Bottom line up front (otherwise known as a BLUF). I am a computer geek who actually has self-esteem, halfway decent social skills, and who takes care of his body.

What does that mean?

I can do more than kick a computer to make it bend to my will, I can knock out push-ups pretty well, and I may be able to charm the pants off a nudist. I won't make any promises past that.

I've gotta wake my ass up at 6 a.m. every day this week and drive out to Bascualitas. Yeah, I'm doin' the drywall up there at the new McDonald's..

Now that the Office Space quote is out of the way, I am currently serving in the U.S. Army on active duty and have been doing so for almost two years. I'm on a four year contract and whether or not I re-enlist is up in the air. I'm trying to finish up my bachelors in the process, but that's a bit tough with my work schedule and trying to have a somewhat normal life off the clock.

And now I'm officially deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I'm one of the few who actually practices OPSEC so that's a bit of the info I'm willing to divulge.

In short, yes I take a great deal of pride in what my fellow soldiers and I do, no I don't want you to feel sorry for me, and yes I actually want to go to Afghanistan after I get back from Iraq.

Pushups (seriously, I max them out on my PT test), Scrabble, self-deprecating humor, throwing a random witty quip in a conversation to lighten things up, and sticking to my philosophy on life.

If I'm in uniform and not on post, usually that. Otherwise, I'm not the tallest guy in the world, so that's probably the other one.

Also, I've been told on numerous occasions that I sound a lot like Brian from Family Guy.

So I decided to be less-vague in this section. Here goes:

As stated on my old profile, I tend to read non-fiction. My favorite author thus far is Thomas Paine. His words ring true to this day: "These are the times that try men's souls: the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

With movies, I have always had an affinity for war movies, but there's always a place in my heart for a good zombie movie, comedy, or even a zombedy.

I tend to like bands that most people have never heard of. Thrice has easily been my favorite band for the past 8 years or so. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of The Decemberists and it's made me want to learn the accordion like my Uncle.

Being in the Army will give you an appreciation for anything not cooked en mass. I tend to shy away from seafood most of the time though.

A sense of purpose, a multi-tool/knife, a hearty pair of boxer shorts (they don't literally have hearts on them), sunscreen (I'm pretty sensitive to light since I'm Finnish & German), some means of keeping in touch with people I know, and my eyes (they're pretty integral to my job).

My purpose on this world, where I fit into the scheme of things, and why some things happen.

I know, deep and serious answer there.

It's been pointed out that I claim that I am a "Very serious Christian" but have no mention of that in my profile, so here's what I believe.

I believe that humanity is a flawed creation, that flaw of original sin has been accepted and forgiven. This does not mean that we are given free reign to do as we please, we are simply given a choice. We can choose to immerse ourselves in apathy or take action and do what's right when the opportunity presents itself.

I do what I can to prepare myself for those decision points in my life that will allow me to look at myself and say that I did some good with my life. The "Very Serious" part of that is that it's not a simple religious choice for me, it's part of me, and that won't change.

Well, I'm deployed and running 24 hour operations, so I'm probably working a 12-13 hour shift.

I still have my first stuffed animal packed away somewhere back home. I never even meant to keep it, it just manages to follow me somehow.

*Schwarzenager Accent*you want to live.

Really, there aren't any parameters for this. If you want to talk to me, feel free to do so. I'll try to formulate a coherent response to any message that comes my way.

P.S. I am deployed, so there may be some delays in my responses. I apologize, but that's the nature of the beast. (IM doesn't work on this internet connection, sorry.)