I'm a pretty straight-shooter and think honesty is the best policy, even if it's a little painful sometimes. I have an offbeat (sometimes wicked) sense of humor that I realize not everyone appreciates. I've had several people tell me that I'm unlike anyone they've ever met before and I've taken that as a compliment, but I can see where perhaps it's not. :) I believe that one's ribs should not be visible unless you're at a barbeque place and they're on a platter slathered in sauce.

I like to try new things, so if you have a hobby that's a little off-the-wall but still legal, I'm probably game to explore it with you. Mainly, I'm here because I've never been too keen on the bar scene and even though I can be rather gregarious at times, it's a front for my inner shy self. I'm looking for someone that's sincere, honest, a bit goofy, responsible, and funny and likes that I'm all those things too.

Here are some important points that you may wish to exploit in order to get my phone number:

* I love to cook, try new recipes, and develop new ones. If you're willing to try a new recipe with me or do prep work in the kitchen with me--AWESOME.

* I love football and have been known to subscribe to NFL Sunday ticket and stay more or less parked in front of the TV on Sunday afternoons during football season. I would like to have someone that will cuddle with me on the sofa during games, but will also completely understand when I break the embrace to jump up & down and scream at the TV like a maniac. I play in a fantasy football league and I will talk smack if your buddy's fantasy quarterback is having an off day. I will also take it as well as I dish it out and not cry about it later or worry that your friends don't like me because of something that was said. Smack is smack, it's not to be taken personally and I get that. :D

* I like romantic gestures, big and small. Whether it's as simple as leaving me a love note or swallowing your pride to sing a song devoted to me during a night of karaoke, it's all good.

* Flowers--I like 'em, I know, what gal doesn't, right? Ok, maybe the ones with severe hayfever are not so keen, but I'm not one of them. I'm not a fan of red roses or daisies, but otherwise, I'm good. I'd be especially impressed if you managed to find confetti roses (my favorite, but rarely in stock at most florists).

* Backrubs are my version of porn. The better and longer the backrub, the greater the possibility that I will flip over. ;)

* I don't make guys go to chick flicks (unless they're super enthusiastic about them, but even then, they better cry a whole lot less than I do). That said, I'm not so keen on movies that center on the special effects. In general, I'm a sucker for a good plot, sharp-witted dialogue, suspense, and good acting.

* I like doing romantic things for my partner and understand that a guy's idea of a romantic gesture is different than mine. However, some that I've done in the past that seemed successful included sending food (already paid for)when he was working late, sending his mom flowers on her birthday when he forgot it and letting him have the credit, and filling in as a token chick for his co-ed softball team so they wouldn't have to forfeit.

* I am NOT one of those girls that says she loves spontaneity and then gets pissed off that you didn't take her to her favorite restaurant and the movie she's been telling you she wanted to see for the past 3 weeks.

* I'm the kinda gal that will hold the flashlight while you dig up worms to go fishing, but make sure there's some kind of fruity-girly beverage in the cooler if I go fishing with you. :)

* If you opt to take me to your company Christmas party-I will get all dolled up, act like a lady, not get drunk, and not flirt with your boss (unless you think it might get you a raise). If you opt to get drunk and wind up doing something dumb, I will politely apologize on your behalf, get you out of there before you do collateral damage to your career, drive you home, put you to bed, and not use it against you if we have a fight 3 months later.

In summation, I'm a great girlfriend, lots of fun, good cook, and willing to try all kinds of new things. So I hope you reply and worst case, you decide to be that guy friend that never sleeps with me, but feels me up whenever you've had one too many.

For me, a perfect first date is one where we both already like each other enough to be nervous going in, but then have something goofy happen that breaks the ice and we both laugh about it. The "what" we do isn't as important as how much we enjoy ourselves. I've been on first dates that many would have noted as "perfect"--lovely meal, enjoyable entertainment, but we were both miserable because we just didn't enjoy each other that much. I've been on other, less complicated, first dates and had a great time because the two of us got along well and had fun together.

To give a more direct answer, a picnic on a beautiful day or miniature golf or horseback riding or just a simple movie & dinner date all work for me. Relax, be yourself, let loose and have fun and we'll be fine.