I moved to this area 4+ years ago but grew up in Northeast Missouri for the most part.... GO CARDNALS!! I'm comfortable financially, and frugal to a fault sometimes. I'm not cheap, but I do love finding that one of a kind bargain. I'm Not in any hurry to jump into a long term relationship but not against one either, however I would enjoy dating again, starting as friendships/relationships and just see where they lead. I am a huge flirt, and practice it often :) I long for that closeness of a best friend that you can tell anything to, knowing that no matter how mad they may get at you, no one will ever hear those secrets.

I have two grown daughters (from a previous lifetime aka marriage) that I simply adore. I could not be more proud of the way their lives are going and the mates they have chosen. I have two adopted little guys that live with me and visit with their dad often. Although I'm not looking for a second father to them, I would like that "someone" in my life to reflect a great role model for them.

I am a Christian and that does mean a lot to me. I'm not perfect nor do I expect my companion to be. I've only known one Man who could walk on water, so perfection isn't something I seek. I believe that life is too short to hate anyone, even those who may deserve it by some standards. I'm loyal, friendly, and love to laugh. My friends would say that I'm shy at first, but just wait until I've warmed up! I don't do drugs, never have. I don't smoke, again, never have (unless that one time at age six counts :LOL:) I don't drink regularly by any means, but if given the right bartender, situation and group of friends, I've been known to have a few drinks just for fun. I refuse to EVER have a drink and get behind the wheel so if I'm out alone, it's usually just a Pepsi for me.

I believe that life is precious and sacred, mine and most every one else's. I won't turn my back on a friend, ever. I keep my word and expect the same from others, always, even if the truth hurts.

I love to travel, especially when it's faster and easier to fly (think tropical!) , however, I just purchased a convertible and LOVE those road trips as well... (invested in a good sunscreen after the first road trip) I've been out of the country twice, and someday will add to that. I've been to several states, but so far, only a few with the top down (on the car, of course!) Adding to that list is going to be a huge HUGE amount of fun.

At this time in my life, I'm no longer that "athletic build" I once was, (I was a paramedic in a "former life" with a body to go with it haha) but do look forward to the day I might see that again. Finding someone who'd like to get back in shape together might be fun.... I do not like to work out perse` but I'm beginning to do so again, and I don't mind a nice long walk in the sunset along a beach/waterfront either. I'm just starting over again AND trying to make myself my own priority in my life and a fitness program is certainly going to be a part of that, if for no other reason than to stay healthy and feel good.

A list of Things I enjoy (not in order of preference):

Interesting discussions/debates
Laughing Out Loud
The Water/boating/BEACH/About anywhere tropical
Creative writing, not to publish necessarily, but it can be shared
Love the way a newly born, freshly bathed, baby smells,
morning coffee,
having someone cook for me
FRESH sea food, as in caught-and-delivered-that-day fresh,
tender prime rib,
quiet places to talk,
long deep conversations,
Kisses that touch you so deeply that your toes curl
Weekend getaways
a Man in a three piece suit, freshly out of the shower wearing as much cologne as his body can absorb, (shhhhh my secret, most favorite turn-on) :blush:
learning new things about people, even those you thought you knew forever (like your parents!),
Iowa snowfalls, and thunderstorms, especially when they include my fireplace,
wrapping up in a blanket on a cool night out on the deck, overlooking my little lake as the moon dances across the water,
reading a book thats so good it keeps my mind intrigued to the end, (speed reader),
My computers, and yes, thats multiple.. (its what I do)
Photography
People watching... anywhere and anytime
flowers for no reason
Romantic Comedies, Chick Flicks, Action Movies, some SciFi
When my little ones give me that "I've missed you sooo much" giggle, hug and smile even if it's only been a few minutes since they've seen me
Slow soft music, and dancing to the same, up close and personal :) (but admits to enjoying all kinds of music) And for the record, RAP is NOT real music!
I love to sing, mostly Southern Gospel, ballads, and country are my favorites to sing.
I like to bowl although I'm not that great at the game itself, I do have a blast.
The smell of mens cologne!

Things I'd love to do someday:
Record a professionally made Music CD for my dad, it's one of his favorite pleasures.
Learn to swim (crazy huh?)
travel more of the world (have started some (Canada, Mexico)
Visit Isreal, Walk where Christ walked
tandem skydive
LIVE in Hawaii, the closest thing to heaven I've ever experienced...... or at the very least, visit again and again.

Sports I enjoy watching:
Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Softball and Baseball, and yet am no slave to my TV by any means.

I recently purchased a condo, and do enjoy staying home and enjoying it. It's my serene place, my soft place to fall, to just hang out and chill out, watch the boys play and grow. But I also enjoy going out too.

Big NO-NO's:
You cannot smoke, not even a little. Sorry, it's something I detest.
Eating with one's mouth open, huge yuck!
chronic lateness, especially when it makes me late for an event
Those who lie, and yes, there are such things as lies by omission
People who are just down right mean
Can't "cuss like a salor" (I especially hate the "f" bomb)

I love taking drives, especially long ones, with the top down of course, in my '88 GT Convertible.... she is soooo sweet.... So, some drive to a beach and sit and talk would be fine, maybe a picnic lunch, or dinner. I'd like the ability to talk and get to know each other.