Yes it's long. Do you want honesty or brevity?

I'm separated. I say it up front. I really am Divorce bound, the papers will be getting filed hopefully this month (12-2009). This is for tax reasons not the lingering hope of reconciliation. That chapter of my life is closed.

I understand that for many of the wonderful ladies here that is a deal breaker, and I respect that. You have your reasons. But I have to be honest about my circumstances and I hope that doesn't stop someone for seeing the real me behind the "S" word.

I am interested in dating, but I regard good friends as one of life's essential needs, so even if we don't hit it off, I hope to keep as many friends as I can. So far I have found many.

My ultimate desire is to find a long term partner. I don't really do well in the casual/serial dating scene. That said, I am willing to take my time finding the right person. I don't want to wake up one day and realize I settled for less.

Who am I? The question sometimes becomes a matter of who you are. To others, I am friend, a lover, a dad, a co worker and many other things. The truth lies in between. I am all those things, plus a nerd, a geek and a passionate writer. I am an optimist and a cynic all trapped in the same skin.

I'm selfish and selfless in their own spaces. I am a musician, a poet and sometimes a sarcastic twit. A pseudo curmudgeon and a warm friendly voice. I am sensitive to other's needs and to my friends I give all. I also hug good, listen well and in general try not to judge others. I am a contradiction in other words, whole human and normal. In other words: Real.

For all you Myers Briggs fans I am ENFJ.

I have 4 kids, three of which are gone and the youngest (19) is still at home. She is my partner in crime and my collaborator in writing and other creative ideas. She and I are settled in our new place on the plateau and are happy as pigs in mud. Slightly cleaner, thank God. My kids and my large extended family are incredibly important, and their love and support are vital to my happiness. I am not joking on the large part of that, my family reunions are large, so if a large and boisterous but very friendly and accepting family is scary, be prepared.

My likes: I love music in most all forms. Rock, old and new, folk and country, classical, Celtic and new age all are in my Zune, as are gospel and heavy metal. Sorry, rap and opera haven't captured my attention. Opera might, but I doubt rap ever will.

I like movies but usually wait for the dvd (now blu ray) and watch at home, where my popcorn is just as good but much cheaper. I like action movies, chick flicks, belly laugh comedies and sci fi. Love the classic musicals, but I don't do the horror gig, or not often anyway.

Books are a huge element of my happiness as well. I read mostly sci fi, fantasy and gothic fiction, but also social and political commentary.

In my day job I am an operations analyst while I am a blogger/writer by night where, I write about politics, society, culture and my personal life all on the same pages.

I also love to play guitar (I have 11 guitars, so it is no casual hobby). I am not in a band, I just like creating music. I am slowly assembling enough gear to record my musical images.

And when not doing all of these things, I am rekindling my love long time of photography, now gone digital. I love sharing my pictures.

I am no prince charming, I have no white horse and shiny armour, and no glass slipper. I am not here to save or rescue anyone, I am too busy saving myself. And I don't seek someone to lean on and who can rescue me. I want a partner to walk with as an equal, to bring my strengths and merge them with yours, to be the yin to your yang.

I may look the biker, but I haven't actually had a bike since the early 90's. I plan to get one soon but for now my car suffices.

Yes I pack a few extra pounds. 9 years of offices and cubicles has taken a toll, but I am working on it. Be patient, I am a work in progress. (so far, almost 30 pounds gone).

Politically I am a very tolerant Independent Moderate Neo Libertarian Conservative. You figure it out. The point is that I have certain beliefs but I can accept that yours may not be the same, and I know when to agree to disagree without anger. And I am a disabled veteran of the Air Force who is very supportive of the military in all forms.

So who would I like to meet? I haven't had to go on a date in a long time, so be gentle. :)

First of all, I am a firm skeptic on the whole soul mate issue, but maybe I will meet someone and feel that Indescribable Wow and realize I am wrong.

Do I care about your weight? Not really. I just want you to be comfortable in your own skin. I am however a sucker for pretty eyes. A good sense of humor rocks and is a must. If you love British humour, or the insanity of Joss Whedan, that is a bonus. Huge props if you know the lyrics to Dr Horrible.

Do you have kids? I'd love to meet them. I admit, I never envisioned myself raising small ones again, but you having some is not an automatic deal breaker. It just depends on us and how we click.

Mostly though, are you someone who is interested in making a solid friendship the foundation of any growing relationship, and is willing to invest the time that takes? I'm in no hurry. I'd like to meet someone in a similar place along life's long road. Let's walk together for a while, and see what happens.

Probably pick a neutral and easy going place to meet, talk and enjoy a nice beverage. Best to be in a comfortable place where we can be ourselves. Maybe meet at Alki and walk a bit, or somewhere similar.

Let's hit the waterfront, walk to a local bookstore and browse, then take the underground tour. Or go walk around a swap meet and see what the other person is interested in.