I have to admit to being a slightly daunted by re-writing my profile, but my previous essays were several years old, and were starting to be a little dated, so I guess there's nothing for it.

I've been in Houston for a couple of years, but I have spent nearly half my life in other countries, and about two fifths of it in Oklahoma. One of my intentions for my life is to spend most of it outside the US. It's not that I don't like it here; I do, but the expatriate life suits me, and it runs in my family.

I like to experience new things, but I also like to have some traditions and routines. My first year in Houston, I never went to the same restaurant twice and avoided chains as much as possible. I still like trying new restaurants, but more often than not, I go to a few favorites these days.

I am always interested in learning. I love to pick up new skills and knowledge, and I like figuring things out. One of the things I've done since I came to Houston that I recall the most fondly is having learned the basics of wine tasting, but I also try to learn a little something every day.

I'm enjoying myself, mostly. I get to travel sometimes for my job, and I get responsibility and trust for some pretty big projects, which helps me stay fulfilled with work. Plus, I'm in a career that will help me accomplish my intention of living overseas some more.

Other than the job, I'm meeting new people, spending time with some old friends, and just generally taking advantage of the opportunities here, as the whim comes to me.

I've got a really good memory for facts and dates. Unfortunately, this does not help me locate my keys in the morning.

I'm also very good at problem solving, as in figuring out the interconnections and relations between things. This does help me with the keys, thankfully.

Also, I've often been told I am excellent at being sensual. I don't always have to be, but if the mood strikes us, I'm totally the man for it. I'm a bit embarassed to put that one up, but since it is, after all, a dating site, I decided to go with it.

I don't actually have a good answer for this one. My old answer was "my smile," which, while true enough, seems a bit stereotypical.

I love to read, which makes it difficult to pick a favorite book. I can just about manage a favorite author. Lois McMaster Bujold writes some of the best books around. Generally speaking, I'm a science fiction sort of person... I grew up on it, but I also like proper literature and reading books by philosophers (I studied philosophy in university).

In movies and television, I also tend towards the sci-fi, but I enjoy movies of most genres, an I must confess an embarrassing fondness for romantic comedies as well. I am not sure I could pick a favorite movie or tv series of all time, because different genres are hard to compare.

Since I covered television above, I want to talk about stage shows for a moment. My favorite play of all time is Les Miserables. I like musicals in general, and it deals with such great themes, it's hard not to love. Other than musicals, I also like to watch improvisational theater. Some of my friends from high school travel around the country doing improv, and they've bequeathed me a love of it.

I like music in general. I like electronic/dance/dj music, as well as punk rock, alternative, rock and roll, some country, some rap, and some classical music. It really depends what I'm in the mood for on any given day. My favorite band to go see in concert is Cowboy Mouth, which is a rock and roll band from New Orleans... They have the best live shows. I'm not sure I have a favorite band like to listen to on my ipod or anything.

Ah, food. I love food from all over the world. Some of the things that spring instantly to mind when I try to think of favorites are Peruvian, Arabic, and Japanese cuisine. Really, though, I will probably have to go with steak in any style, in the end. Of course the other option is... I come from an Italian-American family, so when we make homemade pasta and sauces, that's definitely up there.

A passport is like a ticket to adventure. I have had one since I was six weeks old, and I could never live without one.

I used to work at Wal-Mart when I was in college, and since then, I have always had a box cutter wherever I lived. It's amazing how much easier it is to open stuff with one. Once you have a nice one, you'll never want to go without again.

I love reading, so I couldn't do without books. I don't mind if they're on paper or electronic, just so I can take them with me and read them.

I don't think I could do without companionship. I love being around friends or acquaintances, and sharing the moment with each other, whatever moment it is. Note that there's a difference between liking this, and liking gatherings.

I couldn't do without inquisitiveness. I'm forever asking questions and trying to learn things. It does drive some people batty, but it means that I learn a lot.

The last thing I'll put in my list is striving. I can't accept "good enough" very easily. I always look for ways to do things better, or make things better. This drives some people batty, but I feel like it's important to always seek improvement.

The future, Earth, space, absurdity, psychology, ethics, justice, friends, and family.

I like to go see far-away friends on the weekends, or have dinner or otherwise go out with at least one friend in Houston.

I am hopelessly romantic.

...you find me interesting.
...you find my ability to use proper grammar and spelling, and a touch of humor refreshing.
...you fit somewhere into my "I'm looking for" category.
...I message you, even if it's just to tell me you're not interested. I find that being thoughtful is a nice thing.