I'm all about challenging the world and trying to improve every day. But that doesn't mean you can't laugh at the most stressful situation and find the irony in the most serious subjects. I try to be a sponge and soak up the world around me. I love to read and learn, whether it's fiction or periodicals like The Atlantic, Discover, or the Washington Post. I sometimes play social chess, i.e. bridge. When the mind wanders I like to exercise. Anything that gets the heart pumping and gives the sweet feeling of exhaustion. Often, just because it's easiest, I run. I enjoy good food, restaurants (particularly ethnic) and like to attempt to cook. It's a new activity that I will never master, but it's fun to try.

I love to laugh and find the whole world a bit ironic. A good double entendre will have me smiling for days.

I'm a good listener. We learn more with our mouths shut. I find people endlessly fascinating because everyone is different and has his or her own interests, motivations and agenda. Communication, really connecting with people, is where it is at. Words are the window to your soul, not your eyes. If u r 2 busy 2 right sentences & words, I'm looking over your shoulder for the next articulate person. I'll discuss anything and enjoy the insight of others whether they agree or disagree as long as they have a rational basis and some facts to support what they believe.

I love touring Virginia vineyards, hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, dinner on the sidewalk at a lively (or quiet) Italian, Greek, French, Spanish, Japanese, Ethiopian, or Moroccan restaurant. I'm not so much a lay around the beach kind of guy (although I can do it for a few days with a good book and bar service). I like adventure: touring remote places, ordering off menus in other languages, or trying anything new. I've been a sailor for many years and used to have a boat on the Chesapeake Bay. I appreciate the knowledge it takes to go sailing and keep the boat in good trim and I enjoy it when there is no sound but the wind after the engine gets turned off. I live downtown and have an urban life, but I need time in natural settings. Given the choice between Manhattan, which I love to visit, and a National Park, I'll take the wilderness.

I'm proud of my 20-something kids as they pursue very different paths. The time-consuming part of parenting done, I am focused on leading a new organization. Its a challenge every day, but I enjoy being at the center of the action.

smiling, writing, persuading, working with tools, sailing, finishing what I start, satisfying, and listening.

The daytime-release ankle bracelet from DC Corrections Dept.

There's too many in every category to list. I like books that expand the mind like Freakonomics, but it's even better when it explores a serious subject with humor like the several books of Sandra T'sing Loh. Fiction that paints a realistic picture of a different time and place like Kite Runner or Carrying Water to Elephants are a great escape from the world. The satire of the Washington scene in everything Chris Buckley has written tickles me.

I like most movie genres. My actress daughter has made sure I've seen every musical, dance movie and tear-jerker out there. After years of marriage I've developed a taste for the romantic comedies. But thinking movies, indies or otherwise are my favorites.

Favorite food -- I'm slender but I do love to eat. This time of year I love fresh produce. Greek salads with farm tomatoes and peaches and berries on cereal in the morning are staples. I also love ethnic food, spicy and different. It's one of the real benefits of living in Washington. Dipping bread in olive oil seasoned with all kinds of spices is a common part of my dinner because, again, I'm not that good of a cook yet. While there is not a type of food I don't enjoy, based on the quantities I consume I should be an honorary Italian.

1. Books
2. People
3. my kids
4. challenges
5. news
6. good food

How my life will continue to evolve.

Nothing typical these days. Either sharing dinner with a friend or reading and decompressing from work.

I think occasionally about moving to the Caribbean and living on a sailboat.

You are a confident, independent woman without an agenda looking for openness, laughter and a challenge.