I had zero success in meeting women via "normal channels", so this seemed like the next thing to try. I'm not sure what it is I'm looking for, to be honest. I haven't tried my hand at a relationship since high school, so I don't think I'm really "rusty" so much as I am "totally hapless." So...here goes nothing!

First thing you should know about me, I rent the same bedroom I slept in during my high school years at my folks' home. If this is a problem for you, too bad. Truth is I'd rather give them my money than leave it with some scumbag landlord. My family is incredibly important to me and I have zero problem living with them for the present. I would hope that the woman I meet places a strong value on family, as well.

I work a retail job right now that affords me the ability to figure out what the hell I'm going to do with the rest of my days. My degree is political science but I found out that government servitude isn't my cup of tea. I tried teaching after that but found that I'm not really that good at it. While I'm presently directionless, I certainly don't lack for personal ambition...its just a matter of finding something to be ambitious for. Ambition (not conceit), intelligence, grace and class are traits I very much admire in a partner. She should have an open and slightly sarcastic sense of humor and have no problems with laughing often and easily at herself and others, too.

I've recently taken the first steps on the road to getting my currently overweight-by-about-50-lbs. body back into shape. It is good to be committed to this lifestyle again...but right now, my legs just hurt like hell (I'm a big baby sometimes). I enjoy outdoor activities and sports like swimming, camping, basketball and baseball. I'm also a big sports nut and loudly hoot and holler in support of the Celtics, Sox, Pats and B's. Also, I harbor a rather ridiculous ambition to take up gardening in the future. I think my ideal mate is someone who herself enjoys being active and putting her energy to good use through activities, sports, travel, or whatever else we can think of. I'm all for cuddling on the couch at night or taking in a movie or a show, too.

Food, drink, literature and music are the hobbies I'm most passionate about. Cooking isn't something I'm really awesome at, but I'm no slouch. I make a mean shrimp Mozambique, know my way around the grill and currently want to get a handle on decent homemade marinara and alfredo sauces. I read. I read a lot, actually. In fact, a day doesn't pass where I'm not at some point nose-deep in a book for a solid hour or two. I've got scores of favorite writers and books and could probably talk about them for hours. The same goes for music and musicians; I listen to anything that isn't post-1990's rap or hip-hop. I'm a drummer (currently drumkit-less) since the age of twelve and will soon be trying my hand on a 1970's classical acoustic guitar. While I'm not looking for the next Miss Julia Child or Stevie Nicks, I think my ideal mate is a creative type, someone conversant in subjects like art and music, who likes to cook and eat, and who can talk candidly about these things with the same sense of enjoyment that I get from them.

I think I've talked about myself enough at this point, probably too much. If you read all of that, you're a trooper. If you feel like you'd like to get to know me more, chances are great that I'd like to do just that with you :D

Could be anything, but some good conversation would have to be the centerpiece of the occasion. A walk or drive to absolutely nowhere, a random stop to meet for dinner or maybe just thirty stolen minutes in the middle of the day.