Life happens, whether you plan for it or not. As someone who has so much for which to be thankful, my glass is much more than half-full -- meaning I have plenty to share with others in my life. My greatest joy comes from interaction with friends, family and the guy standing in line at the DMV or the gal who makes my sandwich every day at Subway.

Everyone has a story to tell, if you only take the time to listen. At this stage in my life, I still have so much to learn -- and what better way than to ask someone else to share their life experiences with you? A devoted father of two, experience has taught me that life is all about second chances ... if you don't follow that philosophy, then we probably won't get along very well.

I live my life with conviction (as in, I know who I am and where I want to go) and confidence (not arrogance), and look forward to the possibilities life has to offer, rather than dwell on the past. I'm blessed with two amazing children, a daugther 13 and son 11, born on the same day two years apart. Both are smart, athletic and share their father's knack for making making friends and nurturing relationships.

I'm an active person who enjoys just about any outdoor activity, but I also know how to slow down long enough to truly enjoy the moment.

You won't find me on the couch with a TV remote on very many weekends, unless it's pouring outside. Even then, I may be out in the driveway shooting baskets in the rain.

Who am I? I'm a simple man in many respects, who openly shares his life with others. My faith is very important to me, and hopefully is reflected in my everyday life. I try to respect and appreciate people for who they are, instead of who I want them to be ... everyone is different, and I tend to celebrate what we have in common, rather than focus on our differences.

I'm creative, athletic and happy with who I am at this point in my life. Do I have it all figured out? Of course not, but that's what makes life so interesting, isn't it? I enjoy adventure and tackling the things in life in which the outcome isn't predetermined.

Through my life, I have assembled an amazing network of trusted friends. While far from perfect, my closest friends would describe me as fun-loving, cheerful, optimistic, loyal, open and honest, and as someone who truly takes an interest in the lives of other people. Born with an ability to laugh at nearly anything (mostly at myself), I hardly ever meet a stranger. Mostly, I enjoy encouraging people to believe in themselves and celebrate the talents and gifts that make them truly unique in this world.

While I don't watch much TV, I do tape Seinfeld and Fraser, along with Law & Order. I enjoy movies (except foreign films) and try to read at least one book every month -- mostly autobiographical, inspirational or business-related material.

Fireplaces, campfires, the smell of freshly-cut grass and wood burning in the winter-time are some of my favorite things.

At this point in my life, I'm drawn to people with an optimistic view of life, who want to see and experience all that life has to offer while creating fun and adventure along the way. Someone who loves to laugh, yet can talk for hours on a deeper level, as well.

A good match would be someone who wants to truly share their life with someone else, who is honest and sincere, even when it may be costly in some way.

An active woman who embraces romance, can appreciate someone who is spontaneous and can express her hopes, fears and dreams.

Someone who appreciates the natural beauty of the outdoors (mountains, lakes, rivers or just a clear blue sky), and who has a genuine love for people, even those (like me) that have so many imperfections.

If that sounds like you, or if my profile sparks an interest ... the ball is in your court, so to speak.

Something casual, such as a picnic, walk in the park, short trip the mountains ... with plenty of opportunity to talk, laugh ... no pretention, just honesty ... and see what develops. Spend an hour with someone you've just met, with little if any outside distractions, and you've either got a recipe for disaster or the makings of a lasting relationship.