So this is where I try to make you like me, huh? All in a few short paragraphs...

Overall I'd say that I'm easygoing and down-to-earth. Hmm. That makes me sound kind of boring. I'm pretty sure that I'm not, though. I'm reasonably well-traveled, but I plan on becoming much more so. I've lived overseas. I love good food. I'm always happy to try something new. I have a fairly well-developed sense of adventure. I prefer spontaneous to overly planned-out. I like it when things go wrong, sometimes, just for the challenge of trying to make them right again. I'm messy. Someone once told me that this is a sign of a free spirit, and I cling to that every time my piles threaten to consume me. I'm somewhere between outgoing and shy. An introverted extrovert? An extroverted introvert? Really, it all just depends on the situation, my mood, and how many drinks I've had.

I've seen quite a few people say that they work hard and play hard. While that's often true for me, I'd also add that I like to relax hard as well. I guess what I'm saying is that although I'm pretty active and like to get outside and keep busy in general, I also love spending a quiet day with a good book or watching a TV series on DVD, or just hanging out with someone whose company I enjoy. Sometimes it's good just to be sitting down, you know?

As for what I'm looking for - how about a list?
-I'm attracted to guys who are creative in some way
-Being passably fit doesn't hurt. Being obsessed with your abs/pecs/lats/whatever, on the other hand, does.
-Some common interests would be cool. It'd be great to have a hiking/snowboarding partner. Or you could teach me to surf; that's next on my list of things to learn.
-Intelligence is a must!
-Sense of humour: also a must. Not saying that you need to be a comedian, just don't take life too seriously.
-I'm most likely going to judge you on your spelling. I'm sorry, it's harsh, I know. I'm a jerk. Oh, and textspeak makes my brain bleed.
-Speaking of senses of humour, mine can veer towards the inappropriate once I get comfortable with someone. So I would recommend that you not be too easily offended.
-Have something in your life that you're passionate about. Anything, really.
-Emotional maturity, affection, curiosity, independence, optimism, a desire to see the world - these are all good things too. Obviously.

So yeah, what else is there to say, really? If you think we'd be a good match, drop me a line!

I'm going to have to go with coffee on this one. Unoriginal, I know - but I think that when you're meeting someone online, the first encounter is more of a screening interview. Just so you don't, you know, get stuck in a less easily escapable situation with someone who makes you want to spontaneously combust with barely-suppressed irritation. Or dissolve into a puddle of bored tears.