Hello and thanks for dropping by...

I am an outgoing, free-spirited, independent woman who lives life to it's fullest. I have great friends and family with whom I have shared so many good times, laughs, adventures and experiences. As such, trouble can sometime lurk around the corner - blame my friends! Love to dine out but also love to cook in. But having said that, I can only admit to be an 'aspiring great cook' (garlic and red wine being key ingredients) and will tackle baking when required (chocolate always a main ingredient) - have been told I make amazing chocolate chips cookies.

I am a senior manager in the financial services industry, working for a terrific organization. Really love my job and have a strong work ...and play ethic :-).

For fun? Like the movies. Big fan of action, adventure, mystery (yes...the odd chick flick), science fiction - loved the Lord of The Rings series. Enjoy music – Latin, jazz, easy listening, celtic, contemporary, new age and classical. Some rock. Some club. Not much country - ok...maybe a bit of Garth Brooks and Faith Hill...

I like to live a healthy, active lifestyle and stay fit by working out and running (did the Toronto Half Marathon in Oct 09 - plan to do the Ottawa Half in May 2010 and the Army Half M in Sept 2010)and mountain biking. This summer I joined a boot camp with friends - it killed us but we had a good laugh..totally at our own expense. Not a golfer but could be persuaded to learn the game – really! LOVE to drive the golf cart. Promise to stay off the green (apparently that's a rule? :-0))

My passions run the gambit - socializing with close friends, good wine, reading, creative writing (working on a novel), photography and gardening.

Love to travel. Usually rent a house in the south of France. In May I was in Italy and was in Spain in September (09). Off to Holland and Italy in May 2010, France in Sept. In the winter, if I am not up north skiing, it’s spending time with friends and ‘chillaxing’ in front of my fireplace.

I am looking for someone with whom to share some fun - that makes for a great start to...who knows...maybe that long term adventure? Someone who has a sense of humour (this is a deal breaker!), outgoing, grounded and appreciates the concept of celebrating relationships. Someone who is independent, with strong values, enjoys life, loves to laugh, loves to love and is ready to explore a new relationship...and have a great lady in their life (that would be me - lol!). I would hope that this person has had positive relationships and influences in his life (friends, family), no lingering issues/emotional 'baggage' (and would expect that he would be looking for the same in a woman) and is ready to move forward in their personal life. I don't have children but welcome them into my life (and I do understand that dating a dad with kids means 'smart schedule management' - no problem :-).

I am hoping to meet someone who shares some of my interests, but not all...differences can be a good thing!

BTW - in all honesty, I am not looking for a penpal. I enjoy a few email exchanges and then just meet face to face.

Thanks!

For a first date...whatever works!