Hmm....most days I feel like I'm still figuring out who I am. Or maybe choosing who I want to be. I don't always follow the beaten path, even when I try to. I've got a lot of depth and think too much sometimes (could you tell already?)...but also love (and need!) to laugh, tease, and play. I'm shy. I'm also social. I thrive off connection, but have a bad habit of holding back a bit with all but my closest friends. I'm drawn to people who don't hold back. I'm respectful, caring, compassionate, accepting, and a good listener. I like seeing different ways of looking at things, understanding what makes people who they are. I love it when people take the time to know and understand me. I love being around other passionate people who inspire me and make the most out of life. On the Myers-Briggs, I'm an INFP.

I have a lot of interests and passions to keep up with, but never enough time or energy, it seems. I love music, movies, art, being active, traveling, volunteering overseas, the outdoors, beautiful places in nature, different cultures...but also the simple pleasures in life - spending time with good friends, whether it's going out together or hanging out at home, talking, sharing a meal, playing games, or watching a movie. I like sports and all sorts of outdoor activities. I've recently turned vegetarian (mostly vegan), and have been pretty happy with that so far, surprisingly. I ran my first marathon in Chicago last October. I play guitar and I mess around on piano. Sometimes I write. I admire and connect with creativity and artistic expression. I enjoy reading and learning.

I came from a strong religious background that still affects me in ways, but my beliefs have changed radically over the past few years. I'm much more liberal and open to different paths and expressions of faith, not quite fitting anywhere myself anymore. We are where we're at, and there's something to take from every experience. I've taken up quite an interest in Buddhism and meditation as of late, but my spiritual path is still my own and fairly undefined. I'm very happy with that!

To be honest, I'm not sure how truly open or ready I am to go after a relationship...I think maybe I'm more interested in getting to know some like-minded people for now, and going from there. When the time and person is right, I look forward to loving, connecting with, and sharing life with someone who interests me, inspires me, and enjoys me just as I am - beauty, flaws, and all. If and when I find you, I've got a lot to give, but in the meantime there's a lot to experience and enjoy right where I'm at.

I spent 8 months teaching English in South Korea and arrived back in the States last June...I currently work in the internet department of a dealership full-time, and teach adult ESL part-time. Love my students! Hope to teach elementary in the future, but the market's tough right now.

Things that don't make me any money, it seems...lol. Caring for people I love, challenging myself to accomplish new things, learning, most sports...I'm told I give pretty darn good head scratches and back massages.

Depends on the person, I guess...I've never really asked that much!

Really enjoyed Conversations with God, it's impacted my life in a lot of ways...also, China Study, currently reading Eat Pray Love, Food Revolution.

I don't watch a whole lot of TV, but I've loved The Office and the Biggest Loser series (I'm a sap, I admit it). As for movies, favorites are constantly changing. I like dramas, comedies (especially romantic comedies, still a sap), films that deal with world issues, sometimes action/adventure, and even though my friends love horror movies, I can't handle them, I've tried!

I can get into most types of music, depends on my mood what I'll listen to...it's an ever growing list: One Republic, Missy Higgins, Kat DeLuna, Colbie Caillat, Sarah Bareilles, Matt Kearney, Matt Nathanson, Ingrid Michaelson, Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls, Coldplay, The Fray, Howie Day, U2, Nickelback, Rusted Root, Ani DiFranco, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, Jimmy Eat World, Dave Matthews Band, Loreena McKennitt, Cranberries, Ace of Base, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Gin Blossoms ...and a whole mess of songs from various artists...I'll listen to alternative, rock, country, pop, indie, folk, celtic, latin, soundtracks, swing, world, dance, Christmas music...sometimes all in one day. I'm weird like that. :)

I'm a vegetarian now, trying to stick to a vegan diet, so that changes my favorite foods a bit, but I enjoy Italian, Mexican, sushi (if I want to cheat with fish), Thai, Indian...

people who are close to me, life, spirituality, personal growth, world issues, and whatever the next thing I have to get done is.

I've already put in my profile, which takes me a bit out of my comfort zone. It's taken me a while to come to terms with this, because of my background, but I've come to the conclusion that I am bisexual...don't really know what to do with that or where to go from there. It just is what it is. I'm after authentic connection and real love, with whomever I might find it.

you've read this and you're interested in getting to know me better, developing a friendship, or possibly more. HOWEVER, please be aware, life gets a little busy and crowded over here, and as much as I would like to sit down and respond to everyone, I simply don't have the time and mental energy to keep up with everybody. Especially with IM's. Please don't take that personally.