I believe the time is right for me to find a wonderful woman that enjoys doing fun things together and wants to be there for each other.

My pictures were all taken within the last two months (9/10/2009 +) and my height is really 5'9''.

I retired from an insurance company (2005) where I was employed as a manager (programming) in IT (information technology). It was a good and rewarding career. I found myself somewhat restless, so I started taking classes at a local university. I find the classes add value to my life. I always enjoy learning new things.

I was married for 34 years and have been a widower for 7 years (of those: 3 1/2 working full time and then the next 3 1/2 college full-time). What kind of a woman is especially appealing to me? I find myself irresistibly drawn to a woman who is outgoing, affectionate, fun loving, and has a beautiful smile! I am also looking to meet a woman (attractive is a plus but what's on the inside is more important) who looks on the bright side of life, likes to have fun, is easy going, has a sense of humor, doesn't mind staying home sometimes, enjoys getting out, and likes being with interesting people (like me). I retired but am open to possibly doing something in the field of education, e.g. substitute teaching part-time?

Magic is when you meet someone for the very first time and you both know instantly you were destined to meet...

My hobbies include attending school/sporting events with my granddaughter and her parents, bowling, cycling, running, walking, dancing (a little rusty but I am more than willing), and other types of exercise. It would be more enjoyable and fun to exercise with someone, but if not that is ok. Daily running is a passion for me, clears my mind, adds to my creativity, and exuberantly replenishes my body and soul! OK, I may have got a bit carried away! Nonetheless, it feels really good.

TV/Movies: I don't watch much TV other than the evening local/national news, some documentaries on PBS, and an occasional Sunday professional football game. A few of the movies I especially liked were "Pay it Forward", "Sleepless in Seattle", "I Got Mail", "Seven Pounds", and "Titanic". I actually watched several of these movies more than once. Other movies I have watched recently were "To Kill a Mocking Bird" and "Twelve Angry Men".

Books/Magazines: I like to read most major news type magazines, daily newspapers, and the Wall Street journal. Enjoy non-fiction more than fiction. Latest non-fiction read was "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown.

Personality traits: people close to me can count on me being there for them, affectionate, good communicator, compassionate, easy going, educated, empathetic, honest, independent, a good listener, loyal, respectful, romantic, sense of humor, and stable. I believe these traits when combined make me unique and the kind of person (whole and complete) I am in life.

Education: I have an undergrad degree in Business Administration and a MBA. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Arts (MAE) degree program at a local university.

Religion: I don't attend church regularly but consider myself Christian/Other. The best definition for my beliefs is the following: "Christians are those who regard themselves as being followers of Jesus even though they do not affiliate themselves with any particular religious group." I would most likely attend a church if I found one I liked. I have tremendous respect for other people's religious beliefs.

Favorite quotes:
Woody Allen said "eighty percent of success is showing up." I pretty much believe in this philosophy; many of his other quotes though are a bit abstract. Don't you think this next quote is a bit disarming? Will Rogers said "that everyone is ignorant, just on different subjects."

I like most types of music. I least enjoy listening to hard rock (heavy metal) and rap music.

I don't suppose there is anything wrong with helping a connection get started, do you? If you think I might be interesting, you could send me a short e-mail or simply say "hi!" I'll at least know that you had to admit, I might be somewhat interesting! Please don't contact me if you dislike any of the following: enjoy having fun, laughing, good conversation, and being with an interesting person! It potentially could affect my eternal optimist reputation.

My ethnicity: I am of German and Irish descent.

My pets: I don't have any pets now; our family always had pets when my son was growing up.

First things first: Reading the newspaper(s), while enjoying a good cup of coffee, helps to insure I start everyday off with a smile on my face and a spring in my step!

This is you: Even I have standards! Min. height required is 4'10" and max. is 6'3". I have been known to make an exception, if a woman really turns on her feminine charm!

My image of the ideal first date would include the two of us getting together at a local coffee shop and sitting at a cozy table for two, or a restaurant with a booth, or go to the park for a leisurely stroll and enjoy each other's company. The time spent together would focus on what really makes us who we are. If there is really a great connection, we may consider an add-on date afterwards...