I'm exploring the possibilty of converting to Reform Judaism, but I try to keep an open mind. I have come to the conclusion that everything we sense and experience is a part of a massive interconnected whole which can be though of as alive. This includes the entire planet, and every person and living thing on it, and indeed the universe as a whole. It's all one vast organism, which some might call God. I'm not completely comfortable with that term yet, but I don't know a better word.

However, I do believe in free will, and that we need to make our own choices in order to evolve and grow. To the extent that we succeed, we advance and improve the greater being of which we are a part. I don't believe in pre-destination at all, which is why I don't put much stock in horoscopes.

With this in mind, I want to meet a person who has an open mind on spirituality. I don't don't get on with evangelicals, fundamentalists, or the ultra-orthodox. I want to remain liberal and progressive in my spirituality, as I am still exploring it. Socially, I think of myself as progressive. I am pro-choice, and I believe that evolution is the best theory to explain how life has progressed through the ages. I am fully for the separation of church and state, and against school prayer. I don't want to be preached to or converted, and I certainly wouldn't try to force my spirituality on anyone.

Okay, the first thing I'll say is that I'm really picky. The particulars are as follows:

No smoking. No kidding. Period. I am very allergic to all types of smoke, so no cigarettes or cigars, no pot, and nothing more hardcore.

I prefer people who are able to speak and write properly. No text-message or "leet" short-hand, thank you. Also, I don't like it when people type in all-caps.

Spelling and grammar are also important. I'm not saying I'm perfect or that there are no misspelled words in my profile or journals, but you should at least try to proof-read before you post. I am a college graduate with a BA in English, and I am looking for a woman who is similarly educated or going to school currently.

Honesty is key. I can't read your mind, so if I'm doing something that bothers you, please tell me so I can stop and not repeat the behavior. I will be very up-front and honest with you, too. I'd rather be offended than ignorant. I can't be fake or play the part of someone that I'm not, because it clashes with my conscience.

I don't mind social drinkers, and I'll even buy you one, but I don't drink and I don't like it when people I'm around get smashed or falling-down drunk. If you can't get out a coherent sentence out or can't stand up and walk on your own, you've had too much and I'm probably not interested.

On tattoos, I'm cool with a couple of small ones that aren't obvious, but I'm not crazy about girls who get whole sleeves done. I don't have any myself, and am not interested in getting one. As far as body piercings go, call me old-fashioned, but beyond earrings, I start to raise an eyebrow. I want to date a girl who likes herself enough that she doesn't feel the need to be a human mural or a pin-cushion.

I'm an obessive-compulsive clean freak. I wear deordoant, wash my clothes regularly, my hands frequently, and I can't deal with folks who don't bathe regularly. That said, I can live with others' eccentricities as long as they can tolerate mine.

I'd prefer not to date a woman who has children from a previous relationship. Sorry, I'm just not comfortable with the strings attached to that situation. I am interested in having children, but no more than two, and not until the woman that I am with and I are ready, menatlly, physically, and financially to do so.

I like pets, but I don't like the kind that can knock me over or that like to bite or get in my face.

Overweight is tolerable as long as you are trying to exercise and eat the right foods to be more healthy. I am trying to lose weight myself. I do some warm-ups when I get up, and enjoy bicycling and long walks.

I don't mind vegetarians, especially if you are doing it for health reasons, but I am incapable of being one, also for health reasons. I eat salads every day, but I have to eat some beef. I have friends who are political vegans (consume no animal products at all), but though I respect them and their lifestyle, I couldn't date one. I'm against animal testing, but I don't have a problem eating them.

I am looking to meet women with the eventual hope for a long-term, serious relationship. I'm not looking for sex on the first date, the second or even the third. That kind of intamacy can wait until we know each other better and are comfortable in one another's presence. I have no interest in swingers or casual sex. Yes, I'm a heterosexual male and I can say that without blinking or hesitating.

Sorry for the long post. If I'm weird that way, oh well. Comment away. More to come.