I'm very much a Midwestern girl (Minnesota and Wisconsin) at heart though my feet seem to have taken me to some distant places in recent years.
I love to travel and getting pulled into new adventures, seeing the unexpected places that life takes me. While I've been to places like Mexico, Austria, Czech Republic and now Ireland, Spain, and Italy; I find simple pleasures in any community that I've lived in the U.S., particularly in the Midwest. Honestly there's nothing better than as a BBQ with friends near the lake, an amateur ball game, or checking out the local farmers market. This passion for adventures, even small ones, is something that I would like to share with someone else.
As a student of history and an aspiring archivist/librarian; I'm a life-long learner and someone who appreciates that quality in others. For this reason I love my job and all the wonderful historical treasures that I get to discover and share with others.
Okay, I'll admit that I'm a film geek. I love classical cinema (almost anything pre-1960s U.S., but also early German films) and early television; recently becoming a fan of most anything from 1950-1980, particularly: T.H.E. Cat, Peter Gunn, Get Smart, The Loretta Young Show, Mary Tyler Moore, I Spy, Love American Style and Project U.F.O. I have always enjoyed watching a good film with friends...but sadly it also means that few people want to play "Scene It?" if I'm on the other team although lately I'm getting kind of rusty from not playing it.
Surrounding myself with friends and family are what keep me happy and sane. While I’m incredibly close to a small circle of people I enjoy meeting others and making new friends along the way. I truly believe that there are only a few things you need in life: good friends, family, good local beer and of course someone to share those things with.
This whole thing sounds like I copied and pasted it from somewhere but it's me in a couple hundred "brilliant" words.

It's hard to say. I had three jobs that I loved and now find myself coming to the end of a short-term position abroad. I guess at some point I will have to "grow up" and find a career level position. Right now I'm just enjoying the freedom that comes with the work I do, the friends and family who support me, and the things in life that keep me sane.
Generally I enjoy spending my time with friends or just hanging out either at home or a local coffee shop. Other than that I'm pretty dedicated to doing volunteer work when I have the time and enjoy being around other similarly minded folks.
Since I'm basically a life-long student I'm still learning even though I'm not taking classes.

Random movie trivia but ask me to name a movie by a given director and forget it.
Baking (banana bread with Nutella--need I say more?!) but I make a killer veggie chili.
Listening--I value someone who listens to me when I need to vent and I like to think that I'm that way with my friends and family. I'm very liberal and try to be non-judgmental, values that I've learned over the years from the people that I've met.

I have a few hobbies but nothing that I would say that I'm really exceptional at. Knitting has been a really fun hobby that I've gotten into in the last couple of years although I haven't progressed to anything beyond a scarf. Don't ask my about crocheting--I just can't seem to figure that out.

The adventurous part of me wants to try almost anything and I hope to do more camping and possibly rock climbing in the future (though probably just one of those indoor type of places).

I guess people usually notice my typically calm and playful nature. I'm pretty shy most of the time (at least with new people) but open up easily and I enjoy being around people who have a good, somewhat whacky, sense of humor.

Other than that people tend to notice my dependability and sensitivity towards others.

Books: This is such a hard decision but I would have to say hands down "And Then There Were None" (aka Ten Little Indians), "The Count of Monte Cristo," the Harry Potter series, "Hamlet," "House of Spirits" rank pretty high on my list. I'm also a big fan of Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Alexander, Neil Gaiman among others.
Most overrated book series (in my opinion)? Twilight.

Movies: Again...way too hard. Anything really with Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart with a good measure of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. To be perfectly honest I have a thing for 1950s-1960 B TV actor Craig Stevens. As far as movies go: Rear Window, Bringing Up Baby, Unforgiven rank pretty high...let's face it, this list could go on and on...

TV Shows: Hmmmm this is a hard one for me. I'm kind of picky when it comes to TV. Lately I've become a fan of most anything from 1950-1980, particularly: T.H.E. Cat, Peter Gunn, Get Smart, The Loretta Young Show, Mary TYler Moore, and Project U.F.O. Looking more recently I really enjoy: Friends, Simpsons, Family Guy, 30 Rock, Samantha Who?, and basically anything on Food Network and History Channel.

Sports: I'm not "athletic" but I do enjoy walking, hiking, that sort of thing and admit that I love to watch baseball (long-time MN Twins fan), especially amateur ball. I would say I'm fairly good at bowling and hopelessly terrible at golf but I still think it's fun to go and whach the ball around with friends.

Music: One word describes my knowledge of music--pathetic. Yes, I love music and I guess I know a lot of songs but I'm totally hopeless when it comes to remembering artists, song titles, and lyrics. So where do my music tastes run? I know it's a cop out but almost anything. Lately I'm more into classic rock, big band, and country (please don't roll your eyes, maybe it's a phase).

Food: I'm willing to try pretty much almost anything at least once!...within reason. Living in the Midwest and coming from a predominatly German/Norwegian family I guess I'm the unusual one in the family. I love Indian (DC roommate made the best chicken curry ever!) and good sushi but I still can't resist my grandma's lefsa and basically any hotdish. Although I wouldn't classify myself a vegetarian I eat very little meat and enjoy tofu. Other than that I'm a sucker for any kind of fruit or veggie and I really enjoy a good slice of rhubarb pie.

Other: I love the smell of fall (yes, fall has a smell) and freshly cut grass. An odd quirk about me is that I can't stand the feeling of cotton balls and the sound when someone erases a blackboard.

1. Good friends
2. cold beer (preferably local)
3. an imagination
4. family
5. a cat
6. a good book

Things

Out with friends or just hanging at home with a good movie and a cold beer.

Isn't that why you're going to send me a message? ;)