Hey, all. My name's Jeff.

As a boy, I would rush through meadows of wheat and corn, locked in epic struggle against imaginary dragons. A blanket cape 'round my neck and a plastic sword in hand, I slayed and triumphed countless evils. Though unreal, the beasts were no less dangerous to my faithful companion and I. A devoted black Labrador by my side, we would fight til sunset, or until the maiden was saved (it was always my sister), or until my mom would call with a timbre that belied her impatience. I hear her call even now..."DINNER IS GETTING COLD!"

I like to think I vanquished those demons, but preserved my bravery in hopes that one day, I could show the world the courage it needs. I do that a bit everyday, working in the hospital and helping patients. Instead of fighting beasts, my foes are dishonesty, despair, fear, and very often myself.

But Courage and Hope bring me here, to OkCupid. I'm left to wonder at the sanity of my guides, as this seems an uncouth place for love. I seek a companion who is as passionate about quirkiness as I, one who is well-read, one who speak intelligently and, perchance, poetically. One who takes care of herself and her body, and is open-minded. One who may or may not be religious, but is not against spiritual things, and enjoys meditation. Oh, and it helps if she adores Sufjan Stevens.

At heart, I guess I could be called a romantic intellectual. Intellectual, I suppose, because I read and I write in a vain attempt to match, in some small degree, those who have influenced me most. Nothing satisfies more than a hearty conversation, full of thought and respect. I can translate Latin, Greek, and German, although I speak none fluently. I believe real intelligence influences action, and I work towards that end.

A romantic, I suppose, only because I have been hurt. Brokenness inspires creativity and idealism, both a requirement for the hopeless sentimentalist. I'm an armchair mystic, aspiring photographer, and absent-minded idealist looking for someone who can keep up with my pontifications.

I'm a reader, a hapless writer, a meditate, an observer. I sometimes go places just to people-watch, and I'm an avid chuckler. I take serious things flippantly, and I defend absurdity with passionate conviction. My silliness can be found in my rigid demeanor during awkward affairs, and I like the smell of lavender. I was raised Christian, though I recently entered a period of religious exploration and I'm thoroughly enjoying the practice of Buddhism. It would be unfair to any religion to say I'm spiritually committed to anything.

I work in a hospital. I sometimes watch Grey's or House and can honestly say they almost get it right. Almost. The first code I had was the most memorable moment I've had in a long time, yet it was so commonplace.

I'd like to think I'm a good photographer, but I'm just so often humbled by the masters. I'm a good conversationalist, I have an uncanny knack for fixing things, and I'm a pretty mean chef around a wok.

I have excellent hand-eye coordination. I smoke a pipe like a professional, and I can entertain cats for hours on end. I have experience potty-training twins (not my own. Oi.), and I can sometimes stand on my head. I can carry a heated debate with myself for hours on end, and I can successfully break into my own apartment.

I'm easy to talk to and more easy on the eyes. And I don't have a third arm.

Books. Damn. This list is long. Anything by British authors, for the most part. Favorite book would have to be The Man who was Thursday by Chesterton. Also, Kierkegaard and Moltmann. Throw in theological ethics and some chess puzzles, and I have a weekend made. Currently, I'm reading through some Gaiman along with some Robert Wright

Movies. Double damn. A second endless list. Wes Anderson stuff is great, the Dark Knight was wonderful, M. Night's stuff is really good... I like some Indie stuff, too. Pixar always comes out with entertaining stuff, and I do have some anime sitting on my shelf... I'm waiting for Up to come out, and hoping to find someone who wants to see Where the Wild Things Are.

At the moment, Sufjan Stevens is my music deity. I've also been known to pump some Ben Folds and alongside Dvorak and Chet Baker. Dark Was The Night could be the greatest compilation album ever.

And Chinese food. Always Chinese food. Unless its Japanese. Or Thai. Really, you're safe with anything Asian around me.

Air, food, water... oh, wait.

My laptop, my psp, a good book, another person, a towel (Don't Panic!), my pipe (with endless tobacco and lighting utensils, of course).

Meditating... Ha, that's slightly ironic.

What DON'T I spend a lot of time thinking about? That's the curse of the investigator; I'm always thinking.

I generally get lost trying to understand things, especially myself. The trick would be to learn how to turn OFF my head every once in a while... still working on that one.

In the meantime, I think about how I hurt/help people/myself, family, the spiritual realm, and how I can pay off my loans.

Probably staying in and reading a book. Or out discussing aforementioned book with friends. Or smoking my pipe. Or drinking a red wine. Preferably a combination of the above.

To be honest, I was never into the party or bar scene too much. I spent some time in LA and went to some clubs there, wasn't too keen on all the stuff that was going down... Call me a loser, but I'm perfectly happy on my own and doing the things I know I like.

Though, I must be more social! Let's be proactive here! I resolve to spend more time in wine bars reading and meeting people!

I w00t!

You're slightly interested in conversation, want to make a new friend, or just need a supportive ear for a time. Or everyone else on here has seemed fake. Or you want someone to make up a story on the spot. Or because you're currently eating cheese. I love a good cheese-eater.