I'm new to the Chicagoland area, moving here from Montana in March 2008. Talk about culture shock!! I have primarily lived in the West (Washington, Idaho, Wyoming) except while I was on active duty in the Navy. I was stationed in Florida and Spain, and spent time in many other locations during reserve training and during travels. I really liked Iceland, Puerto Rico and Glacier Natl Park. Would love to see Key West, the Mayan ruins, Greece and Australia. I enjoy visiting other places (doesn't have to be far away!), checking out the history and architecture, or just the beauty, and trying local foods. I travel alot with my current job, which allows me to see many places. But it also makes me glad to be home when I get there.

I am learning the Chicagoland area, but miss the mountains and the lower number of people per square mile of Montana, which probably explains why I chose the cornfields south of town to set up residence even though I work further north. I haven't set my roots here though, and am still checking out other options for places to live.

I'm ready to find someone who can start off by just showing me what they love about this area and then see if we like some of the same things and each other. I like to try new things or to just be comfortable in what I know and enjoy. I like to be spoiled and surprised but will not take advantage of someone who gives of themself. I will give back more than they can imagine. I would love to find someone I can do things with and just enjoy the moment. I need a man who is not intimidated by a strong, self sufficient woman, but I also want a man as an equal - not one who wants me to run the show. Mutual respect, trust, honesty, and support are all "musts". Chivalry is an unexpected bonus.

I love camping (can't resist marshmallows roasted on a campfire) and being in the wide open spaces, especially those spaces with a view (not cornfields!!). I like playing on, in, or near the water so those camping spots near a lake or river are a favorite. I like boating, swimming, diving - yep, there's that water thing again. It's a bit difficult to go boating by yourself (gravitiy will launch the boat, but recovering is a tad more difficult!) - so I'd like to find someone to share my boat with. However, boating by yourself is not impossible so don't think I have to wait for assistance to be afloat! I like just walking in natural settings (love the preserves in Chicagoland) but also enjoy wilder things in nature such as white water rafting.

I like dancing and music, particularly small venues with live bands. I learned to dance country swing (sort of!) several years ago in Wyoming and would love to find someone who knows how or is willing to learn to swing dance (not necessarily country). I sing in Sweet Adelines (women's barbershop) in an award winning chorus in Elmhurst. It's quite a hoot. I enjoy listening to just about any other type of music - except rap and acid!.

There are very few foods I dislike, so any type of dining experience is a pleasure - both at home and out. Seafood is a favorite. You cooking for me is always welcomed!

I've worked for Uncle Sam for 34 years. I retired from the Navy Reserves and currently am a regional program manager for the USDOT in the little agency that regulates the trucking industry. In my past life (Navy) I was an air traffic controller. My job is regulatory, so I have a pretty big stick if I need it. But I much prefer the voluntary compliance route and really enjoy the education and teaching part of my work.

I have been described as tenacious, gregarious, strong-willed, self-confident, opinionated (not the b***chy kind, just can hold my own in a debate) and intelligent but also big-hearted, sensitive and giving. I am pretty self sufficient except when it comes to car repairs! However, I would prefer to find someone to share life with rather than continue to prove my independence. I want someone who loves to talk, but can also enjoy a quiet evening at home without feeling ignored. I love passion and energy, as well as deep moments of solitude (not sulking - don't read into this!!).

I'm ready to have some fun in Chicagoland, and would rather NOT do it alone. Wanna show me the town??

Addendum: After some not-so-nice contacts with people who disagree with my political views, if you believe in the professed utopia of the current administration and their assertion that the government can provide that utopia, please just move on. Simply because I do not believe in government handouts, does not mean I want people to die or starve or any number of other calamities.

Sooooo....if you believe that all the woes of this country are Bush's fault or rich people's fault...if you believe that the government can decide better than you how to spend your hard-earned money...if you believe in a one-world government or that a socialistic govt providing everything system is better than what we have...if you believe that it is perfectly fair to equalize income through taxation and govt dictated redistribution of wealth...if you believe that a snail-darter's life is more important than a human life or property rights...if you believe that taking military action against those who would rather see us dead is inhumane...if you believe the right to own guns is why we have high crime rates...and if you believe that BO is the answer...please just MOVE ON. I doubt we could ever "connect". And yes...I am quite aware that this will eliminate practically everyone north of I-80 in IL! Just making sure I don't waste anyone's time.



-----///\\-----Please
----///-\\\----Put This
---|||---|||---On Your
---|||---|||---account If
---|||---|||---You Know
----\\\-///----Someone
-----\\///-----Who Is Sick
------///\-----Or Has
-----///\\\----Died Of
----///--\\\---Cancer
---///----\\\---------( My Dad Nov 2007)

-------!!!------- Put This On Your
-------!!!------- Page If You Know
---!!!!!!!!!!!--- Someone In The
-------!!!------- Armed Forces Or To
-------!!!------- Show Your Support
-------!!!------- And Respect To All
-------!!!------- Our Troops. God Bless!

Surprise me! Nothing too loud though - I want to be able to talk.