"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."

I am not materialistic. I would rather receive a gift from the heart than jewelry. I try to be nice to everyone. If I make eye contact with someone, I always smile at them. The world is full of too many rude, mean people. If I can make someone smile, it makes my day. I have a great sense of humor. I am a very responsible person but definately know how to have fun. I LOVE music and have a weakness for musicians! I think long hair on a man is SEXY!!

I consider myself to be an intelligent person. I love to do research and learn new things. I am a Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings NERD! I love watching movies and have a very large (over 600 DVDs) collection.

I like anything to do with the outdoors. I try to go out with friends at least twice a month. I LOVE boxing! I like to sing. I am an avid reader. I sometimes read 2 books at once. Well, not at the exact same time, but I will have a book at work to read during my lunch and a book at home to read in my spare time. My favorite book is "The Sirens of Titan" by Kurt Vonnegut. My work hours are not very good at the moment, but will hopefully change within the next couple of months. I work swing shift and weekends. I love camping, boating, hiking, water skiing, etc. I love going to concerts or even just going to a bar to catch a local band. I prefer Rock and Metal but really like all music in general except Hip Hop. I'm not really into Country music. Not that it isn't good music, it just isn't my preference.

I am very independent and can not handle being smothered. I love giving and receiving affection but need someone who understands that everyone needs a little space to be the person that they are.

I have 2 grown daughters who are on their own. I also have a 12 year old son at home with me full time. I enjoy my single life, but have recently been feeling that I may be missing out on sharing my life with that special someone. Problem is, I can't seem to find the right man. My daughters tell me that I am too picky. I don't agree. I just don't want to "settle" for anyone. It takes time to build a strong relationship but I believe that when 2 people meet, the spark is either there right away or it never will be.

By the way, I have heard that there are a lot of people on here who post pics that don't really look like them. I can not understand why someone would do that. How would you explain it when you finally meet someone face to face? Honesty is VERY important to me. If you will lie about the small things, that tells me you will lie about anything.

I can promise that my pics are all current and that is what I really look like. I am not very photogenic, so if anything, I look a little better in person. I know I am no beauty queen but at least my photos portray me accurately.

First date.... I definately need to get to know someone a little before I meet with them. I am a very outgoing person but tend to be a little shy when I first meet a guy that I am attracted to. Getting to know each other a little bit online and on the phone is a must for me before meeting. I think a first date at the zoo or a museum would be nice. It opens the door for conversation for those of us who can be shy at first. Of course, the old stand by, meeting for drinks, is fine with me!