My life is much about balance and variety. You're as likely to see me hustling and encouraging my teammates on the volleyball court, as intently photographing some colorful mushrooms on log deep in the forest, as running one of my favorite routes around town/campus, as plopped down on the couch watching my favorite TV program, as doing home improvement/gardening around the home. You will find me in meditative yoga moments (though possibly with a goofy look on my face if I'm contorting myself into an unfamiliar position) as well as cheering at the top of my lungs from the 60th row at a college football game. You won't catch me following any fad fashions or diets. I can be just as comfortable cooking up a nice, spicy vegetarian dish (I can do wonders with tofu) for two, as grilling a bunch of meat on the grill for friends at a tailgate party.

A friend told me recently that I like to have "nice things" ... at the time, I was sitting at my desk with a great, fresh scone and a hot cup of afternoon tea ... but honestly I'm a bit of a bargain hunter, and I brew my own tea (sometimes make the scones too). I'm not the, "need to get my cup of Starbuck's every day" type (I'd much rather go to someplace local anyhow, like Irving's or Saint's). I don't think it's as much about having things, as it is knowing the simple things that make the day a little nicer. I like to be active, my vacations are much more likely to be about relaxing my mind (which oddly my activities tend to do), than plopping down on a lounge chair on a beach or cruise ship (where inevitably my mind will drift to work). Sometimes, my tent, my hiking boots, maybe some firewood and good food to cook on the fire are more than enough, but my passport does get some use.

What I'm looking for in a partner ... you must be active, intelligent and independent. You find a little intellectual debate/banter fun, and someone who is confident in being with an equal. You're single, and don't smoke. You would appreciate the outdoors, be comfortable in diverse cultural settings and maybe enjoy some of the other activities I like to do. No cats, I'm allergic, or if you otherwise show a tendency for accumulating quantities of pets, I can pass. You would be looking for a committed relationship and longer term to start a family. I'm not in a rush, but I also don't want to invest significant time with someone who doesn't have the same long-term intentions.

If reading this made you feel that we have some things in common, I'd be excited to hear from you.