I am 26 years old, and I've been in Dallas for nearly 4 years now. I moved up here right after college without knowing anybody, so most of my friends have been made through random encounters and work-related events. I'm pretty laid back and flexible; the thing I'm most particular about is maintaining an open mind to everything. :) People have historically called me an "old soul;" I spent most of my non-class/non-studying college time hanging out at a local diner with a few close friends, rather than living the typical drink-til-you-drop college lifestyle. I get enjoyment out of long deep conversations (drunken philosophical/religious discussions are the best), chilling out and watching tv shows and movies, playing frisbee during a cool evening, taking walks right before a thunderstorm, people-watching, and staying physically fit by running, playing tennis, working out, whatever (I've got a tennis player's build). I'm a pretty independent soul, and I'm looking to find that one special person to connect with. Chemistry is a big deal for me... trust, honesty, laughter, physical attraction, loyalty, etc. are all very important aspects to a solid relationship, but I'm a hopeless romantic, and I need that chemistry above all else.
I think people should keep an open mind about things like relationships, so I don't have very many specifics about my ideal match. I suppose you probably shouldn't be deathly allergic to cats since I have one. Besides that, I'm just looking for what everybody looks for I suppose: honesty, integrity, self-respect, no games, lots of laughter, etc., and of course, chemistry. I look forward to hearing from you. :)

Recently I was talking to my mother about being in the "dating" scene (her and my dad just separated). I asked her, "What would a typical day be like with regard to being in a successful relationship?" We all have things we're looking for: sense of humor, travel, etc., but it's the day-to-day stuff that's really important.

My answer? "On a typical Wednesday, we'd both go to work with a kiss goodbye in the morning. We're not really morning people, so that's enough. When we get home from work, we greet each other with a smile, a hug, and a kiss. We're happy to see each other. We change out of our work clothes and into exercise outfits. I tell her how beautiful she is. We go out for a walk, or a run, or to the gym; before we get there, we say something sweet like, "for the next hour, remember that I love you." After we get home, maybe we shower together, maybe separate (depends on the mood of the day). I'm not very adept in the kitchen, so hopefully she enjoys cooking and I'll hug her from behind, nuzzle her neck, and do whatever I can to help. We sit down to watch a show while we eat (Wednesday's Lost?), and enjoy the good food and conversation about the show. Afterwards, I do the dishes (balance is key, so if she cooks, I'll clean), and then we sit down to watch a movie we've rented, or trade shoulder rubs, or play a board game. At some point, each of us shares details about our work day, and we're both knowledgable enough about the other's job that we are genuinely interested in updates, know about ongoing projects, whatever. We climb into bed, nuzzles and kisses and cuddles and whatever.... and that's it. A good day.

Simple. Pleasant. Life is better because we're together, and that's all we need. No games, no mixed messages, just... pleasant. :) What about you? What's your ideal Wednesday?

Well I got myself a computer science degree from Rice University... some people tell me that's pretty hot stuff. I don't mind mentioning that I was a B- student, and my current job is technically not supposed to have anything to do with programming. :) I work for a mostly-hated company downtown called TXU, and for having a job unrelated to my major, I've actually made quite a name for myself there via all the programming I've done, automating peoples' entire jobs and such. No no, I haven't gotten anybody fired; more like, there have been times when people have quit, and then I was asked to try and phase out the position with automation rather than hire a replacement. I've been pretty successful with that so far, and everyone wants a Daniel in their group now. :)

As far as outside of work, I'm mostly just living the laid back life. Saving up money for a house and a family some day, tinkering around in the stock market; got a group of guys who like to go bowling and play poker and chess, watch movies, keep in shape at the gym, fiddle around on sites like this one. I'm still young enough to claim I'm saving my travels for when I have a sweetie to take with me.

Oh lessee... pretty dorky stuff mostly. Tennis, I can bowl pretty well, play chess, not a bad poker player, juggling, frisbee, drumset, piano, programming, and I can quote movies with the best of 'em. Speaking of the piano, I just finished writing an entire piano/singing album (nine songs) based on the Twilight Saga. It seemed as good a focus as any, since Twilight is all the rage these days.

On a deeper level, I'm very much a sympathist. I listen to peoples' stories, I don't just hear them.

Intelligent "wit" is getting to be a strength of mine. Dry sarcasm is my line of humor. :)

Being loyal. If I find that connection... and heaven knows it's rare, but IF I find that connection I'm looking for, well then I'm hooked for life.

My brown hair/blue eyes combo.

Shawshank Redemption, Crash, Donnie Darko, Girl Next Door, Goonies, Matrix, American Beauty, Into the Wild

Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Dean Koontz, and books that were made into movies that I like. I read the Twilight series since people seem to consistently remind me that I look/act like Edward Cullen. Currently I'm reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

80's music, Goo Goo Dolls, Once soundtrack, some video game music if it brings back memories; just stuff that's good to have in the background.

I like all kinds of different food, but definitely don't base my life around food.

I'll have to get back to you on that one; I've done without/lost lots of things already.

People. What their true thoughts and feelings are, if there's anything going on under the surface, how my perspectives differ from theirs, and irony... there's so much damned irony in the world, how could you not notice and appreciate it?

Last resort is playing chess up in Addison with a bunch of old guys, or out to dinner and then the movies by myself. Preference? Maybe a restaurant with a sweetheart that makes for good conversation followed by a snuggly movie on the couch. We can't have everything we want, but I'd be willing to give up my wind tunnel ticket for that... (used to be a skydiver :)

I tend to keep to myself more than the average person. I'm much more of a close friends and calm evenings kind of guy, as opposed to the Ghost Bar or the football game. :)

You think we'd get along? You think we'd like looking at each other? You think we'd make each other laugh? Hopefully all three....

You've already read 1-5 in my self summary above and still want to say hi. :)

I have spent the last few years (since graduating college) focused on improving myself. I take care of my body, my mind, and my future, and I am looking for someone who does the same. I am sure that some of our interests will be similar, and some will be different, but if we both bring a healthy mind, body, and future to the table, we will have a fun time figuring out the rest.