I believe that love is built on top of a foundation of lasting friendship. So, I’m looking for a new best friend… someone with whom I can share good times, bad times, happy times, sad times… someone I can laugh with, cry with, joke around with, be serious with… someone with whom I can share adventures and experience romance… someone I can fall in love with…

I am a very caring person… I see the good in people and am always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needs it. I am confident and passionate in my views, but equally open and willing to change my mind. I usually choose my words quite carefully. I attempt to see and understand other people’s points of view… few issues are “black and white” to me. I tend to be fiscally conservative and socially liberal. And, I’m honest…

I have two kids. My daughter is 16 and my son is almost 13. Both are good students, well rounded/involved, and genuinely kind/respectful kids (I must have done something right as a parent) . While they do not live with me, I live not too far and see them quite regularly.

I am a 5th grade teacher. Teaching is my 2nd career (or 3rd… or 4th… or maybe even my 11th depending on how you define a career :) ). Prior to going back to school to get my masters degree to become a teacher, I worked [mostly] in the wireless telecommunications industry. I had a large variety of jobs during those years, including software engineer, technical customer support, project manager, product manager, and sales. My undergraduate degree is a B.S. in computer science engineering. But when looking back at all of my many jobs, I still come to the conclusion that none beat the satisfaction I get when working/playing with young kids… whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or in band rehearsal (yes, I said band…).

Outside of school, I play trumpet in two community bands and love to read. Many times you’ll find me reading books that I can share with my students. I exercise 5-6 days a week and am in fairly good shape if I do say so myself. When the weather is warm, I ride my bicycle in the surrounding forest preserves - taking nature photographs along the way. I often have my camera with me and enjoy taking pictures – mostly nature, but I’ve been asked to photograph several special occasion parties for friends too. I am constantly listening to music – mostly country these days (great stories), but still do enjoy jazz and rock. I love animals – right now I only have a few small exotic pets, but would really like to get another dog soon.

I like to be active. On vacations, you’ll find me seeking out adventure… from rock climbing, repelling, and zip-lining to ocean kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Life is an adventure. Come explore with me…