Just Another Organism Trying to Make it to the End of My Existence. Pretty sure I can do it. Quality companionship along the way wouldn't be bad.

Random Stuff about Me: Coming into my own as a human (through parenthood) and professionally (business doing well), but kind of lost right now in the relationship dept. Devoted Dad of 2-yr old daughter. On board of daughter’s daycare. Play on a couple of hockey teams. Run a one-man real estate brokerage, primarily commercial. Pursuing CCIM. Previously in banking (commercial lending). Notre Dame Grad 88. Great Books. Peace Corps, Fiji, Fish-farming, early 90’s. Owner of Bristol Bay salmon permit. Born and raised in Alaska. 96 Geo Metro: Drive a very underwhelming car, which I’ve owned for 10 years+. Paid cash. Active in local Chamber of Commerce. October Ambassador of Month! Active in high school reunion and alumni events. Two great, younger sisters who consistently inspire me. Ran for State Senate in 2000. Whupped bad in Democratic primary, but got kudos for money raised and door-knocking. Will admit mistakes and say sorry. Will often do a surpising 180. But it may take a day or two, because I am strong-willed. Once I cool down, I will realize I was wrong and admit it. Prior to my daughter, was president of a condo association and a local community council. (Cut back on those activities.) Once ran naked, covered in Mustard, down the middle of main street Seldovia on a Solstice day. Mustard Man. Wasn’t really drunk. Homeowner. Have recorded my finances on Quicken for at least 10 years. Every dollar. Saver. Investor. Book reader. Goofball. Landlord of roommates living in my house. Ties to Chicago, Juneau. Love the outdoors. Hiking, walking, camping. Love music, movies, researching the ones that fire me up. Best Album that I think most people haven't heard: that's impossible. Some suggestions: Dire Straits: Communique or Dire Straits. C.C. Adcock: Lafayette Marquis or C.C. Adcock. Junior Wells: Hoodoo Man Blues. Horses by Patti Smith. I really like Play by Moby, but everyone has heard that. Beasties. Quite critical of myself.

Principles. Here’s some stuff I believe:

Chemistry or the lack thereof is important but generally over-rated. And we can’t escape this fact.

I’m looking for an extraordinary woman, and being extraordinary doesn’t have much to do with how she looks.

Finding a good woman is probably as hard as finding a good man.

Things like character, quiet dignity, honesty, loyalty, warmth, integrity don’t show up right away. That’s why chemistry can be fool’s gold. A lot of Posers specialize in first impressions. A lot of people who are the real deal sabotage themselves by not taking first impressions seriously enough. I’ve done that most of my life. I’m trying to do better.

Physical beauty isn’t a bad thing, but it’s over-rated, too, and we can’t personally escape its effects, either. But I’m trying to see past that.

Doing what you say is extremely important. If you can't do what you say, then we all should communicate directly and as soon as possible about why we won't be able to come through. This goes for big stuff, and small stuff, and all relationships (casual, business, close, friends, family, strangers, etc.)

We've all had our share, and been responsible, for flaky behavior. Flaky behavior is either rooted in selfishness or cluelessness.

Can you handle complete honesty? Do you pay it lip service, but ultimately resent it? Or, do you see the flip side and appreciate it, even though sometimes it's ugly?

We get a hell of a lot more out of life when we take care of the equipment.

If you’re an evangelical Christian, or live in this country and have chosen to be a Republican, sorry, it just won't work.

It’s probably best if you aren’t religious at all or atheist or agnostic, because I’m atheist, and those kinds of decisions about the nature of the universe, god, and our mortality are central to who we are. I very well might be wrong with my guess, and so might everyone else. That’s why it’s ridiculous for people to walk around thinking they have a monopoly on the truth.

It’s super important to have fun. Pretty much all the time.

We’re all pretty predictable products of the culture we grew up in.

When all is said and done, this life, and our relationships, are all that we have. At least that’s what I believe.

It’s funny how a lot of the single people without kids are infatuated with themselves and their personal indulgence, be it in travel or retail or even healthy things like adventure, self-fulfillment, etc. It’s different when you have a kid or kids, as now it’s all about living for them. So, I guess I kind of reject the rampant self-indulgence I see in our culture and am either looking for the exception, or am looking for someone who is as devoted to her kid(s) as I am mine and is looking for true love and, just as importantly, a supportive partner.

Having been through my fair share of good, bad, and mediocre relationships (but having been unwise, overall, in my choices), here's some guidelines for what I'm looking for. With the understanding that my track record says I'm clueless and shouldn't even pay attention to these:

In no particular order:
Likes people, social.
Supportive. Interested in me. Asks about me. Encourages me. Not all the time, but at least every once in awhile.
Long-term thinker.
Independent thinker.
Understands and is committed to the team.
Won't rule out good-looking. Part of me is suspicious of the beautiful people, though.
Someone I respect and who inspires.
Active.
Probably White or Latina.
Has kids or wants kids.
I get to meet her Mom, and will probably like her. If not, it's a red flag. And my sisters have to like whoever it is I end up with.
Likes my daughter, and doesn't see her as competition. Strong possibility that a solid relationship can grow there.
Not materialistic. People, relationships, and memories are ultimately what it's all about.
Not resentful.
Reflective, on life and self. Curious & observant.
Able to say sorry.
Is fun. Likes fun. Laughs.
Practical.
Probably college educated. Reads.
Complex. Hard to quantify.

Something casual, fun, and different. I'll come up with something, and am game for about most anything.