I like comfortable silences. Wanting to spend time with someone shouldn't automatically mean "doing" things. Watching the sunset in silence with another person can be very special.

I like to walk all day to get to the top of the mountain, just because. I love to look out at the mist-cloaked hills, and know I can escape if I want to.

I love my Kids. Children don't hide their joy or interest when they encounter something that enchants them, like watching my sister feed the Sealions at the zoo (it's OK - she's the keeper). Cycling around the park, or playing in a playground is still fresh for them. They love their new bikes - and can now cycle faster than I can run ... either I'll have to buy a bike (first time in 10 years) or get fit ;)

I'm not one for a "hectic schedule" ... I believe in having a bit of time to simply relax and unwind after working hard all day. If I do have energy, I'll probably spend some of it studying for computing certifications - continuous learning is essential in my field - or working on various projects. Of course, when I'm in a relationship ... I like to spend time with the object of my affections - but that's not really an option at the moment.

I am quirky, introspective, and cogitative

Recently purchased a new house. So aside from the eternal job of redecorating (and cleaning up after the kds), I'm now undertaking an MSc in Computer Systems Security (part time). Keeps me busy.

Working for one of the top multinational computer software security companies in the world as a Principal (Backline) Product Support Engineer during the day.

In my spare time, I am one of a team who are re-editing/re-organising/re-writing the old Rolemaster line of Roleplaying (RPG face-to-face Gaming - not computer based CRPG) books to enable the titles to be released under the "Rolemaster Classic" moniker. Since the scope of the project expanded since it's original inception 18 months ago, I have also been listed as an Author/Contributor to each of the titles as we publish them becuase we have added new material to each title.

Logic puzzles, troubleshooting and computers ... which is probably why I enjoy my work so much.

Generally, people DON'T notice me ... despite not being small, I often tend to fade into the background if there is anyone else present.

I probably take things a bit more literally than many people ... and am very bad at reading body language. People who assume that I should know what's wrong will generally get frustrated with me ... if you want me to know something, tell me (or better yet - write it down).

Books -
probably best to list them by author (no specific order - and it probably will grow sporadically) ...
J.R.R. Tolkien; Terry Prattchet; Orson Scott Card; Robin Hobb; Anne McCaffrey; Douglas Adams; Azimov; Arthur C. Clarke.

Movies -
SciFi: Blade Runner; 2001: A Space Odyssey; Star Wars; ET; etc ...
Fantasy: Lord of the Rings; LadyHawk; Willow; Princess Bride; etc ...
Other: Pulp Fiction; Snatch; etc ...

Music -
An eclectic mix of stuff ranging from Lisa Loeb or Jewel through to The Eagles or U2

Foods -
I'll try almost anything once.

Air; Water; Food ... oh hold on - you didn't mean that literally, did you ?

Coffee. when I'm at work, I probably during between 12-20 cups of double-strength cappuccinos ... the milk is probably all that stops me from getting an ulcer !

Insulin. Being insulin dependent is not particularly invasive or annoying, but it's certainly a necessity.

I enjoy listening to music - but it's not impossible to do without ...
I enjoy reading - but sometimes I wish for more hours in the day, because I never seem to have the time to read as much as I would like ... and I don't think that there's a SINGLE book that I simply could not be without.

Almost everything I do, I use the Internet for ... and the few days I had to spend without a broadband connection were hell (despite the fact that I'm online continuously at work) ... maybe that qualifies.

However, human contact is essential for a human to survive ... humans have been social creatures far longer than we have been "Intelligent" creatures. Having anyone is better than having no-one ... but having people that you care about is better still. I would have to say that if I couldn't see my children regularly, it would greatly upset me.

So ...

My Kids, My Internet (& Computer, & Friends at the other end of the connection), a nice (and ever-growing) library, a nice (and ever growing) music collection, maybe a dog or cat as a pet ?

Nah - I've missed the point again, haven't I.

I can't answer this sort of question - it honestly doesn't make sense !

Define "a lot"

In no particular order
- My Kids
- My Job (normally while I'm at work)
- The Environment
- The impact of the socio-economic climate in Ireland is having on young families and what if any remedy the government should provide to ensure that people on normal wages can afford to live and work within Ireland. Don't have a solution yet ...
- The way in which the legal system in Ireland conspires to strip fathers of any innate rights or guardianship, custody and even access in relation to their children, and fails entirely to enforce the rulings it itself makes in these regards. Children should not be used as a weapon by either parent - they are the most important part of the equation!
- The way in which misogynistic fools try to hijack the equality agenda. It makes any rational supporter for father's rights look like a complete b'st*rd.

Woah - got a bit heavy there ... but I'll let it stand.

tabletop roleplaying, fantasy, sci fi, MERP, Spacemaster, D&D, Serenity, motorcycles

Looking after my kids and probably surfing the web ... what time is it now ?

Hey - if you want to know anything private, you'll have to mail me (the IM thing doesn't work) ...

If you think anything I've mentioned above sounds interesting ... even if you disagree. I like to discuss things with people, but I'm not interested in a fight.