People often describe me as super positive and outgoing. The truth is that it took years to become an extrovert (kind of required for my job), and I'm really quite sensitive and shy under the shell.

I'm inspired by acts of loving kindness, exhilarated by good design and architecture, and deeply moved by the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, Pema Chodron, and Wavy Gravy!

One of the silly sayings I like is "must be present to win" cause sometimes the hardest part is just showing up. Mentally, physically, emotionally.

A big part of my life is my passion for social justice which I am very fortunate to express fully in my job every day... and while my work can sometimes be challenging, it makes me all the more appreciative for what I've got. I represent kids who've been handed the shittiest of hands and I can't even imagine how they've persevered. Sometimes I'm not so sure that I'm helping them enough and this is leading to some burn-out. It's important for me to refuel on weekends!

Absolutely LOVE taking day trips to Pt. Reyes, Santa Cruz mountains, Big Sur, and hiking anywhere!

I love to explore my native San Francisco neighborhoods - yes, I'm a rare gem being born in SF and all.* Recent faves include biking to Flora Grubb Nursery for some Ritual Coffee and some interior design ideas; urban hikes in Potrero or Bernal; going to flea markets and open houses on Sundays just to look at other people's apartments (yes, I'm a voyeur); Humphrey Slocumb Vietnamese Blue Bottle coffee ice cream - OMFG.

Additional quick facts about me: I love art and creative people, and I've been known to express my artistic side by rockin' some pretty awesome Burning Man outfits; I'm not so good with the names of people on TV or the movies, but I appreciate others who are; I love to cook with others (not so much solo) and I love it when others cook for me; I've got some great friends, some of whom helped me with this profile (Hi! - ed.); I love listening to live music, and would prefer to do it at Stern Grove than a crowded bar; I'm quickly moved by the beauty of nature; it's likely that I'd bring you a present or treat "just because".

Basically, I'm a quirky, smiley, petite package with a huge heart and great sense of humor. (and apparently pretty cheesy!)

I am passionate, silly, and sweet. YOU are in for a feisty little treat!

* So right now I'm living an hour south of SF in San Jose for work. I consider it my M-F dwelling to keep me sane from having to commute every single day but I'm in SF just about every weekend and often evenings. I'm really only interested in dating guys who live in SF or Oakland (or are ok spending a lot of time there) becuse I pretty much can't stand the south bay. Anyway, I live in an awesome converted water tower/cottage down here with an orchard in the backyard and it's a pretty sweet place to come home to when I'm exhausted from work. So there's that. You may even like it :)

By day I represent kids in the foster care system. By night I secretly plan my escape to a career of interior design and landscape architecture. On the weekends I go outside and get crafty. Late at night I troll the interwebs for guys like you.

But we shouldn't identify ourselves by our careers. Just because I don't let my freak-flag fly in court amongst the civilians doesn't mean it's not a core part of who I am. Think Superman.

I'm really good at making kids laugh. And grown-ups too. And listening and telling you the truth when no one else will. And standing up for people. And organizing a Burning Man camp. I'm a pretty amazing organizer (you should see my sock drawer)! Word on the bathroom wall is that I'm a good kisser too.

What I hope to be really good at soon: sewing; building my own interior design business; training for marathons; belly dancing.

My smile, my laugh, and my snarky sense of humor (which is really my way of testing how much I'll like you).

That one with what's his name, where that guy and girl went to that place...I seriously NEVER remember the names of songs or artists or movies. On my bookshelf you'll see Howard Zinn, Barbara Ehrenreich, Beth Lisick, Augusten Burroughs, David Sedaris, Eric Schlosser, Michael Pollen, Anne Lamott, Michael Moore, and Mark Bittman. Actually, looking at my bookshelf right now I'm thinking two things: 1) I have tons of amazing books, and 2) I should read more of them! Sprinkled among the books are my favorite movies such as "Jesus is Magic" (I HEART Sarah Silverman!!!) and Superbad (Jonah Hill, you out there?). "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is probably the closest any TV show will get to nailing my sense of humor. "Flight of the Conchords" (I saw Kristen Schaal at Upright Citizen's Brigade in NYC). The dream of the 90s is alive in Portland! I just adore Carrie Brownstein!

Love flipping through the glossy pages of Dwell and ReadyMade for fun.

Music-wise, Radiohead, The Magnetic Fields, The Shins, Kimya Dawson, Ozomatli, Ryan Montbleau Band, Regina Spektor, Iron & Wine, Gillian Welch, Rufus Wainwright, Paul Simon, India Arie, Blackalicious, Belle & Sebastian, Cibo Matto, Amy Winehouse, DeVotchKa, some (but not all) Playa fare, anything booty-shakin'-licious!

Human touch.
Laughter.
Walking shoes.
My iPhone (god, I hate myself for drinking the kool-aid).
Sushi, and the baked sea bass & mango CRACK from Sushi Zone (shh - it's a secret).
My family (yes, they're on the list but they're after sushi).

How to make over all of my friends' dwellings. How to get my own place on apartmenttherapy.com. How to treat people well - first for myself, then on a global level. What the point of it all is. Where I should hike next. Photography.

Honestly, I'm usually pretty beat by Friday night and just want to relax, work in my garden, watch a movie, or read. I prefer taking it easy on Friday so I can get up early on Saturday and head up to SF, down to Santa Cruz, or wherever and have a full day!

I once literally set my ass on fire on a first date. You can't take me anywhere!

You like what you see and what you've read and you think we might make each other laugh, think, and grow!