i polled my friends (without telling them why), and this is what they came up with: honest, determined, energetic, insightful, caring, full of life, positive, brilliant, wild, crazy, smart, witty, red, true, unconditional, sweet, carefree, strong, friendly, loyal, dedicated, miracle, and captivating; blah, blah, blah. i love my friends - and having them in my life enables me to be all of those things - but not all of the time!

probably one of the things i am proudest of is that i have had some of the same friends for over 25 years, and we are unbelievably devoted to each other. they teach me to be open-minded and accepting, and to appreciate all the crayons in the box : )

i hate pictures of me. they are one-dimensional, and i am not. i am not going to say i am better looking in person (or vice versa), because i am judging everyone i look at, too - just wanted to get that off my chest.

i'm not interested in playing games or "baggage", and i definitely want someone who can bring their "a" game. i do everything to the nth degree, and someone who is laid back is great, but it helps if you know when to step up your game. education is not as important to me as intelligence, and common sense is not very common, i've found!

i work hard, and i like to play hard. i enjoy spending time with friends, riding motorcycles, and visiting new places. i am always up for an adventure, and am looking for someone who has goals and ambition. i am not interested in drama; i am very easygoing, and don't sweat the small stuff. i am very devoted to my friends and family, and the people in my life are important to me. i have an incredible 14 year old son, a spoiled, bossy cat, and a dog who is like a furry four year old.

i like to cook, listen to music - everything from rock to bach, travel, and experience new things. i like to laugh at myself and everything around me. i genuinely enjoy the company of men, and respect anyone who works hard at what they do, whether it is digging a ditch or closing a multi-million dollar deal. family is important to me, and i have a job that demands a lot of my time, but i would like someone who gives me a reason to clock out early.

i appreciate good, solid, old-fashioned values, and a man who knows how to respect a woman. respect and trust are very important to me, and i would enjoy meeting someone who wants the same. i also need someone who is comfortable and not threatened by an independent, successful woman who is looking for a man because i want one, not because i need one. i am 5'6", but usually wear really high heels, so i would love to meet someone at least 6 feet tall. i am also ex-military, so i think crew cuts, or shaved heads are great, but i am a sucker for long hair, as long as it is clean! ditto for facial hair. and i have tattoos... so, if you are looking for someone shy and conservative, thanks for stopping by, and i hope you find her soon : )

i am really happy being single, and am not "desperate" to meet someone, but it would be nice to see if there is still a special someone out there. i think that thoughtfulness goes much farther than romance, and is more of a turn-on. and yes, i would appreciate a "bad boy" with good manners - someone i can let my hair down with, and get a little crazy around.

and i feel like i have to add this: there are a lot of nice guys on this site - really nice guys. no, i am not a serial dater, and have not racked up triple digit dates, but have read a lot of profiles. so, for all of the women who whine about there not being any good men (or they're gay) - i don't think so. from what i'm seeing, there are guys who are getting overlooked because of completely unrealistic expectations - i am sure the reverse is true as well.

something casual, without too much pressure; coffee, lunch, a walk...