Okay, so let's give this a try then. As a fairly new resident to Toronto, I'm trying to get into the spirit of "try something new" in a lot of different areas of my life. Although I am somwhat introspective (at first) you will hopefully find me to be a warm, funny, and intelligent person once you get to know me a little. I am a firm believer in the theory that you only know who your true friends are when times are bad. In the interests of full disclosure I will say that 2008 was a pretty bad year for me on a personal level. I am choosing to look at '09 as a year of renewal and opportunity. I'm not sure what to expect from this online thing, but it worked well for a good friend of mine, so I guess cautious optimism would best describe it. If all I gain from this experience is a handful of good new friends, that would be fine. That being said, I'm not a commitment-phobe either. I absolutely believe that if that "someone" appears in your life (and let's face it, we'd both know it / feel it) you have to be ready to jump in the water and swim. So, if you have a great sense of humour (the most important thing in my book), can have an intelligent conversation AND be able to B.S. about absolutely nothing as well, then say hey, and we'll see what happens!

Everything is brand new this year. I'm English by birth, but just spent the past 10 years of my life in the US (New Jersey and most recently, Miami). Moving to Toronto is something I've been working towards for a few years now. I just love the city and Canada in general - much better cultural fit for a socially liberal Brit. So, new city/country, new apartment, new job (same company though; job security is very important to me). 2009 is already ten times better than last year! Let's see if I feel the same way after experiencing my first winter up here!

Willingly letting people into my lane when I'm driving, then quietly (okay, sometimes loudly) cursing them out to myself when they don't throw a thank-you wave. Always throwing a thank-you wave. Multi-tasking. Making mental to-do lists then procrastinating over them. Knowing what time it is without looking at a clock. Following recipes and never quite being satisfied with the results. Ignoring recipes and once in a while surprising myself. Forgetting my reusable bags every time I go grocery shopping and buying even more of them. I play the guitar but I'm kinda shy about sharing it.

You noticed me? Surely not. I guess my eyes (blue) and general lack of hair on my head (thanks Dad). I know a little bit about a lot of things (which is either endearing or dangerous depending on your mindset), but I can hold a conversation. I've been told my profile photos don't do me justice but I guess that's subjective. Being somewhat photo-shy didn't leave a lot to choose from!

* Books
Recently, I've been big on Swedish crime writers. Stieg Larrson and Henning Mankell are both superb. Anything by Jeffrey Deaver or Bill Bryson. Just re-read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote again (great book), currently working through Crime And Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky and Nelson Mandela's autobiography, which is teaching me not to sweat the small stuff. At any given point I have a half a dozen books on the go. Don't ask why, it just happens!
* Movies
Twelve Angry Men is my favourite film. Seven Samurai, Pulp Fiction, High Fidelity, Shawshank Redemption, Zodiac, Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, The Insider, all the Jason Bourne movies. I Love You Man was hilarious. Just watched a film on Rogers called Boy A, which I'd never heard of before, but turned out to be great. I love finding hidden gems like that.

* Music
Alphabetically by first name, just like in my iPod...Al Green, Amy Millan, Arcade Fire, Band Of Horse, Beck, Beirut, Belle And Sebastian, Beth Orton, Black Kids, Bon Iver, Broken Social Scene, Carole King, (early) Coldplay, David Gray, Death Cab For Cutie, The Dodo's, Emily Haines, Feist, Foo Fighters, Gorillaz, I'm From Barcelona, Iron & Wine, Jarvis Cocker, Jason Collett, Joel Plaskett, John Mayer, John Mayer Trio, Jose Gonzalez, Keane, Kings Of Leon, Marvin Gaye, Mat Kearney, Matt Costa, Metric, MGMT, The New Pornographers, Nizpoli, Ocean Colour Scene, Phoenix, PJ Harvey, Radiohead, Sam Roberts, The Stills, The Black Kids, The Ting Tings...you get the point I suppose!
*Food
Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese to name a few. A nice Roast Chicken with vegetables on Sunday afternoon...perfect.

* A small handfull of close, "I got your back" friends.
* Really big bath towels.
* Music in some way, shape, or form.
* An acoustic guitar.
* Moderately priced wine.
* High Park - in other words, a place to go to find your centre and clear your head.

My son, who lives in the US with his mother. If you consider this baggage, then I understand and happy hunting out there.
Which bands are playing in town this week and how can I score some tickets.
What's for dinner tonight.

Typically, available.

I recently read a Charlotte Bronte novel. Make of that what you will!

you like the same kind of music as me, as we'd get along like a house on fire!