First: there was no option for "wife leaving me, free to date, can't move out yet," so I went with literal-and-honest: "married." As for what I'm seeking, I had to choose one, so I said "hang out," but several of the options would be fine (talk/email, activities, maybe some kind of dating). I'm also in a long-distance relationship that's currently "on a break" with no contact for at least several more weeks (and I know how all that sounds, but I have *never* cheated on anyone, nor will I). I'm looking for friendship, conversation, fun - someone I can hang out with; get out of the house - live life during this in-between part of my life (this is all fine with my to-be-ex and my long-distance girl). I guess it boils down to: just looking for a friend, but free to have benefits if that's what develops.

I understand my situation is too much for many (most?) to handle; I'm sure I can't give enough to make it worth most ladies' time. But I do have a lot to give. I'm a nice guy - stable; I live for, and adore, my kids. I'm a guitarist, and a very diverse singer/songwriter. I can find humor in just about anything. Albuquerque native, and ballooning nut. I will cop to having a nerdy side, but I'm not ... you know ... a nerd. I am crazy about kids, especially mine (she's 8, he's 5).

Do I think I will find what I'm looking for here? Probably not. I am realistic, and for the many, many of you who can't work with my situation, I wish you great happiness. But because I am not looking for The One, I can be very flexible and open-minded, and maybe a bit outside my comfort zone (and maybe I'm a little outside yours). That being said, while I prefer to focus on what I *do* want, bigots and religious-right types need not apply.

Maybe we don't "date" at all. Maybe we meet for the first time at Borders, where we can chat over coffee, then browse books together (what better way to get to know someone?). If sparks fly, then sure - dinner and a movie, or cook something together and talk by the fire. But I'm mainly here for a friend, and I'll be quite happy if that's all I find. So rather than dates per se, how about:

*Christmas shopping for our respective kids
*Tennis (or just whack the ball around the tennis court)
*Margaritas and karaoke (never karaoke'd, but would love to try)
*Crewing for a hot-air balloon
*I play songs on the guitar, we try to sing in harmony until we hurt from laughing

Or just drop me a line and we can swap emails. I'm nothing if not flexible.