I am totally new to this dating via computer thing. In fact, I would say that I am totally new to American dating at all. I was married to the same man for a very long time (at least it seems that way) and have never dated in the U.S. I am quite unclear how to go about this.

I believe that relationships should be built on honesty and openness. I never have thought of myself as beautiful but people have told me that I look striking or attractive and yesterday one of my colleagues said that I "look wild in a good way" (what ever that may mean). I always struggle with maintaining a healthy weight (one of my friends just told me this makes me sound huge. No, I'm not!), but it has more to do with health than anything else because I am pretty much comfortable with my looks/size.

I am probably more reserved than people infer from how I look and it sometimes takes me some time to feel comfortable. Once I do, people usually think that I am smart, very caring and determined, and funny. Some people feel intimidated by me. I am not sure why, but imagine it is my directness and passion for what I believe is right. As far as political ideas: I am likely more to the left than most people reading this profile.

The short answer is: Trying to make the world a better place and raising my children. My work has always been human rights related and has allowed me to work in different countries and/or work with people from different countries. Last summer, instead of taking my children home to Europe or sending them to Camp at Circle Pines Center, I took them to SouthEast Asia for a month to find out how other kids their age live. We volunteered at an orphanage for kids with HIV and experienced some beautiful places. Great adventure!

I'm really bad at self promotion, so this is a very difficult section to complete. I love experimenting with cooking, I'm a good listener, I love making pottery and being creative with my hands, and am good at making people feel welcome, and being honest about what I think and feel.

Maybe my smile? Although lately, I get more compliments on my hairstyle.

I love to read but don't have very much time for it so I currently read mostly lighter stuff like Scandinavian mysteries. The last really good book I read was actually not so light: "Sarah's Key." I have avoided the movie because I worry that it will not be as good as the book.

I like foreign movies, documentaries and serious movies with a good plot and character development. Because of the kind of work I do, I usually try to watch something lighter though. That keeps some balance in my life. Here are some that I liked a lot: It is Kind of a Funny Story, Lars and the Real Girl, Amelie, The Name Sake, The King of Masks, Better Than Chocolate, The Namesake, Shower, White Wedding.

I don't have television, so I can't really tell you very much about television shows. I watched a couple on dvd. I enjoyed Six Feet Under and Nurse Jackie.

I like good food. I have worked in various countries, and here in the US with people from all over the world. I had the opportunity to try lots of different foods, and love to try new things. I think favorites are South Asian, Central American, Sushi, and Ethiopian. But I am pretty much open to anything.

I spent my summer in Cambodia and can assure you that there are very few things we can never do without. My children, smiles, health, having people who care about me, fresh water, some food, my dog.

Not quite up there with the things I could never do without, but close: I also love my bike, my camera and making pottery.

World peace, social justice, and how to be the change that I long to see in the world.

Most likely at a pottery studio or at some social justice event, but enjoy watching independent cinema, going to a new restaurant, especially if the food is ethnic, and of course having good conversation with my friends.

I'm quite private until I get to know people, so you will have to ask me and you may find out.

You enjoyed reading my profile and something compels you to write.