I had a huge self-summary but really even I was overwhelmed by it and didn't bother to read it ;)

Abridged version 2.0 -- Point form to skim through the basics;
- I grew up on a farm and have a solid appreciation for that lifestyle.
- I live in the suburbs, and work in town on large software projects.
- I grow a few plants for amusement and because they are tasty (tomatoes, coffee, herbs, hot peppers, etc)
- I ride motorcycles (mostly exclusively on the track now)
- I grew up riding horses, and still go out once in awhile now
- I like to camp, make fires, and look at the stars.
- I like road trips (spent a week+ in Newfoundland this year just exploring/camping along the way.

I guess more importantly is who I am than what I do? I generally look at the bright side of life. I’m calm under pressure, and look to see what can be done with the cards that have been dealt.

I don’t take life too seriously. Generally there is something funny about every situation. It might be dark humour at times, but one can look at the situation and be depressed (no gain) or find some way to make it work.

I'm stable - I don't like arguing or unnecessary drama. I keep things simple and respectful -- I find it works best ;) I own a home and have enough going on to be busy, but I guess like all of us here, wouldn't mind sharing ;)

I enjoy cooking, and like to experiment. Lately I have made a really nice rose pasta sauce, chili, a lot of Chinese and Thai dishes, and some pretty decent salsa. I cook mostly based on what I think I taste/smell in other recipes that I’ve had before. I’m sometimes disappointed by restaurant food (particularly formula based chains) and pick places now more based on quality and authenticity. Halifax has some great places hidden away, and finding them is always fun. Good food doesn’t have to be expensive, and I’m not at all a food snob. I don’t think one can over do meat and potatoes simple comfort foods; BBQ’ed steak in the summer, and shepherd’s pie in the winter.

A really nice evening could be as simple as a hike and a home cooked meal – it isn’t a chore if you get to have good conversation, a sip of some appropriate beverage, and a bit of fun being creative.

I am curious, reliable, and witty

Oh and facial hair -- I've had a goatee for ~10 years now. The mustache kinda arrived unplanned mid-road trip recently. I hear mixed reviews on facial hair... feel free to comment ;)

I have a computer science background, which all started when I wasn’t allowed to have a NES. I learned to program from library books (they used to have games in the back) to fill the place of the NES I always wanted.

I had too much fun working/researching (rather than studying) on my work term that I decided to work full time and go to school part time. I graduated a year or two later than my peers as a result, but stayed working for that same group at the University. Full time job, lower student loan, less stress? I call that pure win. I really enjoyed the research angle of that job, but more importantly ;) it also was a paycheck to pay for that NES I always wanted ;)

I’ve since moved to a larger company and moved from a research role to a developer role again. The work is good, the folks are great, and the flexibility it affords allows me to have fun – which is the point of it all. It is nice to love one’s work, but at the end of the day work and life are not equivalent. I like to come home at the end of the day ;)

Tinkering - I like to take things apart and see how they work.

That includes computers, but its more fun to take apart something like a motorcycle. I'm not afraid of dirty...

Quite often friends will swing by with their broken stuff to let me have a go at it... recently that was a motorcycle with a blown engine, and a friend who wanted to learn how to do his own oil changes.

With the right attitude the work is pretty fun... hang out with a friend, get the job done... share a few amusing stories. Voilà, c’est fini.

That I'm a guy? ;) I don't think I ever have really thought about this question... I'm kinda stocky at 6' - average build I guess... hundreds of little scars from various accidents in the workshop, on bikes, playing about, falling off horses and a couple from a motorcycle accident - they all tell a story, and I love telling stories.

I guess the other thing is that I'm a pretty diverse mix. I do like getting dirty, camping, playing with motorcycles... but I also like to have a nice evening relaxing and just talking. I can cook fairly well, and enjoy going out for a nice fancy meal once in awhile. I work at a desk all day at a computer - but I'm just as happy plumbing a house. I fit into both worlds... and I don't think many see the virtues of the 'other side'.

To put it in overly simplistic terms... I can point my finger with tea, but would rather drink from a camping mug. I can get covered in oil and muck, but would rather enjoy the ride.

Books? I read a mix of fiction and non-fiction - Catch-22, Three Day Road, any adventure travel book like Long Way Around, and military/world history.

Movies? Shawshank Redemption, Jackie Brown, Top Gun, Tombstone...

Music? The cliche - a bit of everything. I go through phases from metal, to really moody blues, jazz, and some of the original rap (mostly to listen for samples, as the original rap sampled everyone - heavy parliament and funk influences)... and funk. Current play list has citizen cope, prodigy, blue rodeo, metallica, iron maiden, guns and roses, bon jovi, parliament, nirvana, pearl jam, rage against the machine, and cold play

Food? I like to cook. I try a bit from every culture I can get my hands on. Lately a lot of Chinese and Indian interpretations. On a hot summers day a big homemade burger and a beer please.

1) Motorcycle
2) Computer
3) Camping Gear
4) Tools
5) The sky at night
6) Road trips

Thinking about things I enjoy doing - camping, motorcycle touring, or a recent project.

I generally like a puzzle or something I can think about over a period of time.

Friday night? Usually I plan my Fridays so that I get off work early – for me it’s more of a time to unwind than to party. I completely grew out of the downtown drunken party scene a long time ago.

Realistically the weekend is when I get the chores done around the house and squeeze in as much outdoor time as I can. An invitation to ditch the chores for tomorrow is always welcomed.

My kind of fun? List form is easier; BBQing, playing crib/chess/pool, having a pint at a nice cozy pub, camping, hiking… actually I’m game for anything. I’ve played sports seriously before, but I’ll play anything for fun now.

I think sweat pants are sexy. Dressing up is fun and you'd look stunning... and for special occasions it is great BUT I still think sweat pants are sexy.

I can't decide between popcorn and a movie at home OR watching a fire. I think fire.

I hold my emotions in check... I don't really let many people know how I feel, but rather how I think. I know this to be a fault, and I work on it... but sometimes I need a kick in the pants ;)

I guess if I've said anything that interests you and you want to chat? I'm always willing to share the adventures - they're usually more fun with company :)