Equally drawn to the serenity of nature, and the bustle of the urban landscape. I am happiest when kayaking down a silent waterway, or taking a leisurely stroll down a city sidewalk, watching the wildlife of either scenario. I am a man of simple tastes, but not of simple mind. I do not put my value in possessions, title, or salary, but in experiences, and the friendships and loves I cultivate. I am masculine, but not macho. Too few men these days know the difference, sadly.

Now that I've made myself sound like a milquetoast, I assure you I'm not. I like loud music as well as good beer at a good bar, (or shitty beer at a shitty bar!). I play pool for tournaments and league, and just generally enjoy a healthy nightlife. And for those that clicked on my profile hoping for some entendre with the screen name, I'm not into paddling in that sense, but I'm not that innocent either! ;-)

I work every day at being a more compassionate person, enjoying myself, and being a joy in other's lives. I am also being the best dad I can be, and I think I'm doing a pretty good job. :)

I seek out adventures, right now I am trying to paddle as many local waterways as I can. Anyone with an interest in kayaking would be more than welcome to join me! I also ride motorcycles (street) and have skydived, skydove, skydoven? I don't know! (though I haven't been able to for quite some time).

I do work a secure, full time job, that pays a livable wage. I am not career driven, however, I place more importance on my life outside of work, I am not defined by my job.

Witticisms, I'm a one-line sniper. I will make you laugh. I don't take myself too seriously, I welcome sarcasm, I can take it as well as dish it.

Edit: I should also add, for what it's worth, I am pretty handy. I have a full complement of tools, and know how to use them, around the house, and car. I'm not a contractor or mechanic, but, I have fully gutted and rebuilt a bathroom, including tile, I have finished a basement, framing, drywall, etc, and have installed french doors. I do all regular maintenance and light repairs on my car and motorcycle.

I don't know, I have been told eyes, arms, shoulders, legs, sense of humor, presence. I am tall and muscular, which most women notice, I guess. No matter what I say, it will sound vain. You know what? This is a stupid category, moving on.

Books: Tao Te Ching, The Tao of Pooh, The Te of Piglet, Great Apes

Movies: Being John Malkovich, Into the Wild, Idiocracy, Heat, Best in Show.

Music: Sigur Ros, QOTSA, Eagles of Death Metal, the The, Built to Spill, Death Cab, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Pixies, Band of Horses, Devendra Banhart, Ray LaMontagne, Lou Reed, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waites, Beatles... I'm a huge music fan, so I could go on, and on, and on... Just assume that if you like something that isn't rap, corporate country, or vacuous pop, I probably like it too.

Food: Indian, Thai, BBQ, Sushi, and anything I haven't tried yet.

I'm going to assume the easy ones: family, friends, air, water, etc...

I need music, adrenaline, peace, connection beyond the superficial, simplicity, beauty in the ordinary.

Everything, seriously. I am a closet philosopher, so I think a lot about the world and it's people, and why things are the way they are, and why people do the things they do. I am also fascinated by the natural world, so I think a lot about nature and it's processes.

I may go down to The Parkway down the block for a couple good beers, or just hang at home with some music and clean the apartment.

Now would be a good time to tell you that I don't have cable and don't watch tv.

I can be a bit quirky, but you have to find that out on your own! ;-)

You're not shallow, you value kindness and empathy in a man over the size of his salary, or what car he drives. If you like to converse, instead of just gabbing about the latest mindless "reality" show.