I'm a lovable, fun, slightly serious, very teasable, passionate, and generally happy-with-my-life woman. For the past 8 years I have been a high school science teacher and I love what I do--there is never a dull day! I'm active in the union, mainly as an advocate for teachers, and I'm a national board certification candidate (for those men out there who know what that means). However, I do love my vacations so that I can travel (drove across country one year and to Yellowstone another), volunteer (I'm a volunteer zookeeper with giraffes this summer), and read, read, read. In between everything, there are active walks around reservoirs, writing (I will get that romance novel finished one day!), hanging out with my 10 year-old daughter, and having friends over for dinner.

I very rarely get caught up in drama and the simple things in life are the most wonderful. Yes, I enjoy the excitement of going out dancing with friends, or singing karaoke in a bar (I prefer doing this sober to REALLY get the adrenaline coursing through me). But I'm most comfortable going to the movies or ordering in Chinese and ending the evening with cuddling on the couch.

Someday I will find that man who makes my body and soul sing. I would love to be married, at 38 I finally think I'm ready to settle down. :-) I'm looking for a partner who likes to share the joys and simple day-to-day events with me, someone who is not afraid to hold me if I cry (I cry at movies all the time, not as much at real life), or laugh at himself if he's playfully teased. A massage occasionally (both giver and receiver) is a must. A communicator, even when it's not so easy. Body type or ethnic background is not an important factor for me--I know that surprises come in any size, color, origination.

Music? I love music and am sad that there is not enough hours in the day (or week, for that matter) to listen to all the music I have. All types, depending on my mood. I have a playlist for cleaning (John Denver, Simon & Garfunkle, Fleetwood Mac), making love (Barry White, Black Eyed Peas, George Michael, Norah Jones, Pitbull, Prince), feeling happy (Beatles, UB40, Keb'Mo', Al Green, Beyonce), and the occasional country music mood.

OK, so that is plenty about me. I want to know about you. What are you looking for? What's your favorite season? Favorite book you have ever read? Favorite color? I'm sure you get the picture. . . .

Let's assume that this is the 2nd time we've met (after the meeting at Starbucks to make sure that I'm not some psycho). I'm slightly old fashioned and a romantic. Eating out, something ethnic or unique. Maybe a walk or sitting on a bench watching people walk by. A single flower would be lovely. Second and third dates are for the zoo, hiking, maybe a museum, dinner at one of our homes. . . .