I grew up in a blue collar family, but put myself through an Ivy League education and am as down-to-earth as they come. My favorite things to do are hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, rafting, camping, skiing… everything outdoors. I've also recently decided that I'm going to hike the Inca trail and see Machu Picchu in May -- and I'm going to carry my own gear! That definitely necessitates doing a lot of high altitude training over the next 6 months so if you're into that kind of thing, it would be great to meet and do some of that, even if there's not a love connection there.

I enjoy talking about almost every topic imaginable, but especially genetics, evolutionary biology, politics, religion, and physics. (Not that I understand physics, but I’ve recently begun reading ‘A Briefer History in Time’ and a used physics textbook and I actually delight in the fact that I’ve found something besides a hangover that makes my head hurt!).

I enjoy people who constantly seek knowledge and are open enough to see an issue from all sides before forming an opinion. I also appreciate those who are self-aware, educated, intellectually curious, kind and humble.

I love hanging out in dive bars and throwing darts (steel tip of course) and drinking great microbrews. I also appreciate good full-bodied red wine and good food. I enjoy cooking and hosting dinner parties, indie movies, live music and just ordering take out for a night on the couch.

I am 34, 5’5”, strawberry blonde with green eyes, no children, never married. I have lifted weights for many years and am very strong and athletic, but still with a woman's curves.

Here’s a checklist of what I’m looking for in a guy. Yes, I know it’s a long list but I’m not willing to settle for less!
*30-45
*Intelligent – this means at least a bachelor’s degree, and preferably a masters or higher. He needs to be someone I can talk to about subjects as diverse as evolutionary biology, global warming, string theory, history, comparative religion, political/humanitarian conflicts, etc.
*No kids but wants them
*Non smoker
*Tall – this means 6’
*A real man’s man – I have a thing for cowboys, or at least that Southern gentleman thing
*Really outdoorsy – loves to hike, camp, backpack, rock climb, ski/board, etc… everything outdoors
*In great shape – this means 10 pounds or less off his ideal weight, not 25
*Secure enough in his masculinity to take an aggressive fire cracker like myself and turn me into the little pile of romantic, womanly mush I secretly want to be
*Ambitious – this can mean anything from constantly seeking promotions at work to just taking classes or reading books that enhance his knowledge and education. Basically, someone who isn’t content to just stagnate
*Adventurous – Someone who likes to travel, try new things, etc.
*Has a professional demeanor – by this I don’t mean that he has to have a professional job – I actually find construction workers or tradesmen extremely hot – but just that he has a polished and professional demeanor when we’re out with my friends, who are professionals
*Open minded when it comes to new ideas and ways of thinking about things – No I am not talking about sex. If you have to ask, forget it.
*Patient – because I’m not always; I need that balance
*Chivalrous – I like having doors opened for me
*Romantic and affectionate
*Even though he’s kind of ‘macho’ on the outside, is willing to listen to my opinions on things and make decisions mutually

I'm not a member here anymore so if you want to contact me you'll have to use sexy period brains at google mail. Then I'll know you read this entire thing too. ;)