Overall, I would classify myself as an idealistic but practical person. I'm never satisfied with "that's the way things are" when that is contrary to the way things should be, and am interested in specific, concrete ways of changing towards the latter. I put more emphasis on applicability than pure theory, although acknowledging that understanding the theory to some extent is necessary in order to apply it properly. I like finding solutions to problems and learning new things in the process.

While I'm used to be professional and serious in most situations, when comfortable I can be rather silly too. Yes, that does mean I actually looked up how much it would cost to accomplish http://xkcd.com/150/. (Answer: too much - boo)

After a rather convoluted academic path so far I'm now continuing my education by studying computer forensics here in the Twin Cities. In the longer term I'm considering doing network and system administration for either small businesses, schools, or government agencies, specializing in Linux and open source solutions.

For fun I enjoy singing with my church choir (although this semeseter I have a class conflicting with rehearsal, so I'll just be winging it on Sundays until January), going for a ride on my bike, hitting up a park or conservatory with my camera, reading whatever I can get my hands on and learn from (news articles, technical manuals, and some classes of fiction are most common), and hanging out online in IRC channels doing volunteer user support for my favorite FLOSS projects. When I have time to actually get away for a couple of days I enjoy backpacking, camping, and canoeing trips, preferably somewhere in the watershed of Lake Superior.

I'd be interested in meeting people who would want to discuss any of the listed interests over good food, or accompany me on the active outdoor variety from time to time. I'd also like someone I can just spend some time with, whether it be discussing serious things, being silly, or even just doing homework together to have someone else in the room. I'd like to see something developing into a romantic relationship, but am also okay with gaining some cool friends if things don't work out that way.

I would prefer, but not necessarily require, someone with similar religious beliefs to my own, as they are related to my overall values and priorities in life. As reference to give you an idea what those are, some denominations that I have a reasonable amount in common with include: Lutheran (ELCA/ELCIC), Episcopal/Anglican, United Church of Canada, Quaker, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist, Methodist, and United Church of Christ. Politically, I most closely identify with the NDP in Canada; I'll leave it as a scavenger hunt for you to find out what their platform comprises!

Random Tidbits:
I'd rather watch the Canadian leaders' debate than US presidential ones.
I actually enjoy brutal Minnesota winters.
I have a very memorable birthday, although not in a pleasant way.
My educational transcript is ridiculously complicated, and growing.
I look good in blue (apparently).
My bikes are worth an order of magnitude more than my car.
I can sew.
I'm related to multiple sources of good food in town, albeit distantly.

You're going to have to start asking to find out the rest! ;)

Something where you actually get to know something about the person and have time to talk would be preferable. Going to the movies can be fun as a friendly outing or later date, but it doesn't accomplish a whole lot as a first date unless you have plenty of time before or after to chat. Now, if it's the sort of movie that lends itself to good discussion that could lead on to other topics, that could work. I'd be more inclined to do an afternoon canoeing down a river, preferably on a portion not inundated by motorized boat traffic, going for a bike ride, chatting over coffee or ice cream, perhaps visiting the Como Conservatory (maybe with camera in hand as well), or staying up extra late waiting for a meteor shower at a park away from city lights (yes, even in winter). Totally random things are good too, like throwing darts at a map and going where it lands, neighborhood snowball fights, or teaming up against some friends in Scrabble (perhaps playing without the Ls and Es?).