I have lived in Chicago for about a year and love the city - even in the winter. While I have always lived in the Midwest (although all over the Midwest), I love to travel and am always looking for new places to see in the world. My biggest trips took me to Ireland, Hawaii, Nepal and Peru; but a going back to grad school and taking out too many student loans have stunted my ability to leave the country in the last few years. The good news is that its forced me to get out and see more of the United States in the last few years.

I am always looking to learn about and experience new things and meet new people. I can also be a tad sarcastic, but always mean well. I own way too many books, but I've read at least 2/3 of them- and really can you have too many books? I will most likely discuss with you what I'm reading or what movie I have just seen, so be forewarned. I am also super-liberal. I found that I was always leaning that way but it has grown stronger and stronger in the last few years.

I've changed careers a couple of times, but think that I may have found something that I enjoy. I have been working in social services for the last few years its been great. I love my work but also find that I need to have a good balance and make sure that I take time for myself and keep an active social life.

Interesting question - Socially I think that I'm good at meeting new people and creating conversation. Personally, I am good at writing and organizing, things that can be very helpful in work and life. I'm also great at telling everyone what I learned from the latest book that I have read or summarizing the movie I have just seen. I can also play a decent game of trivial pursuit (am great at remembering random facts on some subjects) and love board games in general.

I think that I would say my smile. I smile easily and find that it helps when I am getting to know someone new.

Books- I will read almost anything. I love contemporary fiction (specifically Irish fiction). For nonfiction I find that I am drawn to books that talk about the history of different kinds of food - this may sound strange but its a great way to see how the world is shaped. Since I worked in book retail for so long, I find that its hard to pin down what I like to read and generally start with asking someone else what they like. I guess that booksellers never die. Movies - I love independent films but also find that Netflix introduces me to all kinds of strange things all of the time. I also like British humor (in books, movies and television). Music- I lean towards indy rock these days but I will listen to almost anything. I love Middle Eastern and Thai food, but find that mostly I just love food with really interesting flavors.

Books, friends, family, my contact lenses, hummus and my cell phone to keep in contact with everyone.

I just spend a lot of time thinking... about history, politics, the world, work, family and friends... traffic, the sounds outside of my apartment.

out with some friends somewhere in the city.

are interested in good conversation and want to get out and see some more of the city.