I love campfires and fireworks, Three Floyds Gumballhead, Oregon pinot noir, kick-ass coffee and biking along the lake when the crowds don't make me want to run over people (accidentally on purpose). I think the long-dash is one of the better forms of punctuation. I have actually had a conversation about my favorite font. I am full of snark and a hearty side of sass. I write a killer haiku and have been known to wax poetic about math and science. And, despite everything you just read, I can start a sentence with words other than "I."

I like the smell of newspapers - it's an occupational hazard. Which is convenient since I'm a reporter-turned-editor at a global news agency.

Outside of work, I'm a velocity-challenged distance runner and triathlete. A half Ironman is pretty high on my to-do list and there's a 99 percent chance I'm in the middle of training for something. Yoga rocks my world. So does my dog. Science and data fascinate me. Books make me happy.

I bake the world's best double chocolate Kahlua cake, which I've given a semi-dirty name. You'll have to message me to find out more on THAT. Meanwhile, cliche as it sounds, I love learning new things, perspectives and ideas, which explains why I live for good conversations with people.

My glasses. They're very nerd chic. (Which sort of sums up my vibe.)

There are too many to pick, and I'm always reading at least two things. My literature tastes unapologetically run the gamut - from Great Books to chick lit.

Music: I'm way into girls-with-guitars genre, alt-country and folk, not to mention just about anything with live bluegrass or Irish fiddle.

Food: Two words: Thai and cheese. Although preferably not together.

No offense to Maslow and his list, but here are mine - in no particular order:
1) My crazy dog and a big park for us to play in.
2) A great book.
3) That first truly warm day after the longest of winters and that first crisp fall day where you wear a sweater and don't melt.
4) A good running buddy who makes the miles fly by.
5) Freshly caught seafood. (This is what happens when you grow up in Maryland.)
6) NPR.

Lately? Particle physics. (Com'n! Higgs Boson!) Generally: my place in the world; how I can be a better, more intentional and wiser person; remembering to appreciate what I have, not missing what I don't; how many miles I need to run tomorrow; cheese.

Being low-key as hell, which is generally a good description of me. There's a good chance there will be wine on the sofa with a good DVD; if it's warm, grilling or grabbing dinner with some friends and then in bed by midnight. Sometimes, even if it's just me, I'll happily chill with the mutt and a great book and go to bed early.

you're fiercely intelligent, crazy-cakes smart and decidedly not an asshole; your idea of fun is more about board games and wine with friends than shutting down a bar at 4 a.m.; hate complacency and the suburbs; are well-versed in apparently complex things such as the difference between your/you're; believe dogs really are man's best friend; always have a book (or three) you're reading; have your act together and are smart and dynamic enough to keep me on my toes. Bonus points if you think running a race (or cheering on a racer) is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a Saturday morning. (Followed by pancakes. Of course.)