I am off the market, but I need to remember that a beginning is a delicate thing.

I do thank you for your interest, should you stop by here. I wish you much luck and success in finding what I have found, thanks to OKC.

If it's true that to define a man is to injure him, then this is an exercise in self-destruction.

It's hard to put into words what it's taken me 52 years to understand about myself. I see my life as a continuum and not as a series of episodes. I don't talk about my "college years" or my "glory days." All these things I've experienced are what have made me what I am. I can see how they've influenced me in both good ways and bad. But, I do know certain things about myself.

I am inquisitive about the world in general. I love science and human beings and spend a lot of time pondering both of those subjects. I read voraciously both online and in print. I generally have at least two books going, one for pleasure and one for the treadmill.

I believe in the golden rule. I try to be a gentleman at all time and treat everyone with courtesy and respect. Life has taught me that you don't always reap what you sow, but John was right, in the end the love you take, IS equal to the love you make.

I don't suffer fools. I'm looking for intelligent conversation, a caring attitude, and an open, honest, funny companion. Extra points if you're quick-witted, can pun, and are a bit of a smart ass.

I shy away from people who can't use English correctly in spite of being taught in our schools. I don't mind spelling mistakes, but please know how to form a cogent sentence.

I'm not gloomy and don't deal well with people who are. My best day is always today and tomorrow is just going to be better.

We all have baggage. Although I've dealt with mine and keep it in the closet for the most part, I do know that it's part and parcel of what I am. I will discuss it on occasion, specifically what I've learned from it, and I don't mind if you discuss your baggage as long as you don't expect me to tote it for you. Bashing our exes is not acceptable, but knowing why things happened the way they happened is the mark of an introspective, aware human being. I treasure those kinds of people.

Other than that, I can cook, clean house, balance a checkbook, and do everything else necessary to maintain my life.

Therefore, I'm not looking for someone to "complete me," or someone who wants me to complete her. I am complete in and of myself, and I hope you are, as well. There are things I'm still working on, and I welcome advice, but I'm not a project to be finished, either. Neither are you.

Basically, I'm looking for someone to connect with, intimately, on a mental, spiritual, and physical level. It's a tricky process, and I applaud all of my fellow OKCers for putting yourselves out there. And, I wish you the best of luck in your searches, as well.

Keeping her happy, if she'll let me.

Paying attention.

I'm teaching myself to juggle. I also want to learn to knit. My grandmother used to knit and it fascinated me.

When I'm not doing that, I like to exercise. You reach a certain point, and you just get tired of looking the way you look and feeling the same way, day in and day out.

I'm also trying to figure out what "attraction" is. Being on sites like this, it seems to be a premium. All we have are a few pictures and some words to try to interest a potential partner. What is it about the picture and words that click with certain people? Is it all biological? Are we simply hardwired to continue looking for mates with "breeding potential?" After a certain age, that seems ridiculous. Ah well, maybe for some things, there are no answers.

I also have references, if you're interested.

Keeping her happy, I think...

Filling out forms like this.

Making people laugh.

Making people think.

Making people think they're laughing.

That idiotic, goofy grin that's plastered to my face.

People notice my cochlear implants. I'm wired for sound and one of the few men who can truly say, "Yes, I do have holes in my head. Why do you ask?"

They also notice that I'm bald.

I don't read books so much as I devour them. Spending 5 hours on the treadmill a week will do that. I'll pretty much read anything, too. I'm partial to biographies, and standard fiction. I still love Stephen King, and reread the Dark Tower series last month.

The last book I remember (most of them are useless fluff, but they pass the time) is the The Last Cato. It concerns an obscure group of religiosos who are the keepers of the "true cross." Throw in some allusions to Dante, a quest for earthly paradise, and a conflicted nun, and you've got the makings of a decent book.

I'm not an indiscriminate movie watcher, but I'm close. I loved Zombieland. Not sure if it was for Woody Harrelson or Bill Murray. My taste does run to comedy, especially the off-beat. Love the Coen brothers, but also enjoy the Marx brothers.

Mostly though, on DVD, I like romances (especiallly Cary Grant), action, adventure, sci-fi, etc. I prefer comedy to drama. By the way, if you think The Philadelphia Story starred Tom Hanks, please don't get in touch with me.

Food, ahhh, there's a sore subject. I love food, but it doesn't love me. I eat to survive these days, and as little as possible. But, when I do eat well, I prefer it to be home-cooked, preferably my own. I love mexican food, and can make killer tacos and enchiladas. I do a great meatloaf, as well. I do excellent omelets, and my bacon cooking skills are non-pareil. If you cook, I'll do dishes.

1. Intellectual stimulation

2. Books

3. Fuzziness

4. Exercise

5. Love

6. My brain

Well, duh...her...

Plus, Hope.

We're all here because of it. We're all hoping to find someone so that we don't have to contemplate what the rest of our life is going to be like alone.

Too dark? Too honest? Maybe...

But hope is good.

I also think about the nature of the universe, the nature of people, why I can't get my home coffee maker to make the Dunkin' Donuts coffee taste the same as when I buy it, how many calories are in this thing I'm eating, what happens when I push this button, why do men have nipples, etc..etc...

Oh, and fireflies. Specifically, if I could make my butt light up, could I get more dates?

BTW, the butt-lighting thing didn't work out, but honesty did. Guys, keep that in mind.

Relaxing from the workweek. Watching a video, seeing a movie, out with friends, out by myself. Vegging out. Reading.

I'm a mush, hardcore. I love holding hands, hugs, and kisses. Sometimes the best part is the snuggling afterwards. (No, I SWEAR..I'm not gay..)

You're looking for an e-pal, of a different sort. You want to hear the ongoing story.

You're looking for hope.