Originally from Oregon and Montana, I'm genial and outdoorsy -- although I've lived in SF, LA, and abroad long enough to have become self-reflexive and urban beyond carob and jam bands. I teach English at a progressive private school, and I love it (though I work too much). If I had to describe myself with a lot of adjectives, I'd say, "Ex-jock turned bookish, art-loving foodie. A little contradictory, a little chiaroscuro." And if I weren't sounding like a pretentious nob, I'd tell you that the other day I found myself wondering what kind of Muppet I'd be: probably Statler or Waldorf -- the old guys up in the balcony -- though there's a little Animal in me too. I have no idea what this thought tells you about me (other than I'm 8-years-old), but it seems like an interesting Rorschach of some sort. Mostly, though, I've got great heart and nice teeth.

I'd like to meet smarts and a smartypants. A cynical romantic and a cultural omnivore. A dinner party co-host whom guests might describe as either a jazz tune or a total buffoon. A happy person. But barring this romantic litany, a new friend: a dreamer of rainbows and unicorns with the indomitable will to make those dreams come true (or at least someone who farts rainbows and unicorns).

Lately, I like:

Movies: The Hurt Locker, This is England
Books: Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee and A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman.
Music: Jonathan Richman, Hall & Oates, Cut Copy, Jorge Ben, Nina Simone, Skeeter Davis, Pixies, Silver Jews, High Places, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Chico O'Farrill, old psychedelic rock, African music from the 70s, and this one Lady GaGa song (if I call her a performance artist does that make it better, or just more gay?).
Comedy: Demitri Martin and Steve Martin
Other: Hollywood Farmers' Market, tennis, DOs & DON'Ts and Street Boners, trying to figure out how to fit the word "cattywampus" into conversation.

Things that drive me bananas: Ed Hardy gear, The Secret, social conservatism, Jason Mraz, Dane Cook, and Ayn Rand.

I tend to feel most simpatico with irreverent and independent liberals. But mostly, I heart those with big hearts who make the world a better place. I recently spent two weeks taking students to chef school and teaching them about alternative food movements to the mono-crop industrial model. We also planted an edible garden. It was one of the more fulfilling things I've ever done.

Promise not to be a complete c*ckbag (notice the qualifier).