I am friendly, clever, very laid back, a little sarcastic, generally athletic, unusually well-educated, alternatively playful and reserved, adventurous, and resourceful. I'm a Seattle native who misses the mountains and the northwest's temperate climate, good skiing, the smell of coffee shops on every corner, morning fog, and the ubiquity of polar fleece. I'm a graduate student who has read too many books, can talk endlessly about things most of us care little about, finds writing still very difficult, and thrills to stand in front of a classroom. I'm an athlete who spent his youth playing basketball and soccer, who disliked being called by his last name always on the football field, who became a gymnast in high school and college and eventually captain of the team though never a top competitor, and who now loves biking. I'm a Christian who grew up disliking church but attending because afterwards he got ice cream, who discovered meaningful faith in a conservative evangelical environment, who now has sympathy for evangelical fervor but finds the rhetoric frightening and the perspective often uninformed, who still attends church regularly, prays often, but doesn't know what to say when people ask if he's religious. I'm a political liberal, though I hate political labels and will never vote strictly according to a party line. I cringe at the way we simplify complicated political issues, and am distressed by those who cultivate our fear, abuse religious language, and disregard personal liberties, ecology, and social welfare. I sometimes have expensive tastes, I value luxuries and appreciate quality, but I'm a casual guy with few real material needs. I love, trust, and respect my family, though I see them usually only once or twice each year. My dog and I are inseparable. I care about my students and consider many of them my friends. I am confident and capable; rarely do I feel inadequate to a task, unsafe, or particularly uncomfortable. I am affectionate, but not effusive. I am comfortable with my own body and sexuality. I love spontaneous, clever, and sweet romantic gestures – to make them and receive them. I have a somewhat dry wit that will never make me the life of the party, but I do experience life with a wonderful wry amusement. I try to stay physically active. Looking always for adventure, I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, running, biking, and other activities that test my athletic skill and allow me to enjoy the world.

Honesty is important to me, as are (curiously) straight teeth. I am looking for a woman who sends shivers up my spine with a glance. Confidence, intelligence, and creativity are sexy. Getting outdoors, camping, and a willingness to get dirty will make us fast friends. Optimally, we could converse about everything, including current events, politics, film and literature, sex, reality TV, and deep philosophical questions. I am looking for boldness, generosity of spirit, wit, and ambition.

Often a good blind date is pretty straightforward with opportunity for plenty of conversation. But I love creative dates. While the weather is good, it is nice to be outside. We could take a walk with my dog, go kayaking off Montrose Beach, picnic and watch a movie in the park, or just grab coffee at an outdoor cafe.