"Cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying 'yes' begins things. Saying 'yes' is how things grow. … 'Yes' is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say 'yes.' " -- Stephen Colbert

Yes, you are beautiful, and I want to be with you. Yes, I am interesting but like to listen, value your smarts just as much as your presence. I teach pilates for a living, and am in good shape but still lazy. I manage a greenhouse, I work with brilliant people at the U, and I help bring them down to earth. Worldly: I have traveled much, lived on all three coasts (does Texas count!?), lived on three continents, and come home to MN every time.

Books: good sci fi, economic/history, great fiction. Picture books: astronomy, ancient art, acupuncture, anatomy (no >blush not just THAT kind!), tai chi, feng shui (my house is a bit of a mess, but there's always lots going on!).

Movies: either funny or deep. Children of Men; Stranger than Paradise; George of the Jungle; Borat

Music, look out: multirhythmic ambient fun. Yes I work at a college (= alternarock) in a greenhouse (= country) and have a girl (= pop) and a boy (= metal ... erm, not so much). But I play bass and without r'n'b and hip hop I go a bit crazy. Seriously I love music!

Coffee, right! Or tea. Caffeine or chocolate to get me talking, get you talking, or maybe just take a walk around town, around a lake. Picnic at a beach (yes, I do like caviar, good cheese, fresh garden veggies). Bookstore, art museum, garden center/conservatory. Mall as last resort when its muggy or 20 below.

Yoga class is fun to break the ice. I like dance classes too but unsure if that's putting my best foot forward. (stumble > fall > laugh)

Out to eats: Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian (is there a pattern here?). Vegan at heart but love beef and fish too much to give it up.

Keep it simple, silly!