I think it’s difficult for anyone to really summarize themselves in a short space using only text. But here are a few things about me you might find interesting: [U]Scientist[/U]: It’s my job and my passion. It’s really all I’ve ever wanted to do as a career and I’m pretty good at it! [U]Active[/U]: I engage in a lot of different activities and am on the go often. My work keeps me pretty busy, but outside of that, I do quite a number of other things. Some are sports or athletic activities like mountain biking, cycling, going to the gym, playing basketball, kayaking and hiking. Others are more artistic like playing guitar and making metal sculpture, and other things are more just relaxing like reading, watching movies, or hanging out with friends over a beer. But the key thing is that I like to be active and don’t understand people who enjoy sleeping all day or just sitting around. [U]Athletic[/U]: I stay in shape through the activities I mentioned above. Even though I’m almost 40, I think I look and feel much younger. I work out at least 3 days a week, and usually more like 5 or 6. [U]Optimistic[/U]: I am an absolute optimist, even though I can be a bit cynical at times. But at my core, I believe in the goodness of people and that everyone has something beautiful to share of themselves. [U]Unapologetic nerd[/U]: Has the day finally come where smart is sexy, and people don’t need to pretend to be less than they are to be attractive? I hope so. As a scientist, I spend a lot of time with very intelligent people and I love it. I also have a lot of peral nerd qualities like enjoying sci-fi and fantasy books and movies, video games, reading in general (and yes, actual paper books!), and anything having to do with science. [U]Romantic[/U]: I truly am a hopeless romantic who believes in magic between people. I also crave intimacy with a lover, when spending time doing almost anything is fun and sexy, and you want to spend as much time together as possible. I also love doing all of the little things for her like brushing her hair, giving her cute cards or flowers when she doesn't expect it, giving her massages, painting her toenails for her, or even letting her paint mine to match if she wants. To me, those little everyday things are what form bonds and hold us together through the tough times.

My Ideal Person I don’t think that I have a particular type, and I think that everyone is truly beautiful in their own way. That said, we all have things about prospective partners that we find the most attractive.

For me, the biggest thing is intelligence. And “intelligence” doesn’t mean that you have 4 college degrees, though I wouldn’t frown on that. Intelligence is curiosity and the desire to improve yourself, to always seek out new experiences. Along with intelligence, personal drive and a goal-driven personality. I want someone who is going somewhere in life, who is always working to be better.

Another thing that I find incredibly attractive is confidence and assertiveness. Someone who can take care of themselves, who has their own life, and who is with me not because she needs to be, but because she wants to be. I adore a confident, take-charge woman, and don't even mind if she's a bit on the dominant end of the spectrum.

From an appearance perspective, I really love girly girls, women who enjoy showing off their femininity. On the other hand, I very much dislike self-obsession, so moderation is key when it comes to vanity; a little is sexy, but too much is very irritating. I also have a weakness for athletic women who take care of themselves and live healthy lifestyles and would especially love someone who could go out with me and do things like bike, kayak or hike. Then we could come home, shower off, and get dressed up for a romantic evening together!