I like to "figure things out." I'm amazed by puzzles; not necessarily the kind in games, but the real-life puzzles of why people do what they do and why the world is how it is. I find people and humanity in general fascinating.

I like to think I have a good sense of humor. I try not to take myself or anything too seriously, or more exactly, overly-serious. I try to make jokes, but at the same time I enjoy conversation about the important things. I really enjoy good company. I like meeting people with different experiences, viewpoints, and backgrounds from my own. I like books, movies, people--anything or anyone--that offers a different perspective.

As for fun, I prefer dinner with a few close friends rather than going out to bars or to clubs (these aren't really my thing). I enjoy road trips, exploring new parts of the city, and going to hole-in-the-wall restaurants with good food. I like to travel, but I've done enough of it that I prefer to go places where I have friends or know someone local who can show me around, instead of trying to be a tourist.

I'm relaxed, I don't get too worked up about things, I listen, and I'm fairly patient. I'm pretty happy with what I've done in my life and who I am. Life is pretty good.

I'm working on my PhD and working at a research center that focuses on post-conflict reconstruction and stability and reconstruction operations (I was in the military for a while).

Making coffee.

Food--Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Indian, Thai (anything spicy). I'm fairly adventurous when it comes to food, particularly when someone else is cooking.

Movies--Three Kings, The Fifth Element, Armageddon. I watched Kelly's Heroes recently which was made in the 70s and stars Clint Eastwood, and is basically the same plot line as Three Kings--who knew?

Music--I listen to Pandora a lot. All music, but country is my standby (don't knock it 'til you tried it...).

Books--My taste has changed over the past few years, I'm more into non-fiction-with-a-good-story rather than fiction. Currently reading "The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World."

I can live on minimal amounts of stuff. People are always more important than things. Though I don't need much, these are a few of my favorite things:

Indoor plumbing.
Hot water.
Heat/AC.
Comfortable bed.
Coffee.

What's important in life and what matters. How it all fits together.

Cooking dinner or watching a movie at my place, or going to a friend's.