I would say that I'm a fundamentally decent human being - some might even say a good person. I have my flaws, no doubt, but I'm also pretty awesome if I do say so myself. ;) I'm trustworthy, honest and have a lot of good things going for me. I am very much a work-in-progress. I believe the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve.

One thing I definitely strive to be is real, as you'll see if you read through this profile - I'm putting my flaws out there from the get-go, and I'm working on them. To quote a favorite musician of mine, "I ain't hiding". =) The good things I bring are all there to be discovered. As that same fav singer said, "sit back and watch my divine spark flash!".

I place high priority on honesty and being upfront and open - I like to put my cards out on the table. I also value substance before style.

I started volunteering regularly at a local charity in June and it's been a great experience. I finally found a decent full-time job in late October and returned to work after being out-of-work for months due to an economic layoff - I'm glad to be back to work, but I've had to cut back on the volunteer work I was doing in the meantime.

Eventually, in the long run, I'm looking to make a real, deep connection with a kind, caring and attractive woman who is honest, intelligent, open-minded and has a fun sense of humor...hopefully one who shares some common interests with me...my best friend. But for now, being that I am working on myself, I realize that I may not be in position to launch a serious relationship. I guess you could say right now I would just like to find something with some substance with a warm person - definitely not just physical - I prefer to wait a while on that - but not a heavy-duty relationship either - not just yet anyway. I don't want there to be pressure for a relationship or for there to be an expectation of having sex quickly (yes, the latter does happen to guys too in this day and age). Right now I'd be happy just to find someone to hang out with on weekends - go out to listen to live music at chill bars, go to the movies or rent one, dine out, etc. Let's enjoy each other's company and getting to know each other.

I feel that I should make it known that I've put on some weight since my main pic was taken last summer. (I don't have many pics of myself to post, so I used what I had - as far as weight goes, the pic at Rockefeller Center would be the closest to my current weight.) I want to lose 40 to 50 lbs. to be where I want to be. I'm still athletic and active, and being tall (6'1 1/2") helps me to carry the weight somewhat, but I do need to drop some pounds. I'm chubby/overweight right now, mainly in the belly, but I'm not huge by any means... a little bit above the average range. I'm around 260 lbs. right now, and want to be in the low 200's. Anyone care to join me in active pursuits outdoors - hiking, walks, playing sports, etc.? =)

I believe that I am versatile and fairly well-rounded and want to do and experience a lot of fun things. I'm willing to try new things as well. I am close with my family (parents, brother and my beloved, big Golden Retriever). I enjoy good conversation and both playing and watching sports (esp. - baseball (Mets) and football (Giants). I'm playing on a beer league softball team, and I look forward to the games all week.

I strongly believe in being true to yourself and genuine, and I try to be self-aware of those characteristics. I think true originality is just being yourself.

I love to laugh and make others laugh, and I love good comedy - especially the wacky/absurd kind.

I LOVE music, and am passionate about my favorite music artists/bands. My favorite all-time band is THE BLACK CROWES. Other top favs include: Led Zeppelin, Stone Temple Pilots, The Verve, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, U2, Coldplay and I think soon, My Morning Jacket will be added to the list. I once saw where someone said they had "musical ADD," and I think that applies to me as well. Speaking of music, I also really enjoy dancing.

Much more to tell, but I'll leave it at that for now - feel free to ask anything.

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Some random, but relevant song lyrics (I like quoting song lyrics):

"I wanna rock your gypsy soul!" - Van "The Man" Morrison

"Let's Dance!/Put on your red shoes and dance the blues..." - David Bowie

"The Best Is Yet To Come..." - Sinatra

"Think of me what you will/I've got a lil' space to fill"
-Tom Petty

"I've always tried to stay away from this year's big thing"
- Chris Robinson/Black Crowes

"It had to be you.../for all your faults, I love you still" (what we all ultimately seek - to be accepted and loved for who we are)
- as sung by Tony Bennett

"We all have fear and love/
We've both been down for much too long/
Come to me/
Come to me/
I beg you please/
Come set me free" - Chris Robinson/Black Crowes

"Que Sera, Sera/Whatever will be, will be..." - Sly & The Family Stone

A bit of movie dialogue, from a favorite movie of mine, "Bruce Almighty", with Jim Carrey as Bruce, and Morgan Freeman as God:

Bruce: There were so many. I just gave them all what they want.
God: Yeah. But since when does anyone have a clue about what they want?


"Look, in my opinion the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what-have-you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with." -Juno-

=====================================================================================On a side note, in case you were wondering, I was raised Catholic, but am not currently practicing...I'd describe myself currently as spiritual, but not religious I guess.

I'll figure out something fun, depending on the person. Of course I'd listen to any suggestions that were offered as well.

Off topic, I've been thinking I might be persuaded to take ballroom dancing lessons... but of course I'd need a good partner =)

And finally, if you've made it all the way to the bottom of this profile, Congratulations! Tell them what they've won, Johnny!" haha I think I owe you a drink just for your effort. Thanks for reading! ;)