As they say in the library business, what you are seeing is Reference Material only, and no longer available for checkout. I am in a relationship with someone who is everything I asked the universe to send me, and more. We met through POF; I guarantee that our paths would never have crossed in the 'real world'. May you all experience the same joy!

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Talk - Words, in all their forms, thrill me; talking, discussion, a debate, lectures, yarns, or even just a chat. A talented raconteur can hold my rapt attention for hours. That love of the narrative translates to an enjoyment of smartly-written TV shows and movies of all kinds (except horror) -- especially old black-and-whites from when the protagonists still burst into song.

Learn - I love to acquire new information -- be it from the printed page, from radio/television, or from people who are well-versed on a subject -- and will retain almost everything I take in. I carry a book at all times and usually get through 30-50 pages per day. My most-asked questions are 'why?' and 'how?' Pop culture from any country or era is interesting, and there is joy in almost anything that challenges my curiosity. Unlike many folks, I am not afraid to read the instructions, ask for directions, or admit when I'm wrong.

Play - With my kids it's cards, board games, video games, wrestling, word games, frisbee/catch. With friends and family it's much the same, except not so much wrestling. :-) I play by the rules and expect others to do the same. My competitive nature pushes me always to give my full effort, but losing is okay as long as I did my best and had fun doing it; ultimately, the joy of any game is in the experience of playing, not the final score.

Experience - Despite my best intentions, I only made it to Regina for skydiving once last summer... and it ended up being so windy that I couldn't even make the jump. It's a wickedly fun sport, though, and I have done it before, so I'll just have to start earlier this year in my goal to achieve my solo jump credentials. Care to join me? You won't regret it...

Close harmony in song gives me pleasant goosebumps -- listening to it is fantastic, and helping to make it is even better! I have sung with barbershop quartets in the past; not only is the sound like nothing else, but delivering singing valentines is a joyous experience. Nothing quite shakes up a business like four guys in tuxes walking in the front door, and the emotions of the recipients are heartwarming.

Right now, I'm working on learning swing-dancing.

Be - In some ways, I'm quite old-fashioned: I hold doors open for everyone, not just pretty ladies. If you give me too much change I'll give it back, whether it's fifty cents or fifty dollars. I know the names of my neighbours. I stop to help troubled motorists, and pick up the occasional hitchhiker even in this day and age. I do these things because I have to shave my own face every day, and I must be able to respect the person I see in the mirror.


... But enough about me. Let's talk about you.

I'm in search of someone who is straightforward and communicative; strong enough to have opinions, but flexible enough to examine and discuss them... and discard them if necessary. She will live her life with ethical and emotional integrity, and isn't afraid to make the hard choices if she has to, even if they aren't 'fun' or pleasant. She shares my inquisitive passion regarding the world and its inhabitants, and finds learning new things to be an enjoyable challenge.

My ideal person can be a grown-up when it's time to be, but at her core she still remembers how to play and have fun with the freedom of a child. She understands that raising kids is a great and wonderful responsibility, and that it is best for them to be treasured, not to be showered with treasures. She loves to be touched -- to hold hands when we walk, to cuddle on the sofa, or to be kissed or caressed lightly as I pass by. And most importantly, I want her to share my whimsical sense that life is filled with humour and joy and opportunities, and that pretty much everything can funny if you can just twist your brain around to look at it the right way.

(No longer relevant, since I believe that I have had my last First Date, but here's what I originally wrote...)

Let's meet at Lydia's. We can start in the basement with a game of pool. If that's not your style -- or if you get tired of beating me -- then we can go upstairs to the lounge to chat. If the band is good that night, we can head back to the main floor and enjoy their sound; if they aren't, then we can either burn a little energy by heading down to the river for a walk along the Meewasin trail, or (if we're feeling indulgent) pop across the street to Calories for a slice of the best cheesecake in town.