I'm a longtime Californian who has found a home here in the Bay Area -- I just love the combination of great outdoors, fascinating people, and just how dynamic this area is. I'm little bit swanky and a little bit geeky -- I enjoy both a night on the town in SF or spending time telling ghost stories camping (hopefully near redwoods or water). I'm happy about islands, smart ladies, running, cooking, spicy food, reading, technology, urban exploring, foreign languages and sarcasm. I'm also a big fan of backpacking, scuba, live music, and I know some pretty great places to eat (both here and abroad). I was raised right by my parents -- I treat people well -- but with a good sense of liberal values ("Hey Girl, I know you don't need me to hold the door for you -- but I do it out of respect"). I'm fun, emotionally engaged, and adaptable.

I've enjoyed my travels -- I've lived for extended time in Mexico (Oaxaca - worked in a non-profit and making espressos for tourists -- both good skills), in Thailand (Lampang and Chiang Mai -- in a non-creepy way, thanks for asking), and have spent a lot of time in South America, Europe, Central America, and Asia (I know some great places in Seoul if you're interested -- and strangely Aachen, Germany as well). I'm currently researching some ideas for a new start-up -- please feel free to send me your best ideas.

Building fun technology to make life better, running and yoga, and cooking. I currently live in Berkeley, but I've lived in SF, Oakland, and other parts of the bay. My house is near Tilden, and I'm frequently hiking or wandering about this beautiful place we live. I care a lot about my family and friends -- I'm very close with my sister, though she lives in Portland and I don't get to see her as much as I'd like. I've also decided to take advantage of Berkeley more -- so I've been doing some meditation, vinyasa, attending lectures, and other o' so Berkeley things. I love to cook -- it's a great stress reliever for me -- I did a lot of cooking with locals in Mexico and Thailand, and am currently working on some good Ramen and Moroccan Tajine dishes. I dream of moving to a beach and opening a small plate Mexican/Thai beach restaurant when I retire (you know -- the kind with 10 tables where the owner comes over and chats you up and you can hang for 4 hours and eat one dish -- I've been working on my 'Thaipas' and scouting locations). Work/life balance is key for me -- when they're in balance, both go so much better.

Travel planning, both in and out of the Bay (I know secret beaches in Bolinas and where to get great dumplings in Taipei. I can plan a great vacation in Greece, or a fun weekend on the couch.)
Finding fun, rare activities in the beautiful place we live
Home cooking
Making people laugh
Being laid back, but getting things done (ENTJ on the Briggs-Meyer)

I can bring some sarcasm (with a sweet center) and I'm pretty comfortable in my own skin. I know a little about a lot of things - a solid pub trivia player.

Everything from Hi-Sci(fi) to Low-Bro(nte). The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and the Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet were awesome books. I like Neal Stephenson, Richard Russo, Vonnegut, and Philip Roth. I loved the Famished Road, and really enjoyed a lot of the classic novels I've read: Madame Bovary, Anna Karenina. and the like. My family and I keep a pretty solid book exchange -- my Dad supplies a lot of great non-fiction. I have a soft spot for the 3 Musketeers (Dumas is awesome), and don't understand why someone can't make a decent movie about it. I'll also tear through a sci-fi or fan-tasty series (Game of Thrones!) on a long trip -- guilty delicious pleasures. Oh, and I like Spanish lit a lot -- magical realism such as Marquez and Allende. And Borges is a deity who should be allowed to rule.

I read a fair amount of non-fiction as well trying to learn more about this planet. I studied a lot of history and religion in college, and have a soft spot for Indian myths and epics (Religious Studies major in Hinduism among a few other topics).

For Movies, I've flown a lot of miles over the years -- which means a lot of bad movies on airplanes. I've been watching better films recently -- though the lack of Kate Hudson in them always confuses me (Are they speaking French? When did Kate Hudson learn French? Where's Matthew McConaughey -- I know that guy does not speak French. Oh wait a second.....). City of God, Memento, Dead Again, LA Confidential, A Fish called Wanda, Dazed and Confused, Amelie of course. I have an affinity for BBC TV series (Dr. Who, Torchwood, Luther, etc. -- apparently Downton Abbey will not feature time travelers, but I still like it). I can be a bit sentimental and I also like the everyman John Cusack movies ("I'm sorry your mother exploded Ricky").

For music, everything from dancy techno (the Mezzanine) to jazz (Pearl's or Yoshi's), with a bit of a preference for female lyricists (at the Fox or the Greek). Recently, I've been listening to Ida Maria, Avett Brothers, Tegan and Sara, Big Boi, Iron & Wine, the xx, Bon Iver, Destroyer, Macklemore, Frank Ocean, and I think Red Hot + Rio 2 is a great album for the summer. I was raised on classic rock and jazz, and now listen to Brazilian pop, indie rock, alt-country, among others. I tend to like lyrical music, but I think dance music can be fun too. I've been to many shows in the Bay Area, and I prefer the smaller venues -- Bimbo's is a favorite, and the new Fox is awesome.

Food, yes please! Travel has left me omnivorous, except a dislike for mayo and tuna in a can. I've eaten things that were still moving and a beetle the size of my fist and lived to tell the tale. I like taking things I've eaten in my travels and trying to recreate them at home, with a little less oil and salt (and a little more bacon, oh! the dilemma).

Passion and a sense of adventure
Music
A suitcase
A passport
Some clothes I like
Good books or my Kindle
....and that's about it.

Riding a motorcycle through Europe
Scuba trips in the Caribbean
What to read next
How technology can help people live more rewarding lives
Why people are on OKC reading my profile at 3am -- what are you up to?

I want to drive in an 80s Toyota truck with a camper shell from Alaska to Argentina. I have no idea why. I may or may not have a collection of cuff links.

If you're a smart, fun lady who values balance in her personal and professional life. Being feisty and fun is a definite plus. And if you want to explore, want to be with someone who makes you laugh, and you're open to more.