**UPDATE** 12/7/09 I am on the cusp of a major book deal, so amidst performing some extra duty with US Navy Reserve, I'm attempting to crank out a polished manuscript. This means that while I'll make time for dates, I won't have time to see someone every night, let alone respond to every message I receive. If you want my attention, I'm going to need more than a single-lined message, please.

With that said...

Well where do I begin? I was born and raised in a small rural community in Illinois, spent a few years in Fort Wayne Indiana, returned to Illinois, and then finally joined the Navy in 2001, just prior to 9/11.

I have an affinity for creative writing. I first developed my penchant for written literature in high school, where my interests began to rapidly shift from reading to mostly writing. When some of my writing that I passed around school to my friends began to gain in popularity, it was then I had decided I would write a novel based on some of my life's biggest inspirations. Unfortunately, ever my worst critic, I've yet to complete or publish that story. As it's primary focus is dependent on the perception of things as they are in the world, such things are ever shifting as time passes. I also have a passion for martial arts and sports in general, although I've been involved with neither in the last four years. This is due to change in the very near future, however. On the other hand, if there's sports on TV, I'm sure I'll be watching it...unless of course there's something you'd rather watch. I'm a very compromising person, and less a "stereotypical" sports nut.

As I completed my gen-ed while active duty, in January I return to school to utilize 36 months of post-9/11 GI bill benefits. On an accelerated degree program, I will be obtaining education in Business Administration as well as 3D Simulation/Game Design Theory from ECPI, where afterwards I will return to ODU or CNU to complete my English Literature degree. Whether I go into game design, run a game production company, open my own business, write novels, or spread out all of the above, being educated in times like this gives plenty on which to fall back. Even in tough times, there will always be a need for those three degrees.

Some people have suggested to me that while I can at times be a kid at heart, I'm years wiser than my age. I often have many people come to me for advice; and my apartment has, in the past, become a shelter for one or two people needing a place to stay while they move on. No I don't shelter bums, so don't even get me started on that. I'm a stern leader, but one that is fair, and considerate of the feelings of those around me; but that doesn't mean that I don't like to give people a hard time. I *have* been in the Navy for 8 years, after all - so I've developed both a thick skin and barbed jokes.

I have to admit to being a bit of a geek, so, understandably, I like some geeky things; so I'd like to meet someone who has a geeky side to them as well, however minuscule it may be. I enjoy classical and instrumental music, as well as things relating to sci fi, fantasy, and video games. On the "normal" side of life, I'm forever in the 80s, as I've always been a fan of the big hair bands to which I was exposed as a kid. Def Leppard, Guns and Roses, Van Halen, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Rolling Stones, and so forth. I like some alternative rock, a bit of country, some pop, and even a LITTLE bit of rap, though I'm not a huge fan of the hip hop scene. I love going to concerts, and naturally, I'm a huge fan of that new Chickenfoot. Nothing like getting some of the greatest elements of 80s music all into one group.

Let's try something new - do something not every other couple is doing!

Bonus points if you're so competitive you'd want to engage in some friendly sports, racing, or fighting game on the PS3, or just play wrestle on the floor for a few laughs.