Previously married but not in contact with the ex since 1994. I enjoy a good movie as well as a good meal (esp. Italian), which I can cook myself(Italian descent). I prefer the company of an intelligent and independent woman; and can appreciate a touch of sarcastic wit. I work hard and have my own house which I plan to own outright within 10 years(no other debts). I am frugal and I save for a rainy day, but I'm no scrooge! I don't like clingy, neurotic people but I do like to cuddle when I'm with someone I'm close to. I was in band and orchestra during my high school years so my taste in music is wide and only limited by the mood I'm in. My all time favorite artists are The Moody Blues and Enya. Yes, I am a bit large but I am losing weight to keep my health, but I don't intend to weigh less than 200. I don't need a coach or Doctor to help me with that. That said, I prefer women who aren't anorexic but actually a bit on the large side because I think model types are too bony and fragile. I'm more attracted to athletic to voluptuous body types; and multiracial is a plus as well. To me, pale white skin is sickly. I do exercise...not often enough but I am working on that, too. In fact that is something I would like to be able to do with my soul mate; exercise together. I'm not really into dancing much but I do like the occasional slow dance. I'm a reformed smoker (16 years) and 100% drug free. I've never been to prison or jail. I've never been bankrupt. I'm a responsible man but I still manage to have fun in life despite a few bumps and scrapes. I've been halfway around the world with the Navy (14 years). I plan to see the rest when I retire from my civilian job. I want to explore this country from coast to coast within the next ten years since most of my life has been on the East Coast. Would you like to come with me to see the wonders of this land?
To summarize myself I'd have to say I try daily to learn something new, I strive for success in anything important to me (anything worth doing is worth doing well), I always plan to survive, and family always comes first.

I figure we're both adults, not a couple of nervous adolescents with heads full of romantic notions (nothing against romance). So if dinner and a movie is too cliche, then having a first date with me would be no way..LOL. Just kidding with that last statement but as you can see, a sense of humor is an important characteristic for me and my soul mate to have. The first date with me would be more of a meet and greet deal since we're just getting know each other; meeting for coffee or lunch in public would be a good first time out. We have time for the romance and intimacy later as the relationship develops. I'm looking for a lifetime relation here. If we meet at night; I figure a nice meal at Joe's Crab Shack or Texas Roadhouse (my favorites) would give us the space we'd need to converse and become acquainted while in a comfortable atmosphere. If there's time after dinner we could check out the latest comedy in theaters or local comedy clubs. I feel that the ability to laugh and a good sense of humor is important in any relationship as well as life.