Be forewarned! This is a novel, this is only a test to see how dedicated you are and there will be a quiz later!! (grin) But seriously, If you read this whole thing and are laughing at the end instead of angry, we'll be fine...

Why does my profile have 'dating' as the intention? Because long term starts with dating! Pretty simple idea I think.. (grin) I'm not opposed to long term or even moving away from the area, but that's a WAYS down the road!

NOTE: For those of you that don't understand why you're added as a favorite but you haven't heard anything from the other person... It is because you have your email setting set to block those over 75 miles away and it's their way of getting your attention... They could be 76 miles away and you're missing your chance!!

I'm also a believer that you must meet to see if there is a connection. Doesn't matter how 'beautiful' or 'handsome' you think someone is in a picture if you meet and it's just not there... On the other hand, I've met a few women that their pictures truly didn't do them justice! So my advice is don't let a 'split second in time' captured in a picture be all you base things on... This isn't supposed to be like picking someone out of a photo line-up at the police station!! (HUGE GRIN)

I believe that Faith is Faith, Fate is Fate, and Love is when they both come together....

My twins are on their own so now it's my time again! My daughter is going to college and my son is a United States Marine! I'm looking for a lady that is successful and confident (not saying you need to be 'rich', but you need to be proud of where you are and what you do)... I'm not out to find someone that I can 'fix'. I've been there - done that, and not going down that road again... If you still have children at home, it's not an issue for me...

You should have an outgoing personality... I prefer petite women who are in good shape because I like to get out and enjoy life. To clarify this, you don't need to be a barbie doll but I am not interested in sitting on the couch all the time... I've got a lot of 'kid' left in me so sitting around and worrying about the past is not for me.

Music... hmmm Well, I'll start by saying that I like anything done well... What do I have in my i-pod is a better question... It's filled with country, southern-rock (yes, there is a difference), Rock, Classic Rock, some newer stuff like Daughtry after seeing him in concert and being impressed... One hit wonders of the 70's, 80's and 90's... (No, it's NOT OK to call the 70's music 'vintage' or 'oldies' YET!)

I've been told that I'm funny... I'm truly a closet comedian without the balls to get on stage!! Someday... I do enjoy making people laugh but I'm not always 'on'... I can carry on an intelligent conversation and would enjoy having someone to 'debate' with as long as you understand that everyone has 'opinions' and they're just that..

I'm sporting the bald look (by choice)... I'll always have a goatee and sometimes a full beard (short)... Depends on my mood... I've had my ears pierced for many years and have 3 tattoos... None of my tattoos are 'over the top'... Tattoos should have meaning and mine really do... I'm 5-9 and 210 lbs... I'm not 'fat' though... Sure, I could benefit from some sit-ups, but I've worked out since I was in high school sports a LONG time ago... No, I'm not addicted to the gym... I need to get back in there, but my shoulder is not able to handle the strain that I would want to put on it... (Note to all - don't rollerblade with your son down a ramp... just don't do it!!)

I own a business that is going very well. Free time is important to me and I like to spend it wisely...

(NOTE) Not trying to jump the gun in regards to a relationship, but distance means nothing to me when it comes to a long term thing since I am not 'tied down' here. My business and I would be successful anywhere. In fact, moving to a climate warmer than Central Illinois would work for me! I also subscribe to the idea that it's the WORLD wide web we're using here and if I wanted to limit myself to locals only I would just hang out at the mall with a sign...

If I've wasted your time and offended you, sorry. LISTEN UP: Don't waste your time sending me some note about how I have insulted you and ALL OF THE WOMEN ON EARTH that don't fit into what I'm looking for... It just shows that you're not adult enough to understand that we are all 'drawn to' certain others by human nature... I see it like this... If you are rude and insecure enough to send me a note, which wastes minutes of your life and mine that we'll never get back, you will forever be either alone, or with someone that decides that your senseless rants are somehow attractive...

But if I've described you, then send an email and don't be afraid to go first!

Ok, some observations!

If you're going to take a camera phone pic of yourself, don't do it in a public bathroom - The setting is just not right... You may look great that night, but ask someone in the restaurant or bar to take your pic!

Glamour shots... Really?!

I'm a big fan of common sense! If you are the reason for ANY of the warning signs on products, we are not a match! (grin)

If your large breasts are your ONLY asset (IE: you have nothing more to offer) I'm not interested... I can't stand pics where the thumbnail view chosen is just your breasts.... I thought we got in trouble for looking at them instead of your eyes??!! And if that is your main pic on here, you can't be shocked by the overzealous guys that write to you....

If you are in a picture with another female, and you get emails asking if you're the one on the left, when you're the one on the right, CROP THE PICTURE!! You'll stop bring disappointed when the guy never writes back because he was interested in your friend... It could be as simple as he likes blondes instead of brunettes....

More to come I'm sure... (grin)

Comedy club, darts, pool, a quiet bar or restaurant where we can actually hear each other... I'm up for pretty much any ideas, except for a movie because you get in trouble when you talk in the theater!! I know, you can't really talk during a comedy show, but laughter shared is so much fun! During hockey season, I'm a big fan of minor league hockey as well as the NHL so a game would be fun. If you have never been to a hockey game, I am very good at explaining the game...