Apologies up front: Since the new semester has begun, I've been very busy with school, and therefore a bit slow in checking messages and sending responses ... Thanks in advance for your patience. :)

That said,

Since beginning grad school, I've spent a lot of time between PA and NY, school and socializing, friends and family ... books and beers ... and developed a new-found appreciation for the mindlessness of television. However, except for American Idol, I refuse to watch stupid "reality" programs like WifeSwap--couldn't you just barf.

Anyone who knows me knows that my family and friends are extremely important to me, and I spend as much time as I can with all of them. My career can be somewhat isolating (grading, writing, researching, sigh), but I much prefer the social aspects of it (teaching, conferencing). I really am very much a social creature, and in relationships, I tend to be a giving and supportive partner; it's a two-way street, though, so I expect/want/need the same in return. However, I've got an independent side--I gotta have a girls' night out--and it's good if you have one too (a guys' night, that is).

I highly value a varied sense of humor (enjoy goofy/silly, but especially wit/light sarcasm--not cynicism) an honest, confident, intelligent, yet not egotistical personality ... someone flexible enough to be into arts, music, cafes/bars, as well as the Bloomsburg Fair (!) ... someone who is somewhat spontaneous, but doesn't mind just hanging out at home, cooking dinner together and watching a movie or the Phillies on TV ... someone who can tolerate my sometimes opinionated ways, but know that I bend with a smile when faced with a clever, "sideways" point of view. I could go on and on (I promise I won't say much more) about with whom I think I'm compatible, but really it just boils down to chemistry. Ease with my significant other in communication/conversation and the ability to share (and even enjoy) general everyday life together are priorities for me. Oh, and I like punctuation and complete sentences (in writing, anyway--I've never seen punctuation materialize during conversation. If you have, you might want to get that checked out. But I'd love to hear about it).

See above.

Procrastinating. (This mostly applies to grading papers or reading my research, which has been piling steadily.)

But once I figure out what I've been looking for/trying to say, I focus and off I go . . . distraction be damned! And then I get all excited and fill the nearest person's ear (well, I usually know him/her) with what I've been thinking about--so if I look like I'm on a rampage and you really don't want to hear about what George Eliot wrote in her journal in July of 1854, just steer clear.

coffee.

And how frustrating it is when it looks like it's going to last this time--and doesn't.

Still not sure what I'm doing this Friday night (it's Friday right now and I'm editing this). Might be seeing a film . . . live theatre (did that earlier tonight) . . . drinking a beer (that too) . . . and, like, breathing and stuff.

I might not seem romantic . . . in fact, I might roll my eyes and say such things are cheesy and cliche. But I'm actually a sucker for romance and I've found that the right person can put me at ease (which must happen naturally--can't make me), bringing out sides I didn't know I had . . . but others I know very well are there and want to come out.

(No, this isn't a roundabout way of saying I've got multiple personalities, but . . .)

You're a liberally-minded, intelligent, fun, nerdy (and maybe even academic), but knows how to be a regular guy and drink a beer while watching *sport of choice here*--YES you can watch sports! I also think it's hot when a guy takes care of his health and can look good/be ready to go out without much effort (he shouldn't take longer than me to get ready).

And: leave the Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister or *insert other annoying preppy brand* sweater somewhere else.

Now I bet you really want to message me. Too much?