It's been said that you can never tell a book by its cover. Truth be told, this book in front of you has tended to sit on the shelf, gathering a bit of dust - but no longer. Within a modest, unassuming cover lies a story waiting to be told. And it's a story that has a lot of different facets.

Above all, you could call me a geek of all trades. I love learning and doing new things. But when I set my mind to learn something, I don't just learn enough to get by...I try to do the best I possibly can. Thomas Huxley's advice, "Try to learn something about everything, and everything about something," is one of my guiding mottos. You wouldn't know it looking at me, but I've completed 12 marathons, and counting. Some people have said nice things about my singing voice, but it gives me greater pleasure to help others to sing in perfect harmony. These are just a couple of the interests I cultivate ... among them, photography, travel, computers, gadgets, and ham radio. Despite this diversity of interests, I do hold to the core faith that Christianity gives me. It's this core that has kept me from flying completely off in all directions.

What would I look for in a "companion volume"? I would look for someone with this same kind of geeky passion. She need not have the same wide variety of interests, but she should be passionate about something. She should be able to laugh at herself, communicate openly, and be affectionate. And she should be the type to take good care of herself (physically, mentally, and emotionally) so that she can give fully of herself to others.

I would love to do just about anything on a date - movies, concerts, hiking, running, etc., with one caveat: Because of intensely personal (but non-religious) reasons, I don't drink alcohol, so I won't feel comfortable in a bar or nightclub. I do, however, drink coffee, and would love to talk with someone over a caffe mocha.

By day, working technical support at a local health insurer, dealing with doctor's office and hospital billing staff.

My job helps me exercise several skills:
1. I have to be able to look at a claim file and spot an error at twenty paces. Consequently, I'm very detail-oriented.
2. I'm on the phone every day dealing with people, so I have to listen carefully to what they want. I will do the same for you.
3. I see protected health information everyday, and in order to keep my job, I have to keep things secret. Consider your own secrets safe with me.

If you're a local and you hear me for the first time (in person or on the phone), you'll wonder where I come from. I was born and raised here on Oahu, but I don't speak pidgin (or at least not very well).

You'll also notice I may not be very warm at first, maybe a little on the serious side. Be patient, though, and the warm, fun-loving side will come out. Also, I tend to listen more than talk.

Books: Too many to mention. Not a big fiction reader; often I read books to learn how to do something.

Movies: All time favorites: Titanic, Mr. Holland's Opus. In general: I like comedies, action, and some drama. ABSOLUTELY NO HORROR FLICKS. I HATE THEM WITH A PASSION.

TV Shows: I don't normally watch too much TV, but when I do, I tend to gravitate to crime drama and NCIS in particular.

Music: Any and all kinds are on my iPhone, but I prefer classical and solo piano (Jim Brickman, George Winston, etc.) Surprisingly, I'm a little better versed on current music than music that was popular when I grew up (in the 80s). Go figure. I also love music that features multi-part vocal harmony.

Food: Favorites include Italian food, Indian or Japanese curry, sushi, and seafood in general.

Learning new things. I need to feed my brain daily to survive.

The supportive group of friends that I have known for years.

The support of my immediate family – namely, my mom. (I’m an only child and lost my dad as a teen.)

Taking naps on the weekend.

Listening to, making, and helping others make, good music.

And of course, all the things none of us can do without…food, shelter, and clothing. It’s a daily struggle for some of us to get these things. There, but for the grace of God, go I.

Hanging out with friends, or chilling at home.

Well, if you've made it to the bottom of this novel, and nothing I've said above has made you click 'hide'...why not?