UPDATE: Back home in Seattle.

In the phrase "looking for love in all the wrong places," does OKC count as one of the wrong places? I've been pondering that question a bit recently, and now maybe you will too. If you figure it out, please do let me know!

If you're looking for someone who is smart, kind and funny, at least some of the time, you may have come to the right place. If you give bonus points for being offbeat--or at least it isn't a dealbreaker--then read on. I can be a very good listener, and I can also appear to be a very good listener! I'm complicated, unabashedly contradictory, and like to laugh at and with myself and others.

I'm not always conflict avoidant, think differing opinions are just dandy, and have been known to speak my mind. (I blame my New York upbringing.) If you're from the East Coast too you probably know what I'm talking about! Sometimes you just have to say what you think!

Although I can be very serious, I try not to take myself too seriously. It's a delicate balance, and one I appreciate in others as well. I also value intelligence in others very highly. I like different perspectives and culture, and I love to travel.

I'm very much a city person, but really really love the beauty in and around Seattle. I've gotten very used to trees, mountains (and personal space), and enjoy having them as part of my life. I like exploring different neighborhoods on foot and by bike. Or by car.

I really enjoy laughter and humor. I know I must be pretty funny because I crack myself up on a regular basis! I love most anything relating to food, and am an excellent eater as well as cook. And words and ideas are important to me! I pay a lot of attention to politics and current events. I'm a big believer in social justice, but also find a lot of nuance in situations and am not a big fan of dogmatism or overly-simple perspectives. Just because you're progressive doesn't mean you shouldn't be smart about it! I also don't pretend that I always live up to my own ideals. Remember, I'm not too serious, and I also like movies, books, music, long walks on the beach and all that good stuff! I'm a big fan of hedonistic enjoyment, pleasure and sensuality.

I'm not a big believer in strict gender roles, and think they're bad for all involved. I consider myself a feminist, even if it's not always apparent from my attitudes and actions!

So why am I here? I would very much like to find a lifelong partner, but I'm not counting on that happening tomorrow, and open to all kinds of adventures along the way.

Oh and I hate being pigeonholed, or filling out dating profiles. Answering some of these okcupid questions can be very frustrating! (Which is more important--air or water???) I'm great--trust me! Better yet, don't trust me, but find out for yourself!

Striving to combine doing good with doing well. Building a business, and a project. Continuing to learn and grow, and remembering to have fun along the way. Cursing the dating process.

The last few years have involved a lot of professional and personal transition, and maybe even turmoil. At times a good lesson in humility. But they say whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger...

I'm happy to share the detail, but I'll save it for now, so we can swap cool stories and good conversation.

For sure it is not filling out dating profiles, or selling myself! I'm good at making people laugh (sometimes), cutting to the chase, cooking, eating, writing, computers, hedonistic enjoyment, making simple things harder than they should be, listening, photography, solving the world's problems.

I enjoy playing the keyboard, but I'd have to know you really well before playing in front of you!

I also play a mean game of Facebook Scrabble!

I don't know. Could be my charm or my wit, or what a good catch I must be! Hmm... now I'm starting to wonder! I'll have to start asking people. Plus maybe you can tell me what you've noticed...

Starting with food, I'd have to go with "all of it." (Well, almost all.) Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, Sushi, Seafood, Pizza. That is only a partial list, not my complete diet! I'm not a vegetarian, but have spent plenty of time with Vegs and Vegans, and if it doesn't bother you if I eat meat, it won't bother me if you don't.

(UPDATE 8/12/12--Today I ate a really yummy quinoa salad, so that is now on the list. As are french lentils. This update is only valid for 30 days, and future tastes are subject to change without notice.)

(UPDATE 3/9/13--Lentis are still on the list. They're a keeper! What's Quinoa?)

Books--I tend to read mostly non-fiction, which can make for a pretty boring reading list. Whenever I delve into non-fiction I end up enjoying it. Reading Jackie Collins' Hollywood Wives was a guilty pleasure for me. So was The Story of O. I'm currently reading The Red and The Black. Jennifer Government. Down These Mean Streets. A People's History of the United States. The New York Times.

Movies--I tend to like them all. I'm not a huge fan of horror movies, but can enjoy them if they're not just gratuitous gore. I'm a bit behind on my movie watching. A few random (mostly recent) flicks I liked: Spellbound, Phil Ochs: There but for fortune, True Grit, Client 9, Secretary, Owning Mahoney, The Lincoln Lawyer.

And as for Music, I love all kinds, but I'm exceptionally neglectful about paying attention to bands and songs. I'm usually happy to listen to whatever's on, or whatever someone else wants to put on. If the topic is music, you really don't want to be my Charades partner! Left to my own devices, I'll probably fall back on some classic rock, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Mary Chapin Carpenter and the Indigo Girls.

Food
Sex
Laughter
Music
People
Politics
Travel
Oxygen & Water

(That's six, right? Or close enough!)

Solving the world's problems, improving on my pizza making techniques, cool places to travel, learning from my actions and experiences.

Typical? I've given up on that concept. It really depends.

right here? That wouldn't make it very private, would it? Nice try, okcupid!

But if you insist, here goes: although I can be very logical and rational, deep down I'm a romantic at heart.

You're still reading and would like to find out more. You're not overly concerned with what others think. You agree that it's OK for guys to cook. You think we might be a good fit. You found a typo in my profile, and it's really bugging you. You don't want to wait and hope I find your profile. Or if you are hungry or thirsty and like talking and flirting in person.

Or if we're a good match. Or not. Speaking of which, I'm not entirely sure what to make of this site. Is a high match always better? What about the idea that opposites can attract? Can't be too much of a slave to the okcupid algorithms--it is based on those silly questions with the excruciating choices!

You should message me if... you're still even reading at this point. Or if you want to. Just do it!

AND, if I've sent you a message, and you haven't quite gotten around to responding yet, then you should definitely message me!