I'm a normal but busy guy who my friends and family can't believe has not found that special someone yet. I love all the standard stuff (travel, eating out, movies, theater, etc.) but also enjoy making a difference in the world through volunteering, environmentalism and investing in the lives of those close to me. I would love to meet an intelligent, compassionate and outgoing person and build a friendship that could lead to more. If we click and the chemistry is there, then all the better!

My friends have told me that I am patient, loyal to friends and family, dependable, caring, sincere in actions and words, a good listener, quick-witted and easy-going. Who am I to argue?

I was once asked on a test who I felt had influenced me. This seemed like a good glimpse into who I am, so I thought I would share it here. My maternal grandfather helped define my morality and taught me many of life's great lessons and my great uncle helped to foster a knowledge and understanding of science, technology, poetry and writing at a young age. His influence helped to shape my aptitudes. My mom taught me the value of compassion and generosity and Grandmom taught me to be thankful for the little things in life like a full plate (which had to be cleaned before leaving the table).

Lest all this sound too much like one of those infomercials from late-night television, I can make mistakes with the best of them. However, I try to be quick to recognize (and admit) when I'm in the wrong. I have a positive outlook on life and appreciate that characteristic in others. I do realize that not everything about life is perfect. However, I think that adversity can be a good opportunity to learn to appreciate life's simple pleasures and gain a greater understanding of oneself.

More about who am I looking for: I think that balance is very important. Work some, play some, laugh some - basically experience life from all sides (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional). Being kind, compassionate, funny, intelligent and a good conversationalist is attractive. Do you have an easy-going personality but still know what you want out of life? Are you as comfortable at The Fox dressed to the nines as you are camping out in a pair of old jeans? (Yes, this may be cliché, but adaptability still ranks up there for me.) Do you like spontaneity and last-minute trips to places near or far but still like to spend an evening at home catching a good movie? I would love to get to know you!

I am easy-going, happy, and multi-dimensional.

Working, dabbling in real estate, spending time with family and friends - generally, enjoying the journey.

not being good about talking about the things at which I excel. In fact, I consider myself to be more of a jack-of-all-trades kind of guy. One need not know everything about everything, only know someone who has expertise in areas where you do not. That is one reason I have a really diverse group of friends from many different walks of life. You get so many more insights into situations, and life in general, that way.

People tell me that they feel comfortable around me. I've had many people tell me some pretty deep stuff shortly after meeting me for the first time.

Food:
I am a culinary Casanova - there's not much that I won't at least try. I love Italian, Mexican, Indian, Greek, Chinese, sushi (though not the hard-core stuff - not a big fan of overly "fishy" flavors), American, soul food, etc.

Movies:
My tastes are typical guy here. Does it explode and/or involve space or robots or gadgets? If so, I'm all over it. However, I do like some drama movies (The Shawshank Redemption being a notable entry in that list). Family movies can be fun, and even a romantic comedy here and there. I'm open to films with subtitles and more "artsy" content, though I don't actively seek those out.

Tangible:
Food, car, warmth (of the caloric nature), friends, family, vacation

Intangible:
Love, warmth (of the interpersonal variety), friendship, sense of purpose, that awesome feeling when you take the first bite of something really delicious, hope

Deep:
Lately, I've been spending time thinking about time. I've had some friends and family members that have recently encountered some health concerns. That tends to make one introspective about how fleeting our time here is and what we need to focus on while we can.

Not So Deep:
-- finding new hole-in-the-wall restaurants
-- finding a safe place to recycle e-waste
-- photography
-- my next vacation
-- Christmas presents (the giving, not the getting)

On a typical Friday, you may find me heading out for a weekend trip to FL, catching up on movies, hanging out with friends or eating at one of my favorite restaurants.

I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may tend to embarrass me.

...you feel like you'd like to get to know more about me. I like for initial meetings to be light and fun as well as informative, so we could just as easily chat over a cup or coffee or tea as via email.