I don't really have traditional hobbies. I mostly enjoy writing and exercising in my spare time. My goals have mostly been accomplished in regards to my educational aspirations. However, I plan to teach full-time at the college/university level in the next 3 years, and complete a book I am writing based on my doctoral focus. I also plan to finish a series of books I am writing for urban teens by the end of this year. I would like to retire from teaching and spend all my time writing, but that is in 'dream status' at the moment.

I have very eclectic tastes in music and love the arts, musuems, and plays. I am comfortable in casual and formal settings, but on the weekends I prefer to let my hair down, and get to the beach, or walking in Central Park. My most favorite places to spend my free time is any park enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, or camping,boating/fishing with friends. I love to be anywhere near water! (*smile*). Greenwich Village is always great too...bistro dining, jazz clubs, comedy clubs, or sitting back and listening to live music of any kind soothes my soul as much as nature. Moonlit walks on the beach, candlelight cozy dinners, and just relaxing and enjoying the company of a man that is a great conversationalist can be nice too. I am very affectionate and love long,lingering kisses and holding hands while out and about. I tend to be a 'touchy-feely' sensuous woman, and when atracted to a man I like to feel him near me. So please don't be surprised if I make the first move and hold your hand or put my arm around yours while walking...or if I make a move for that first kiss! (*wink*)

What makes me unique? Not sure because it is often difficult to self-assess oneself. But I can say I have a healthy sense of humor, and am a basically care-free person that tries to not take myself too seriously. Humor helps to keep me grounded, and not think too much of myself...thus I have no laundry list of expectations when dating. There is much to be said for 'going with the flow', and not getting too wrapped up in girlish fantasies of what the 'relationship pundits' extol as the 'perfect man'. I prefer to create my own idea of perfection and keep an open mind. I know what I like and trust my gut feelings, not what some 'relationship gurus' say. I have eclectic tastes in men, and never follow trends nor pay attention to those girlie mags anyway!(*smile*)

First dates can be the scariest part of dating. Deciding where to meet, what to do, what to wear, etc...etc...etc, can be a huge hurdle to overcome. Which is why I prefer casual meets for a first date; lunch or a light dinner and an opportunity for walking and talking...if both of us agree that spending more time together would be nice :)