My #1 hobby right now is the gym; I've been a bit of a gym rat for over a year and have stuck to it. Right now I try to work out 4 times a week, for about 2 hours.

I've got a great job at a great company, doing what I love. I intend to keep doing it for as long as possible! My personal goals right now range from "own a home with a garage" to "skydive, at least once!". Most activities are like roller coasters - if it wasn't (reasonably) safe, people (usually) wouldn't keep doing it!

I have a very wry sense of humor, so if I say something outrageous or odd, I'm probably pulling your leg. Look for the half-smile!

I am an unabashed geek. I read books, I watch the Discovery channel, I think an alarm clock pillow is awesome, etc. I'm also fit, active, honest, upfront, witty, and fun. These things are not mutually exclusive!

I'll listen to (almost) any rock, jazz, or house music. I usually listen for background noise; I find quiet much more distracting than chaos!

I am not in the military, I just shave like it because I like it. I never before fully appreciated a good pillowcase.

I am looking for a real relationship, not just a few dates. That said, if it simply isn't working, there's nothing wrong with calling it off so long as everyone is honest and upfront about it.

Must haves: Honesty, attraction, humor, wits, willing to try new things, ability to be independent.

Bonus points: Red hair, technical background/job, strong-willed.

I like more relaxed first dates - anything that gives time for get-to-know-you conversation, and to get comfortable in more than one setting. Could be dinner, a cooking class, wine tasting, or a stroll through a botanical garden.

This is different from a first meeting, of course. First meetings are definitely much lower-key. Just a drink, coffee, etc. to confirm everybody is who they say they are.