I'm never really sure where to begin with these self-summary essays. I mean there is so much more to me than what can be said in a box that requires at least 100 characters. So I guess I'll just start by saying that I'm a laid-back guy who enjoys the simple things in life. I could also say that I'm grounded, honest, drama-resistant, loyal, confident, funny and even a bit snarky when appropriate. However, that would just be my own opinion and although I believe these things to be true, it's all subjective.

What I can say objectively is that I'm definitely a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. I love nature and I'm really in my element when I'm outdoors. My friends and family are a huge part my life and I would do anything for them. I believe very strongly in helping others. I love animals but don't have any at the moment. I enjoy sharing information and teaching people how to do things that I'm passionate about. I have no time frame on where I should be or what I should be doing. I prefer sandals over shoes. And I prefer no sandals over sandals. And lately I've been wearing Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers which are the offspring of a sandal and a shoe.

While I have many interests, you will always see a smile on my face when I'm surfing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, urban exploring or traveling. I'm almost always willing to try something new, at least once anyway. But it's not always about scaling mountains or carving through fresh powder. I also enjoy listening to music, reading, learning, watching movies, spending time with family and friends]], good conversation, banana pancakes, sleeping in and wikipedia...the simple things in life. There is also something to be said for a rainy day spent relaxing on the couch wrapped in a warm blanket. When it's spent with someone you really care about, then it's that much better!

My background is in art direction and graphic design but after working for different ad agencies and corporations for many years, I decided it was time for a change. I now work for an event planning firm as an event specialist. It's definitely a change but I do still get to be sort of creative in a more analytical and research-oriented way. Aside from my full-time job, I still take on freelance work which consists of graphic and web design so all of my creativity is not lost on microsoft office. Also, as of November 2009, I decided to go back to school to study foreign language. I start in the spring.

I love to travel and have pretty much been all over this country as well as Western Europe, Central America, Mexico and Canada. Aside from the thrill that I get from exploring different lands, I especially like experiencing different cultures as I'm fascinated by the way that others live. My favorite trip so far has been backpacking through the rainforest and surfing the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. As you can probably tell, my idea of seeing another country does not consist of sitting in the local cantina; I can do that here. I also travel a good amount within the continental United States on a fairly consistent basis. With many of the things that I enjoy doing, travel is pretty much a necessity.

Some have said that I have a passion for life; I like that.

Really?? Do I have to decide now? Honestly, it really depends on the person, the time of year and their interests. There is no blanket answer for this question.