In many ways, I*m a study in contrasts. I like doing things that I may be bad at, even though I*m a very competitive person. I have developed a look before you leap philosophy recently, though I haven*t stamped out my impulsive side. I*ve always been an inquisitive one, so I*m always studying something. I*ve been described as intelligent, creative, cerebral, hilarious, charismatic, ambitious, eloquent, adventurous, stubborn, maddeningly modest, eclectic, and fun (among other things). I like making people laugh. Well okay, that*s an understatement. I get great joy out of making people laugh until they cry (or worse). I*ve been called odd by friends because my opinions differ so much from theirs. I*ve been a travel agent for almost 20 years now though I also do other things (many, many different things). My foremost passion has been traveling, which is why I made it a career. I love being exposed to new experiences, cultures, and situations since I believe they change and widen our perspectives. I*ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively and be exposed to a myriad of different experiences. Love music, dancing, reading, writing, cooking, so-called extreme sports (cliffdiving, skydiving, bungee jumping and the like), and have always been open to trying new things at least once. Love shopping, attending various formal events (museum exhibits, gallery openings, political fundraisers, balls, and the like), as well as camping, most outdoor activities in fact, and spas (one of my odd traits. I love going to spas. Weird for a guy, I*m told). I*m a very affectionate person and I have a very active romantic side. I am an avid writer. I started out writing sonnets when I was 11 then moved into short stories and novels and have started writing poetry again. I*m a classic type guy in that I like to dress for dinner and I remain true to the manners and values I was raised with. So I open and hold doors, walk on the curb side of the sidewalk, pull out chairs, and the like. As a lifelong athlete, I like to stay in shape but it*s not an obsession. I*m committed to investing in my friends and loved ones (in other words, the people who invested in me in w****ver way they did) and to that end, I*ve helped a few of them get their own businesses off the ground. I love children and hope to one day have some of my own (besides, my friends have demanded that I stop spoiling theirs. Go figure!). I also love animals (especially dogs, dolphins, and cheetah cubs) and plan to get a pair of Jack Russell Terriers (or Border Terriers) soon. I pride myself in driving my friends and family crazy with my unpredictability. I admit to being prone to occasional fits of pique and stubbornness. I have an inhuman physical pain tolerance but don*t ask me about the emotional one. I can run like a gazelle and turn on a dime, but I can*t jump rope. I*ve been called a superb listener with the memory of the proverbial elephant (I remember casual conversations from 10 years ago). I can guarantee there will never be a dull moment (and I come with references to back that up). Also, geographical distance is not a deterrent for me. I love to travel, remember? :)