Hey there! My friends tell me I'm a warm, friendly, spunky and caring gal who's also a good listener and great and loyal friend. As for my interests, my family and friends rank #1 in my life. I have always been someone who has a few very close friends than one who has many acquaintances. I love to travel to new places, even if it's in the middle of nowhere or a town I've never been to. I really love to camp and spend time outdoors. I'm a low-maintenance girl who doesn't mind getting dirty (see job, and get your mind out of the gutter!). I enjoy cooking and find myself pretty happy with most of my cuisine (latest dish made: homemade chicken and dumplings (from scratch) and a lattice topped apple pie). I play softball on a very non-competitve summer league and have a blast. I like working out (whether its running outside or taking body sculpting, spinning, or step aerobics classes).
Random- I have a mild obsession with Australia, spicy eats, and the movie Ghostbusters.
I'm looking for someone who's ready to settle down, an honest good guy that I can hold an intelligent conversation with. I'm a sucker for someone who can make me laugh and really, it doesn't take much but the attempt. I am pleasantly impressed with a gentleman, someone who opens a door for me and uses good manners. I guess I'm pretty traditional. I'd like someone I would be proud to take home to my parents. I have class and am not a fan of tons of cursing (unless you are really angry or just got hurt, it just makes you look stupid to say the f bomb every other word) or lewd/crass jokes.
I'm very optimistic and can't stand pessimism. I am also a strong woman, who sometimes doesn't fit the stereotype of "girly girl". Example: I'm not afraid of bugs, spiders, snakes, etc. I would like a guy who is also strong and can make me feel like a girl, even when I'm acting like one of the guys.
Lastly, please do not send me a message with just "hey". I would like to see some part of your personality.

I have three jobs. Yes, three!
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology with a minor in anthropology from SIUC and am a proud zookeeper at the St. Louis Zoo. As you may have guessed, I have a great passion for animals and would want someone who's at least a "dog or cat guy".
I work at a dog day care/boarding facility as well as house/pet sit for zoo employees. I'm a pretty busy person!

my job as well as making people laugh. Not that I'm funny, but I'm a goofball.

so I'm told, my eyes and smile.

Books: I am an avid reader. I like to read non-fiction. Some books on my bookshelf are: the Harry Potter Series, Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books, Cormac McCarthy- The Road, Charles Frazier- Cold Mountain, Stephen King- Under the Dome, Joe Hill- Horns and Heart-Shaped Box. I love to read books and then compare the movies made based on them.
Movies: I love movies. Period. Amelie, Shawshank Redemption, Mary and Max, Twister. I could watch all of those over and over again. My favorite move of all time is a tie between Forrest Gump and Ghostbusters.
Shows: True Blood, The Walking Dead, Dexter, Friday Night Lights, Supernatural, Raising Hope, The Vampire Diaries, Lost, Fringe... I don't watch a lot of TV and just catch whatever is on Netflix.
Music: My taste in music is blues (Stevie Ray Vaughaun), classic rock (Eagles), and some pop. I can't follow jazz. The Presidents of the United States of America, Cowboy Mouth, Adele, Jason Mraz (although he's gotten a little hippy for me lately). I love 88.1
Food: I eat fairly healthy and have to be in the "mood" to really want certain foods. I'm a good baker, so if you like breads and cakes, I may win your heart. ; )

1) My family. We are really close.
2) My friends.
3) Sleep. I make quite the effort to get 8 hours of sleep a night.
4) My kitty cat. The one who can always make me laugh or smile, even on the roughest days.
5) Food. Me=foodie!
6) A good book that I just can't put down.

in bed by 10. : ) I have to be at work on Saturday morning at 8. On MY friday night, I am usually working up a sweat at the gym, having a drink with friends, catching up on our busy lives, watching some much neglected tv, or reading a book.

I'm TERRIBLE at hearing song lyrics correctly. I thought "radar love" was "red hot love" and "china grove" was "tallyho". :)

you're a nice guy who is looking for a relationship and likes girls with class and values.