"He is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. And to understand him is to gain not only a new understanding of yourself, but of the wider world that surrounds you." Or so I was once described...

In reality I attempt to not take things too seriously. I have a wonderfully unique sense of humor and constantly strive to enjoy my surrounding. My interest are varied and often take me on journeys with no apparent end point. I love the outdoor and to travel. I'm always fascinated to see my life's journey will take me next.

I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in history, specializing in the history of ancient Near Eastern and Oriental religions. I hold minors in both geography and religious studies. As if that wasn't enough, I have a teaching certificate in both history and geography. Currently I teach 7th and 8th grade history at a local middle school, and I couldn't imagine doing anything different. I get paid to stand around all day and talk about history, and to boss kids around!!! I soon plan on starting my masters, and with any luck, a Ph.D in Ancient Religion and one day I hope to teach at the university level. Outside of academia, I enjoy spending as much with my friends as time allows (the best of which are my two dogs). Music is another large part of my life, from playing to listening, very rarely is their something non-musical going on in my life.

Apparently I'm a really good teacher, though I have yet to believe this. If not for the simple fact that teaching comes way to easily to me, and constantly feel that it shouldn't. But That only serves as constant motivation. I am a great listener. I am often the person people seek for advice, and they are repeatedly amazed at my breath of knowledge. That and I have a rather uncanny ability to commune with beasts of the Canis lupus familiaris persuasion...

The most common reaction when people meet me is "How on earth do you know this..." To say I have a wealth of seemingly useless knowledge is a understatement, until the moment that information become useful. At that point one can't help but be intrigued. From what I understand from people I know, this is often a daily occurrence.

Books: Most of the books I read (and mind you this is for pleasure) would bore most people to death. Being a historian I read mostly books concerning my areas of study (ancient religion and related topics) and often I'm occupying my down time with multiple books of this nature. That isn't to say I don't read the odd fiction book. The highlights of these are Neil Gaiman's and Terry Pratchett's GOOD OMENS and almost anything by Douglas Adams.

Movies: My taste in movies is rather varied, though currently they rooted in the British comedies. Movies like Pirate Radio, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Death at a Funeral (the original) ex. I also love movies that are extremely awkward and movies that lack happy endings. That being said, I do enjoy a "stupid" movie every now and then, and usually am open to watching anything really.

T.V.: The is only one word I'm willing to say HOUSE...well that or Top Gear (the proper UK version mind you).

Music: Music plays a rather large role in my life. If only to highlight this fact there over 17940 songs crammed onto my iPod. That being said, my taste is widely varied and one of my favorite thing to do is discover new music. But more often then not, you will find a Dream Theater, Genesis or Rush record in the stereo cranked to rather unholy levels. I love going to concerts and festivals, if not only to humor the anthropologist in me. People watching is way to much fun...

Food: Food is one of my true passions. I love to cook a wide range of food and am constantly trying to evolve my skills. The grill is my domain (that is what working in fast food for 8+ years get you) but I am equally qualified in other methods. The only think I can't do is bake... I have worldly tastes in food, from Middle Eastern/Mediterranean, to Italian, to Asian. In short, I will try anything at least once.

1. My Dogs
2. Music
3. Tea
4. Football (and by Football I really mean Soccer I'm a huge Chelsea FC fan)
5. A well stocked library
6. My new mustang

The past...But thus is the bane of the historian. My minds is always in motion, processing way to many things to comprehend. Topics ranging from ancient history to my future to the problems friends are coming to me with. And let us not forget, trying to obtain the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything...

On a normal Friday night I am usually doing one of a few things. Reading/researching random topics, hanging out with friends, dog training, taking my dogs into local nursing homes/assisted living facilities (as an extension of dog training) or the bane of my existence, grading papers...

If you want a nice guy who has his life well in order.

Your not afraid of someone who actually knows what they are talking about.