I moved to Chicago about a year ago to get my masters in art education after spending several years in Boston working at a bilingual (French-English) international school. I respect people who follow their passions and interests (whatever those are!) when choosing their work and what they do when the work is over for the day.

I believe in a balance between routine and new experiences in life, whether that means discovering a new neighborhood in the city or a country halfway around the world. The same goes for people...I love spending time with a person who knows me inside and out, but there is nothing more exciting than meeting someone new and hearing the stories that make up their life.

My ideal summer day includes a swim in the lake or ocean and then sitting in the sun with a novel in hand. I like to see live music, preferably folk or world (I love West African as I spent some time abroad there), and especially outdoors. I enjoy cooking and trying new foods - a recent favorite of mine is cactus. I'd love to successfully grow food someday even though I don't have a natural green thumb. I'd also like to spend a few months in a Spanish-speaking country to really learn the language...

My ideal partner and I should share basic values but offer each other new perspectives that will help us both grow. Said partner would also support my goal of not taking life too seriously. It wouldn't hurt if, in addition, he were handsome, charming, and witty.

An afternoon or evening drink at a low-key independent coffee shop where it's quiet and we can talk.