Ok, so this is where I'm supposed to sell myself right? Or just tell you what I think you want to hear about me?

Anyways. From Seattle originally, did time in San Diego, and now living in the Bay Area. I consider myself independently smart with much to learn, opinionated but not the slightest bit arrogant, outspoken but not preachy, independent but very social, and incredibly laid-back with a strong drive of what I want out of life. I know when and what to take seriously - and I know when and what to let slide and not get stressed out over. I'm resisting "growing up" in many ways, but also have a savings account and (mostly) got my shit together. Contradictions? Perfect.

I'm far more radical in most things than I come across as - I like to defy stereotypes, surprise people, buck taboos, challenge norms, and challenge my own ideas of open-mindedness. All while seeming (and sometimes truly being) quite "normal" to the average viewer.

After nearly a decade in the music biz (touring with bands as a sound engineer and tour manager, and playing my own stuff), I've focused on working for social change. I work in the non-profit world (both the non-profit industrial complex and the grassroots world - for those that recognize a difference) more than full-time on climate change, clean energy, and environmental justice issues, as well as various social justice issues. I am usually on the road at least a chunk of every month for various organizing efforts and adventures.

I'm big on getting outdoors (hiking, camping, biking, soccer, and wishing I snowboarded more), I like ropes and climbing things (avid rock climber, would love someone to take me mountaineering or ice climbing) trying to do more yoga, and wish I hit the beach more (Mickey's/Red Rocks, Bonny Doon, and Baker are the faves). I dig hot springs (despite being a weenie of both really hot and really cold water), and I like dogs. Did I mention I like dogs? And that I don't have one?

I stay in shape and healthy - but also will tackle some greasy food from Jay's or Weird Fish with no hesitation, and can stay up all night drinking with no guilt. I still try to dust off my guitar and drums occasionally, but getting a real band going again is proving tough. I'm pretty big on long nights out drinking and hanging with friends, but balance that with mellow nights at home watching a movie, getting out to nature, or heading to Mission Cliffs.

I know who I am (which of course, is always changing and growing), I communicate honestly and up front, and I don't play silly head games. I'm extremely rational and calm when it comes to conflict, I don't get jealous, and am a pretty low-drama person. I'm open-minded, sometimes too forgiving and empathetic, spontaneous, not judgmental, easily-amused, and - um yeah. A rambling dork sometimes to boot.

Boggle? Being a partner in crime? Getting myself (and my friends) into good trouble?

Music is essential in my life - listening, playing, seeing, working. I play drums and guitar, worked as a sound engineer for many years touring with bands, and still try to play occasionally.

I've got a bigger music collection than most of my friends combined. And finding new music is a bit of an obsession (not totally healthy - I admit) but I'm not a music snob in the slightest. I grew up on punk, hardcore, indie, and metal - but these days listen to most anything. I still lean towards punk/indie/rock/metal stuff but my collection spans folk, bluegrass, hip-hop, electronic, bad 80's R&B, pop, rock, - you name it. Yes, I have Weird Al and Boyz 2 Men albums. And they will be on shuffle with Regina Spektor, Cradle of Filth, Fugazi, Manu Chao, Thievery Corporation, old Pearl Jam, Chumbawamba and hundreds more obscure punk bands.

Books? I honestly mostly read non-fiction these days. From social theory to political science to economics and beyond. More blogs than books lately. I'd love suggestions.

Movies? Yes. I like watching them - though not a movie buff who can recite directors and actors and such. Not so good with pop culture. I've never really been into TV - but lately have been into DVD's of Dexter, Fringe, Heroes, Californication, The Wire, Dollhouse, and Colbert. And a major X-files fan. I do have a bit of a David Duchovy and Matt Damon crush... ;)

Food? I'm one of those people you read about in Newsweek called a vegan. It's like a vegetarian, but more exciting or something. It actually means quite a lot to me, but I'm one of the least judgmental or anal vegans you'll meet. Ethiopian, Indian, Thai, or just veggie burgers and fries. I'll eat most anything. Not so big on sushi and Japanese, sorry.

One thing I could do without? Cheesy icebreaker questions that try to distill someone down to six things. Read the rest of the profile if you really want to get an idea of what I'm about.

Ok, fine, I'll play.

Music (at a minimum, my hard drive of MP3's)
Good Friends (I'm pretty social, and can't fathom living alone)
Jameson Irish Whiskey (but yes, I like bourbon too)
Belgian Beer
Rock Climbing shoes
My bike

I'm socially conscious and very politically active, with a serious bent towards environmental issues. If you can have an intelligent conversation about climate change, renewable energy, globalization, social movements, feminism, politics, radical economics or capitalism - we'll get along swell.

If not, I like talking about the Simpsons and Matt Damon too. And I'm trying to focus on climbing, hiking, and camping more - so thinking about trips out of town seem to be a passion of late.

Oh, Benders, Thee Parkside, Kilowatt, Gestalt, or Zeitgeist with a pile of friends. Heading out of town to go camping or climbing. Grabbing a burrito at Papalote. Or maybe just chilling at home with a movie. I don't have much of a routine - and generally like spontaneity. Fridays aren't necessarily much different than Tuesdays for me.

Maybe that I know all the words to Humpty Dance, It Takes Two, and a bunch of other 90's hip hop (Fresh Prince, Bel Biv Devoe, and many more)

I'm not really 'looking' for anyone in particular - I'm quite open-minded and recognize that there are lots of interesting people in the world that have unique and amazing qualities. I generally try not to meet/date people with any sort of expectations - I've been in poly and monogamous relationships, friends are great and lovers are great, and trying to squeeze everyone and everything into a predetermined box can often take the fun out of life. I just like spending time with good people, and let things end up where they feel right.

I'm really just looking for good folks that can show me fun times, little secrets of the Bay Area, share good company, and inspire me. You might like to drink fine Belgian beer and Irish Whiskey and talk all night, cuddle up for a movie, play with (your?) dog, bake (vegan?) cookies, go rock climbing (yes, I love teaching), catch a band play, talk politics, get your ass kicked at Scrabble, do something intensely spontaneous, or just sit on the couch and read all day. It's more about the company than the action sometimes. Did I mention playing with (your) dog? Don't forget playing with your dog.

I REALLY tend to like people who can shatter aesthetic or cultural stereotypes. Like the girl-next-door-innocent-looking-types who are are secretly full of surprises and intrigue and have great tattoos. Or people who don't feel a need to look like Marilyn Manson even though they might secretly love metal. (which I don't, and I do)

And if you are someone who gives a shit about the world around them. I like people who are positive and see beauty all around - but also see the ugly stuff and strive to make it better. (but without getting those crazy hippie/stoner eyes) That can mean a lot of things - but you know who you are.

And apparently since I've now turned 30 - I've gotta say it. If you are looking to "settle down", get married, and have babies I may not be your match. Open to all sorts of relationships - but not hell-bent on state/church sanctioned marriage any time soon, if at all. And while kids tend to like me, I've also been snipped (read: vasectomy), so baby-making ain't in my future.