11 November 2012 - It's about time for a full rewrite.

My life can most accurately be characterized by the fearless, reckless pursuit of knowledge. I've long been an avid reader and embrace virtually all opportunities to learn something new.

Since completing my Master's, I've delved further into my bookish ways - in 2011, I read 55 books (from a goal of 52) and 43 in 2012 (from a goal of 26). If you're interested in what I read - there's a section below for that.

Additionally, I enjoy going to talks, lectures, symposiums and the like. Things like Science Pub, Universitas, Pecha Kucha and random discussions at THE Ohio State University all help me to pass the time and grow my base of understanding.

I can be hard to put a label on. I knit. While at University, I was on the Cycling and Triathlon teams (Club teams - THE osu doesn't have Varsity for either sport) - and I try to maintain a presence on my bike. I work on seasonal fitness challenges with a small group of friends. I cook at least once a week for my housemates. I trap shoot and have participated in scored Olympic-style riflery competitions. The MetroParks, trails and State / National parks & forests all hold a special place in my life.

Most of my time is occupied by trying to find an inroad to a Career in Local Government (my Master's is in Public Administration). This is a search that could take me virtually anywhere in the nation, particularly in the Northern half from Maine to Washington - depending on what I find.

I'm also in the selection process to become an Officer in the USAF. The Selection Committee meets in September, so until I hear the results in December 2013, a portion of my life resides in a sort of limbo, with me being unable to say where I'll be in a year.

In the meantime, I make use of my CDL for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority to make money while trying to do something meaningful by volunteering with organizations such as the MetroParks (Trail Volunteer), Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (CERT Public Outreach Volunteer), serving as a Mentor with my Toastmasters Club and participating in various annual events such as Stone Laboratory's work weekends and Kick Butt Columbus's highway ramp cleanup events.

Retaining "useless" trivial knowledge, parenthetical statements and writing really long responses to seemingly simple questions.

I can talk to people about virtually anything. I know a little about a wide array of topics and am a really great guy to have on your trivia team.

Starting off with books: My personal library has north of 600 books in it. Over the past 2yrs, I've become a huge fan of non-fiction, this has lead to a reliance on the local libraries (in particular, the New Non-Fiction section and UAPL) for new materials. Goodreads has become an indispensable resource over the recent past as a reader - if you're on there and want to see my reviews, just message me and I'll share a profile link.

I've spent a fair bit of time reading on urban agriculture / food security issues, mountaineering, philosophy and sustainability topics.

In the realm of sci-fi / fiction, I'm very attached to the BattleTech Universe and enjoy trying to track down the few remaining books in series that I am missing. Since 2009, I've become a fan of zombies and feel that Mira Grant's NewsFlesh trilogy is an exceptional standout in the genre.

Movies: All over the place - but I don't like "stupid comedy" or "horror" that relies on a gross out factor and not actual psychological suspense.

Shows: Despite having no cable or television of my own, I manage to stay on top of The Walking Dead, Arrow and Revolution. Netflix lets me keep some manner of familiarity with How I Met Your Mother, How It's Made, How Stuff Works and an array of other one-off Science Channel and Discovery Network documentaries. My DVDs let me rewatch shows like My Boys, Greg the Bunny, Wonderfalls, Dead Like Me, House and Family Guy.

Music: Like movies, this is all over. Genres: classic rock, 80s metal, 90s alternative, house, dance, trance, techno, classical, modern alternative / hard rock. Specific artists: Lindsey Stirling, The Sheila Divine, David Usher, Lacuna Coil, Scorpions, Ke$ha, Dio, Black Sabbath, Deadmau5, Dido, TransSiberian Orchestra, Emilie Autumn, The Birthday Massacre, Kill Hannah, Blackmill, and the list continues.

Food: if it spent any of its life swimming, floating or otherwise in a body of water (rice paddies excepted) - I won't eat it. Otherwise - Italian, Mediterranean, American, Indian (occasionally), BBQ, Chicken, etc...

1) BOOKS!
2) The internet.
3) Constant connectivity to #1&2.
4) Our MetroParks.
5) Background noise.
6) Winter skiing.

A lot of things that change constantly based on what I'm reading at any given time...

Most likely at Caribou Coffee reading.

I was with the first girl I went out with for nearly 14yrs. As you can imagine, that means I don't have very much dating experience...

Since the "I'm Looking For" section doesn't really let you do anything other than check some boxes:

Supreme Court Justice Stewart expressed that he could not define pornography, but: "I know it when I see it". Much like Stewart, I can't define what it is that I'm looking for in a partner, but - I know it when I see it. I don't have a "type", rather, I have several "types" that overlap to greater or lesser extents. Some generalities though: my age or younger, athletic/fit (I like to hike regularly and ride the bike instead of driving when I can), at least a Bachelor's degree, no kids (and doesn't want any), never married, SINGLE and passionate about something in your life.

Beyond that:

* You're interested in having a real conversation and maybe going to the Conservatory, a MetroPark or a coffee shop (or a low-key dive) to chat and get to know each other.

* You don't mind reading really long responses - I'm pretty wordy in my replies.

* You are familiar with who Socially Awkward Penguin is.

---Below are just bonus points, not requirements---

* You have an advanced degree (or are working on one). Intelligence is Sexy.

* If you play a classical instrument. I love the cello (and the Columbus Symphony)!

* Another round of bonus points for tattoos & piercings. (I'm blown away by gorgeous designs and vibrant colors.)

*Sigh*

It would be really cool if I didn't need to do this, but I guess I also need to add in a short list of "Do not message me if..." items since, apparently, things listed in my profile and questions I have answered are not sufficiently clear.

* If you have kids, please do not message me. I do not like kids.
* If you are listed as "Seeing someone" (or, if you are in a relationship not listed here) please do not message me. I have no interest in poly relationships.
* If you are divorced / separated / etc, please do not message me.
* If you are ONLY interested in new friends, pen-pals or casual sex, please do not message me. I'm on here to find a serious relationship, be it long-term dating or short-term dating.