I am smart (well, if I think I am, it must be true, right?), wickedly funny at times (or at least I amuse myself and if others are entertained - bonus!), high energy but can also be laid back and not get twisted up over the small stuff. I am an excellent conversationalist and can talk about just about any subject and have opinions about most. I can talk about religion and politics and if we disagree, not get angry. I may think you are hopelessly misguided but I'll be cool about it.

I don't smoke and drink very little so you don't have to worry about me puking on your shoes.I am not into drama so I will not call you all day and night, drive by your house to make sure there are no "strange" cars in the driveway and drunk dial you and cry. I don't believe nothing says love like a restraining order.

I am looking for a man who likes movies and discussion about them afterward, dining out, exploring unusual places and hole-in-the wall restaurants. He needs to be articulate and funny and be able to hold his end of the conversation. Self-assured and not afraid of a lively debate are good. Up for an adventure is even better. He can't be intimidated by smarty-pants women.

I am in an accelerated master's program, making a career change to teach special education. I have finished my course work and will do my student teaching beginning January 2010. I like the really bad kids. The ones no one wants to work with. Junior high is a good age since they are hormonally charged up and pretty angsty. If they are mentally ill, even better. I actually get along with those kids really well and have a bag to tricks to use with them that they never see coming. I also like working with autistic kids and do some in-home work with them.

Age range is open but if you are over 50, you have to be young-acting and thinking. If you like Sinatra and Englebert Humperdink there is going to be a huge disconnect because I'm still going to concerts with mosh pits. Oh, and I have a lifetime ban on Will Farrell movies. I am not the outdoor type. Camping and fishing have no appeal to me.

I am looking for friends, people to hang out with, date, or a love connection who live around the NW and N burbs. I am always interested in people who add value to my life, and am pretty nonjudgmental about how you live your life. It is more about who you are as a person. I enjoy characters, quirky people and unconventional, creative types.

When I meet someone, I meet for the first time at a Starbucks, a book store, or some place very casual. My expectation is to have an interesting discussion. If there is that ever-elusive "chemistry", then that is a bonus and it would lead to a real date. If there isn't, then it was just coffee, no big deal. I hate (I mean really hate) the interview kind of first meet. It is just uncomfortable and I figure if we click there will be plenty of time to find out the rest of the story. Even if we don't find the possibility of a love connection, we could always end up being friends, right?