Hi. Thanks for looking at my profile.

Quick rundown on me: I've been back in the U.S. for almost 2 years now after spending almost 9 abroad, working and living in Singapore. I'm single (divorced), no kids. Hispanic, born and raised in Albuquerque but have lived in lots of places. Professional job, college degree. Traveled extensively (34 states, 24 countries). Varied interests. Back to a healthier, active lifestyle. I've been working out just about every day, either the gym, beach walks (10.2 miles is best so far) and jogging. Lost about 50 pounds since summer began and look and feel better than I have in years. Still working to get in better shape but making progress.

Not too long ago, wrote a list of likes and dislikes. Here are my likes. For the dislikes and other info, there's the contact button. Good luck to you in your searches as well.

cheers,

R

10 things I like.

10) Scrabble. I can get very addicted to it. I like many board-type games but Scrabble is my all-time fave. Not sure how good I am but still try.
9) Travel. Sometimes, it's great to have everything planned out and sometimes, it's great to say what the hell and pack the car and head out for the weekend. Or to go tthe airport and book a flight somewhere new.
8) My dog. She was the one constant in my life for 19 years. I don't think a parent could love a child any more. She really was my life and it has been very difficult moving on. She had a good long life though and I'm glad she didn't suffer at the end but I miss her terribly. 
7) Macs. Always have loved them. Even wrote 2 technical books on them. The iPod one was published (not the Great American Novel) but it is nice to say I've written a book along with all my articles and columns. Can still locate it on some sites such as Barnes & Nobles' web site. The second book was not published as a company bought it out to not compete with their own. But at least the check cleared. :D And I may have an unhealthy addiction to my iPhone but it's all work-related (that's my story and I'm sticking with it).
6) Roller coasters. Love them. I don't like being up high or on a ledge and dislike Ferris wheels but have done a bunch of stuff in the air, hot air balloon, parasailing, helicopter, WW II biplane, etc., and enjoyed them all.
5) Learning new things. This is probably No. 1 but I'll put it here in the middle for comfort. A day where something new has been learned is a good day no matter what else happens.
4) Making people laugh. If I can cheer someone, I usually try. I've been told I have the "broken wing" syndrome where I gravitate to people with flaws in order to try and help them out.
3) My work. There's always something new to learn so No.5 is sated. It's also nice thinking that maybe something I do helps educate, entertain and satisfy people.
2) Brutal honesty. I'd much rather come out and say what I'm thinking that hide it or pretend like it doesn't exist. I've never been one to play politics. A sting early on is better than a deep cut later.
1) Laughing. OK, it might be at my expense much of the time but if you can't find the humor in something, then you're probably the one being made fun of. It's like the semi-famous mantra: Happiness is not a destination but what you should strive for on life's journey.

It would depend on the person and the situation, time. Better to craft a date to the experience rather than pre-plan everything.
That said, I think somewhere comfortable, where people can talk without having to shout at one another is good. There's nothing wrong with a quick meeting or a coffee somewhere just to break the ice. From there, it depends on the person and the schedule.

But here are some things I think you SHOULD NOT do on a first date, but that's just me.

Indian: I love Indian food but it's spicy and messy and rather aromatic. Especially if you're old school and eating with your right hand instead of silverware.

Barbecue. Almost the same as above. Anywhere you'll need lots of napkins should be avoided till at least the second date.

Chuck E Cheese. For obvious reasons. Especially if you said "I met my last girlfriend here".

Any hospital cafeteria. Somehow the ambiance just isn't there, even if you love Jell-O. Actually, any cafeteria probably would be appropriate.

Riverside Park at 3 am. Sure, the moon might be out but so might the werewolves.

Jail. Being behind bars and trying to arrange a first time might be overly optimistic.

A funeral. Especially if you're ex's. Even if it was natural causes. OJ Simpson might actually try this one as well so another reason to be careful.

My bedroom. Hey, what are second dates for? :D

An airplane. OK, sweeping a date off on a quick trip somewhere sounds dang romantic but with lousy service/arrival times with the airlines now, why risk it?

(insert) Anonymous meeting. Going to an AA meeting and asking if people want to go out for a drink, or going to a sexaholics therapy meeting and chatting up peeps is so last year.