The basic facts: I'm a Graduate student in English Literature specializing in Renaissance non-dramatic works and Literary Theory. I love almost all poetry, but especially e. e. cummings, Sir Philip Sidney, Wordsworth, and Robert Browning.

I am considerate, unpretentious, and good with hand tools

Doing research for school trying to both complete my degree program.

Sometimes I don't think I'm doing enough in my life. In moments of despair, I wonder if this life is all there is and then, I feel profoundly lonely. Frankly, I'm starved intellectually.

I also think I'm undergoing some profound changes in the way I view life. Sometimes I wonder who I am and why I have made and continue to make choices that sacrifice my self-worth, my self-respect, and even my happiness for some "greater good" that leaves me, personally, with nothing but ashes...

Being a student, mostly. That ends up meaning that I think deeply, speak carefully, and write well. What else? Hard to say--I listen well, try to be kind, and seek to do my best at everything I do.

I'm also really empathic. If you're old enough to remember "Deanna Troi," from Star Trek: Next Generation, well, you have a good understanding of what I'm like under my shell. I just wish I looked as good as that... Marina Sirtis has made me question my sexuality once or twice in those leotards of hers.

Heh. Probably the standard "nice eyes." I know that sounds so stereotypical, but I've gotten more appreciative comments on my eyes than any other feature above the neck. Lately, I've been working on improving myself physically, so that's attracted some attention, too.

The second thing people notice about me is my intellect. I was raised by English teachers, so I find it difficult to talk informally. It's all good, though... That just adds to my "geek appeal."

Oh geez... How to answer?

Tristam Shandy by Lawrence Sterne, The Dark Tower series 1-4 by Stephen King, The Silent Miaow by Paul Jellico, and Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee (a must-read! I want my own "Silver"!!) to name just a few. I've read so much that moved me, it's difficult to name favorites.

American Beauty and Castaway are perennial favorites, although I recently watched Lake House (AGAIN) and marveled (AGAIN) how both the story and the deconstructive structure can both leave me breathless. I also like Little Buddha and The Matrix series, although I'm not entirely sure I understand the full import of the trilogy.

Lord of the Rings is a favorite as well both for the books and the films.

Currently I'm listening to The Offspring, Linkin Park, and Evanessence, but I've listened to a wide range of music from Kitaro to The Beatles. I have an open mind where music is concerned, since even Eminem has some great stuff.

Sushi, a good rare steak, and Italian.... 'nuff said.

This question really irritates me--mostly because it requires me to reduce what I love to a list.

Instead, I'll simply say that my son, love, friends, and a sense of purpose are very important things in my life.

I keep thinking (sensing, maybe) that there's someone I need to meet just beyond the next bend. Not waiting for me so much as sensing me reaching out.

In memoriam:

Boomer2900 died on May 11th, 2006. Te quiero, Frank.

Listening to music and meditating. Recovery of the soul and body. Sometimes I'll go online. Boring schedule, I know, but what can you do?

I've always had the deep desire to just jump in the car and take off for parts unknown... leave it all behind and leave my troubles on the road. I love to drive, especially long distances because it clears the mind like few other things do....

The irony, of course, is that people only see my outer, intellectual/geeky self. There's so much to life that I'd like to experience...

You have something interesting to say. Life is short...