Where to start? I'm 37, never been married. I like to get out, but not to places where you meet singles- I enjoy concerts, Rays games, dining out & trying new/interesting foods, etc. Not so much into the bar or club scene, but I do enjoy a good game of darts or billiards, regardless of the fact that I have limited skills in either pursuit.

I used to be almost painfully shy. I've learned to be less so now, but I do have a quiet, reserved personality most of the time. Don't mistake that for not enjoying life- I just do so more quietly than most. lol

I listen to music everywhere I go. My taste is varied, but nothing out of the ordinary. I prefer almost anything that can be categorized under the greater "rock and roll" umbrella, from classic rock (Queen) to hair metal (Def Leppard), to oldies (Beatles) & plain old rock- like Hootie and the Blowfish. I also enjoy classical music, folk music, and some jazz. I listen to some newer artists, but it's hit & miss. The only things I don't get into are rap/hip-hop and country, although I have been known to tolerate country for the sake of others. ;-)

I love going to movies. I'll see darned near anything, as long as there's no chance of Jack Black or Sacha Baron Cohen appearing on screen. I especially enjoy historical dramas like Rob Roy or Braveheart, comedies (even romantic ones- don't tell the guys!), sci-fi, action, horror, or nearly anythign else- a good movie is s good movie, regardless of genre.

I'm not a very religious person. I have been known to describe myself as a recovering Catholic. I am not anti-religious; it's just that organized religion is not for me. I have no problem dating someone who is religious, as long as they don't expect me to follow them to services more often than maybe Easter & Christmas.

I'm not a person who likes big crowds & lots of noise. I prefer smaller, quieter gatherings; an intimate coffee house or pub with a little live acoustic guitar or piano, etc.

I was a voracious reader as a teen. I still read now, but keep my habit in check. 4-6 good novels a year. Currently chewing my way thru several classic novels I never did get assigned in high school. Just finished "1984." Working on "A Brave New World." After that, I get to "Atlas Shrugged," "Catch-22," and "Slaughterhouse Five." Last year, I read most of the Jason Bourne series.

At the beginning of 2009, I was very much overweight. I've lost 80-90 pounds from January to June, with a goal to lose 40 more. So no, I am not Mr. GQ, but I'm getting back to respectability and it feels good. But I am definitely a work in progress.

I tend to be a casual dress kinda guy. I live in nice, presentable jeans and either a nice t-shirt, golf/polo shirt, or dress shirt. I usually only own one pair of dress pants, reserved for special occasions. I suppose if I had more special occasions, I would own more dress clothes.

This may sound geeky, and I am a bit of a geek, but this isn't as weird as it sounds... I am a member of a MINI Cooper car club called Sunshine MINIs. I no longer own a MINI, but "SSM" is such a fun, social club that I stick around. Great people, lots of fun, we go on road trips, gather for dinner & drinks, etc., etc. (I drive a Mazdaspeed3 now, by the way)

My politics are Libertarian. That means that I think Republicans are too liberal on the economy and Democrats are too conservative on social issues. I don't toss politics around in everyday discussion, because who wants to hear it? But if you want to hear it, I'll chat.

I currently work the graveyard shift for the local telephone company here in Tampa. I don't have to work this shift, but I enjoy it. That does, however, limit my social availability to Friday & Saturday nights. Any other time, I need to plan ahead, and Sun-Thur I have to be in Temple Terrace for work by 11pm. If I ever find this schedule inconvenient, I can change it within a few weeks.

I'm a bit old-fashioned in my values and attitudes about many things. I believe in chivalry to the point of opening doors for ladies, helping a lady take her seat in a restaurant, or playing pack mule while a lady shops. But I don't expect a woman to be subservient to a man in any way- I won't presume to order dinner for a lady, and I'll always let a lady take the lead on expanding boundaries in communication, shows of affection, and so forth. I'm old fashioned enough to assume that I am paying for a date, but if the lady insists on going dutch or treating me at times, I am modern enough to accept that as well.

I tend to be generous with my time and efforts for people I care about, whether they be family or friends. Some friends think I am too giving at times, but I would rather be too giving than stingy.

Finally, let me say that if I view your profile but do not contact you right away, it does not necessarily connote a lack of interest on my part. There are just times when one doesn't have sufficient time to write a proper introduction, or perhaps just can't think of something to write that will make an impression.

Wow... first date... so much pressure. I don't have an ideal first date experience. I have gone all out, and I have just done dinner & a movie. Movies are horrible first dates. Duh. I think the main thing for a first date is to stay in a situation where you can get to know each other- easy conversation. Dinner out someplace nice, like the Melting Pot. Maybe coffee or a drink afterwards, or a casual walk along the Pier in Saint Pete, etc. I'd be open to all sorts of possibilities for first (or 2nd, 3rd...) dates.