New revised profile with extended "full disclosure" section!!!

I've been on here (though not always actively) for well over a year now, and it seems time to update things a bit. First, in response to the great many of you who have noted in your profiles the importance of honesty and openness, I'll bare myself a bit here. (Better here than in the photo section I think.) If interested, please carry on to the caveats (legalese for warnings) at the end

What else is new? Well in the last half a year I've rebuilt a canoe, designed and largely built a backyard jungle gym (my candidate for city's best) and I've taken medals in a 10 km race and a submission grappling tournament. I'm still in the game! I have also scaled back work :) and income:( in order to have more time with my boys, and am quite happy with the decision to this point.

I've also been thinking about what I want from this. The ideal is still that lifelong love with whom one shares all that life offers. But... in the meantime, as I don't seem to have a clue how to recognize where that potential may lie, it would sure be nice to have someone I could go biking or camping with or to share a game of cards or a movie occasionally. Please feel free to put yourself forward as a candidate for any part of this.

We now return to the old profile that still holds true.

I am looking for someone who, like me, looks to experiences and relationships as the center of a full life rather than the collection of stuff. (This can be hard to find in Grande Prairie). Such a woman would also know who she is and would have stable core values while at the same time being open to the growth and change that comes with a life consciously lived.

Myself, I believe that life can be great fun, (though it will not always be and I'm sure we've all known some pain as well), and approaching life with passion and creativity is key to finding its joys. Perhaps my greatest passion and joy is found in my two sons (7 and 8yrs), but I also love the mountains, playing guitar, travel, reading (in french or english), sculpting, or even a good chess game, among other things. Despite all this, there is definitely room in my life for another great passion, and I guess that is what I am searching for here.

If this sounds a little dry, it's only because I take relationships seriously. Fortunately there are relatively few things that are worth taking that seriously which leaves me free to explore whatever goofiness may strike me in many regards. (You will have noticed perhaps the juggling reference among my interests) As always, there is more that could be said, but if the above isn't making any impression, it's probably futile to continue, and if it has, perhaps it's time for us to open up an exchange.

But first... Don't say you weren't warned... The disclosure section.

-I do have my two boys with me full-time with only alternate weekends on my own so my opportunities for a social life are limited.
-Said boys are 7 and 8, and while I would maintain that they are amazing kids, they are still kids - and active ones - and in the long term any significant other would have to accept all that that entails.
-As for me, I am neither the most organized nor the most tidy man. I confess readily that I would far rather play than work, but I also maintain that the key things still get done in the end, and my family is looked after in the things that matter most.
-I won't pretend that life's ups and downs have left no mark on me, but I do believe that I have not permitted such things to determine who I am. Still some insecurities may not be buried so deeply as to never make a showing - how's that for honesty?
-I have some strong opinions (that I now express more judiciously than when I was younger) and yet I have moved away from, and feel uncomfortable with, a strong sense of certainty in regard to religion.
-I can be at turns; sarcastic, whimsical, idealistic, awkward, timid, or slightly reckless.
-I am considered blind and so can not drive - although I get around just fine on my bike and am not limited in many things.
-Moving is not an option for the next few years as the kids still need to be near their mom. If you aren't or won't be in GP, it's probably a no go.

Few things are more attractive than knowing that someone is attracted to you, so if you are interested even after all that, don't wait for me to find you - send me a note and we can follow up from there.

I have never really dated and don't like the typical process wherein each party inflates all that is good, hides all that is bad, and thereby ensures only unpleasant surprises in the future.

Still, I have been separated from my wife for nearly 5 years now and dating may just be something that in one form or another I will have to come to terms with. So here is a notion for starters.

Something active to start with in order to break the tension and take away any necessity for awkward small talk at this point. I'm thinking climbing as it is a good way to build trust followed by a sharing of stories over a meal or in the course of a walk in the park. That's the best I can come up with for now, but I am open to suggestions.