongly in the value of human connection and whether I'll see a person every day or only once in my life I try to make the interaction I have with them the most positive it can be.

I'm great at writing - poetry and fiction, and even the occasional essay. I'm also wonderful at cooking and have even perfected a few dishes of my own invention. I've had friends suggest that I open a small catering business, but I'm afraid I wouldn't enjoy it as much if I did that.
I'm also good at challenging myself and the people around me. I don't mind if you disagree with me, in fact I welcome it. I love to learn what makes people believe what they believe, or act the way they do, and will do everything I can to understand you better. I believe a little understanding could do a lot to turn this world around. Too many people in this world seem to believe others should go out of their way to understand them, or worse yet, assume those who can't are either evil or stupid, but never spend any time trying to understand anyone who sees things a little differently.

Aside from my beer gut, it's usually that I don't really care that I look like an ass sometimes - which may explain why I enjoy Karaoke so much. People also notice that I'm really a nice guy which is often hard to find in Southern California, and am a very compassionate friend.
Once people get to know me it's that I love to write, listen, and discuss things with my friends. I tend to be an information sponge, too, but mostly when it comes to intellectual banter.

Books
Something to write with
A well stocked kitchen
Music
Intellectual challenges
Friends who aren't afraid to tell me I'm full of shit

Understanding myself, contributing to the world in my own way, creating meaning, why the mythology of the world seems to have lost its impact and relevance.
Why I sound so pretentious when I answer some of these questions.

Out with friends at a Pub or bar in the San Gabriel Valley or maybe catching a movie. Regardless of where I am, I'm definitely going to be discussing something with someone by the end of the night. I love being around people who like to keep their minds stimulated.
Now that gas has been soaring & most of my friends' jobs have moved a little closer I've been singing karaoke in Covina most Friday nights lately. I still try to get into Pasadena when I can but I don't make it as often as I'd like.

Very little about me is truly private. I live my life with the philosophy of never doing something I could be blackmailed with. Not that I don't do things that might be embarrasing, but I will always be willing to own up to them.
I do sometimes hold things back so I don't make others uncomfortable. I tend to be pretty open at first but as I get to know you better I'll throw stuff out you might not have seen coming.
Ask me something and I'll answer, but I simply can't think of much that's private.

You want to meet up and enjoy an evening of karaoke & beer.
Something I wrote here resonates with you.
You're in the publishing industry and want to see samples of my writing.
You like friends who challenge you.