It always feels a little weird to me writing these sorts of things. Like I'm running for office or something:) Anyway, I just recently turned 30 and although I didn't have anything close to a melt down, I have been evaluating where I am in life. To be honest, I've been evaluating my entire life... some times to a fault, but its that evaluating that has brought me to Chicago. I recently moved here from Rhode Island for work. The reason I chose to come to Chicago was 99% related to my family. I am originally from Michigan but have been living in Rhode Island for the past 3 years. Both my brother and sister live in Chicago as does a close cousin and I can't express how happy I am to be close to them again. The fact that I love my job is just a bonus:)

My family is probably the most important thing to me. I have a large extended family but we are all so close, they really aren't extended at all. For example, 25 of us went on a cruise together this past spring and last summer, we had 28 relatives in one house for a week on cape cod.

I get to spend my work days hanging out with kids and I absolutely love my job. It allows my goofy side to come through as well as keeps me young. I tend to be very passionate about my job and kids no matter what the setting and need to be with someone who also has a passion for kids... or at the least, isn't freaked out by them:)

I tend to be the responsible one but as I get older, I'm starting to appreciate the need for spontaneity and just going with the flow. I've always been very independent and driven and my parents have instilled self reliance into all of us from day one. Yet, I truly appreciate and value friendships and relationships. I believe in quality vs quantity and have been very fortunate to make 1 or 2 amazing friends at each stage of my life.

I have many hobbies that I'm passionate about as well. I love to run, although I'm a little behind at the moment. I love most sports but soccer is my favorite. I've played since I was 5 and was fortunate enough to play in college. I love to read. I'll read just about anything but lately I've been gravitating towards historical fiction. I do my best to play guitar but I'll never claim to be any good:) I've also done a fair amount of traveling but that itch never seems to get scratched enough. My most recent trip was to the Dominican Republic this past January but have been to Japan and to a lot of Europe as well. I'm trying very hard to plan a motorcycle trip of northern Africa for next summer with my Dad... And I'll be the one trying to keep up with him:)

So as far as what I am looking for... I'm at the point in my life where I feel I am ready, but not in a hurry to find that someone. Meaning, I'm not going to run away from a good relationship if it presents itself and I'm not going to settle either. I feel I'm a good catch, as does my mom:), and now I'm looking for the same in someone else.

Well I hope you have read something to grab your interest! If so, I'd love to hear from you. If not, good luck with your search!

There seems to be no end to things to do in the city. Being new to the area, I am up for just about anything. With the weather turning colder, now feels like a good time to explore all of the city's museums. Of course I would have to mention all of the amazing restaurants Chicago has to offer. Although eating out with my siblings is fantastic, I just think it would be all that much better enjoying a meal with an intelligent, attractive, well spoken, funny, and motivated woman:)