BACKGROUND
Where to start... I'm a San Diego native who grew up in Santee (yes, Santee) and moved to the Bay Area for college. I gradated UC Berkeley with a finance degree and came back to SD to be near my four siblings, parents, and friends. I got my CPA and worked in public accounting for several years before turning to current profession in more strategic finance at a company in Carlsbad. I currently live in PB in a studio by the beach. (As an aside, I think the common perception of Santee, CPA, and even perhaps PB-dweller are pretty far my personality type).

HOBBIES
A significant part of my work day involves reading articles, both print and online, though it's not my job. I try to read a new book and watch a new film every week. I enjoy finding new, exotic, places to eat out. I love cafes and find it acceptable to partake in completely inane tasks while there (sending emails, social networking, watching movies, etc.). I snowboard during the winter and beach during the summer. I have opinions, a lot of them, and probably articulate them more than I should. I feel that the proverbial unexamined life is not worth living so I constantly analyze the merits of what I and others are doing. I'm believe I'm officially an insomniac, but I really don't mind as it allows me to do everything I want (but I do sacrifice my short-term memory). I like to travel, but will remind myself I live in San Diego. I'm told I text a lot, and don't speak on the phone enough. I spend a lot of time coming up with (hopefully) new, intelligent, and sometimes witty observations.

SEEKING
I'm really looking for someone with an equal passion for life. Not necessarily the same passions, but far too often we become dormant and lose our young, outgoing nature. I'd like someone who challenges me, and challenges life in general. Someone who comes up with ideas and has convictions. Someone who enjoys finding new activities and shares known ones. That being said, I'm very open to a new person. As much as I know what I enjoy in other people, I haven't met the perfect person yet, and that person may have completely unexpected qualities.

I think too many people become obsessed with the shallowness of a first date, a swanky restaurant or a walk on the beach, while the best first dates are almost purely a product of conversation. A good first date is finding a place (based on common interest) that provokes great, interesting, light-hearted conversation while reducing the social awkwardness and pressure associated with one.