Life is like a recipe, we're given the basic ingredients at birth and as we move along, we add our own little touches to make it our own. How the final product (life) turns out, depends on us and what we've added or removed from the mix!

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, I’ve never left, why, it’s paradise! I work for an education reference publisher, I'm surrounded by history/social studies/scient/pop culture books and I love it! I am a very down to earth, easy going, affectionate, passionate/sensual person. I'm prim and proper and always a lady, however don't be surprised by my wild side. I am me and nothing more; I don’t conform or change to meet anyone’s standards. I live my life, love my life and I laugh a lot. I'm extremely independent, driven and I don't sweat the small stuff, I take things in stride. Life is complicated enough, I hate self-imposed drama, I don’t get it! I'm quiet if need be, outspoken if the occasion calls for it. I have no tolerance for stupidity or mean, disrespectful people, compassion and empathy are important to me. I'm flawed but that makes me the person that I am and I've learned to appreciate that about myself. There is no perfect person, we ALL have flaws, but they are what make us unique. We need to learn to never judge a book by its cover and be kind to one another, no matter what our differences. As a whole, people are diverse and we just need to deal with it, if we were all the same, life would be so boring.

I have two children and they are my heart and soul, I share 50/50 custody and they are with me every other week. They have a father and that's not what I'm looking for on here. They come above all else and I don't introduce just anyone to them, it takes time to get to that point with me, call me overprotective or really, just call me a mother. I will never dump my kids at the sitter to go out on a date, when they are with me, they are all that matters. If you consider kids (and two cats) “baggage”, then I'm not the one for you.

I work hard, sometimes bringing my work home with me but that's just me, it doesn't mean I can't play just as hard, I simply take my job very seriously.

I'm a "girly-girl", meaning that 99.9% of the time you'll find me in 5 inch heels and skirts. On the flip side, I love Football, college and pro, more so college; less drama with the players! I enjoy NASCAR, UFC, Boxing and yes, I even sit and watch Sportscenter - why not? I'm comfortable just sitting back, drinking a beer and watching a football game or tailgating - in heels, of course :) I love music, mostly classic rock, Led Zeppelin especially, also like Linkin Park & Metallica.

I love the outdoors, whether its walk on the beach or on a hiking trail or camping, I love it. And yes, if I go camping, the blow dryer and toiletries stay at home, come on now, I'm roughing it! I hit the gym for cardio -kickboxing and strength training at least 5 times a week. Kicking and punching bags is a great way to de-stress!

There's always room for us to improve ourselves but right now I'm comfortable with who I am, what I am and how I am, be it sexually, emotionally, or in general. I'll never be a size 2 but I've learned to embrace the curves I was given, at least I look healthy!

I firmly believe that: we should do what makes us happy regardless of what people think; when we start listening to other people's opinions we tend to forget who we are. Life sucks sometimes but we learn to deal with it, realistically we're never given more than we can handle and if we are, we handle it! Laughter cures any ailment; there are times when we just have to laugh at ourselves. Splashing in rain puddles isn't just for children. It's okay to act like a child because really, they see things clearer than adults. If you think about it, life is pretty absurd, but its too short to let it pass you by! So, live every day as if it were your last, and never take anything or anyone for granted. Never regret or look back on what could have been, focus on what will be, remember that the past is PASSED. Don't let opportunities or people pass you by or else you'll forever wonder if that was the one.

Realistically, I’d like a man that is himself, comfortable with who he is and what he has. I’d like a caring, genuine, kind hearted, respectful person that loves, loves to laugh!. Someone that will walk beside me, not in front of or behind me, but always next to me. I’d also like to have someone that isn’t afraid to communicate, that includes equal parts of talking and listening. We all have an attraction to a certain look or personality and if you say you don’t, well I think you’re deceiving yourself.

It's mutual and it really depends on both parties. First dates are your "interview", you're getting to know each other and seeing if there's potential beyond that first meeting. Some people you click with right away, others it takes time. Since conversation beyond "Hi I'm...Nice to meet you" is important, somewhere quiet...with a drink at hand is nice!