I have a hard time describing myself. I read a lot and my list of favorite authors is forever changing. Vonnegut was a favorite for quite awhile and I've read the majority of his novels. I also like Atwood quite a bit. Hemingway was also a fave and I still like to read "A Moveable Feast" every now and then. Lately I've been rereading The Lord of the Rings (a perennial favorite!) and also some Atwood, as well as making a weak attempt at studying Arabic. I do read poetry as well. My favorite poets at the moment are Sylvia Plath, Ryan Vine, Jim Churchill-Dicks, and Kim Addonizio.

I also do a little writing of my own. (A few of my poems can be found on my website.)

I enjoy art as well and am particularly fond of Van Gogh and Chagall. I like to visit art museums whenever I get the chance and I try to collect postcards from all the museums I visit, although I am still waiting for the Dayton Art Institute to make a postcard of "Sea Change."

What's important to me:

My relationships with my friends and family, and especially my son are a high priority to me. Raising my son to be a good man is a part of that.

The Spiritual Journey, which is something I'm still learning about. I have yet to find a religion I can fully subscribe to, but I have a strong interest in Buddhism. I believe it offers real tools to make people's lives better. However, I also believe strongly in respecting other people's religions.

I want to travel, ideally to spend somemore time living in another country, although I'm still working on that. It's also important to me that my work be something that helps people. Right now I'm thinking I will try for a master's degree in linguistics so I can teach English language at the university level overseas.

I believe strongly in treating others well, always. I can't respect people who are cruel.

So that's the serious stuff. Other interests include online games (I've played Everquest, Everquest 2, City of Heroes/Villains, and Guild Wars.) TV: I am still a Simpsons fan. I can't get into Family Guy, I just can't. I like Smallville, although I find it a bit violent, Buffy, and Star Trek. (YES! You heard me-- Star Trek!) Oh, and I've developed a shameful addiction to Desperate Housewives.

I like the usual stuff that most people like, walks on the beach, movies... etc. Ideally I would like to live near the sea again someday, preferably the Arabian Sea. I don't think there is anywhere I feel more at home than walking along the beach, ideally an unpopulated beach.

Too much apparently :P Good taste in music a must... someone who ponders things, likes to think about life, is kind, considerate, and has a creative side, preferably interested in other cultures.

Ultimately the best of best friends.

I decided my former answer about hitting it off right away was crap. When has that ever led to a good relationship for me? I now think I should probably be highly suspicious of people I'm too comfortable with right away. I suppose in a first date I'm looking for potential rather than perfection.

Getting out of the U.S.!!! ... and when I find someone I really like I'm passionate about that too. not in the sensual way people think of passion, but i like to be enthusiastic about my partner.

introverted, sensitive, sometimes shy... I'm the "still waters run deep type." but with the right person I can really be very chatty

Well, one of them told me I looked better with purple hair than my natural color.

make him a cup of hot tea and give him a sleeping bag... I hate this question. There's no formula. It really just depends on the the relationship.

be mentally stimulating. seriously. I am attracted to people who make me think in new ways.