I’m 59, born in Concord, NC grew up in Florida lived in Roanoke and Richmond VA, Washington DC, Amarillo TX and San Francisco CA. Graduated from VA Tech with a degree in finance. Worked in real estate most of my life, mostly corporate and commercial. Owned at least 22 houses –renovated and flipped some, rented some, have 4 now. Was the real estate and construction person for a chain of health clubs and fitness equipment stores for 12 years, built shoe stores for 2 years, was head of lease administration for Bank of America and spent 5 years managing implementation projects for a real estate software company. Owned a laundromat and part of a small restaurant.

I’m not a sports fan – I’ve never watched more than a few minutes of football or basketball on TV. In fact I don’t watch much TV at all. I do enjoy going to a baseball game though.

I weigh the same and wear the same size clothes as I did 30 years ago.

I once told someone that I was “an indoor person” and they looked at me like I was from outer space. But it’s true. I prefer indoor activities – cooking, reading, conversation, lovemaking to being outdoors. I do enjoy walking or hiking in interesting locations.

I’ve lived in the country and the city. I prefer the city – you have so much more privacy.

I had a dog for 14 years that was by my side all the time – home, work, everywhere I went. That was 20 years ago and I haven’t connected with a pet since.

I’m not good at small talk. I’d rather sit together silently than talk about the weather.

I’ve been on 2 vacations in my life, and neither was much fun. I used to travel a lot for work and I enjoyed that very much, but I’ve never traveled for pleasure. I have a suspicion that people who like to travel are lacking something at home.

When I was a child I read an encyclopedia - the 1953 edition of Compton’s - all 23 volumes.

I’m happy with my current situation, not looking for my “soul mate” or to get married, but I would like to find someone (only one) to share my life with on a regular basis. The right woman could make me reevaluate that statement.

I’m happier now than I’ve ever been before.

I am logical, thoughtful, and observant

I work for IKEA home furnishings and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.

My 16 year old daughter Emily lives with me. Her mother and I split 12 years ago and Emily has been with me ever since.

I love to cook. It’s my single greatest passion. I love the smells and textures of food and to get my hands in the food. Farmer’s market in the summer, elaborate recipes, simple stews, sharing the process and results with others.
I enjoy working with my hands, fixing things, building things.

How would I know?

I like all kinds of music – my favorites are big bands and jazz from the forties, and western swing. My favorite groups are Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers and Asleep at the Wheel. My favorite album is Bob Marley- Legend. Others –Django Reinhart, Commander Cody, Bob Wills. Some current pop is pretty good – I love Lady Gaga. Lately I’ve been listening to Sidney Bechet.
I read mostly magazines – Vanity Fair, Popular Mechanics, and stuff I find on the internet. My two favorite novels are by Tom Robbins – “Another Roadside Attraction” and “Jitterbug Perfume”.
I rarely eat fast food – including “casual dining” chain restaurants and never drink soft drinks. I could eat sushi for hours.

I'm not really into "things". A very wise friend recently told me something so true – “the best thing about simplifying your life and getting rid of excess stuff is that it makes you appreciate what you do have so much more”.

I was raised Southern Baptist, went to church 3 or 4 times a week. Most of it didn’t make sense, still doesn’t. I recently read a book - “Eternal Life: A New Vision” by a retired Episcopal bishop – John Shelby Spong - that sums up my religious philosophy better than anything I’ve ever read. Sample quote – “There is no supernatural God who lives above the sky or beyond the universe”. I’m fascinated by what gives individuals peace of mind and helps them make sense of the world and can discuss this topic endlessly. Everyone has a right to believe whatever works for him or her as long as they recognize that it may not work for others.

I thought back over the last dozen Friday nights - I was at work twice and nothing else happened more than once.

When I was a child I wanted to grow up to be retired. I saw all the old guys hanging out, doing nothing, and I thought "that's the life for me!"

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