Here are some things about me:

* I'm respectful of people's beliefs and lifestyles unless they are disrespectful or harmful to others.

* I tend to be pretty cheerful most days because I don't really see any reason not to take pleasure in what surrounds me. But that doesn't mean I don't get my buttons pushed by this or that from time to time (Don't even get me started on the tunnel!).

* I like people. I like getting to know people and really paying attention to what they say. I look them in the eye and I give them the attention they deserve.

* I like dogs, too.

* I've got some quirks, like the fact that I don't like current events (or any events, for that matter), or that I'd rather tip way too high than do proper math. I also have a very difficult time jaywalking, and I don't drink tea. Oh, and I'm not competitive at all, and I tend to cheer other people's wins with as much enthusiasm as my own. This irks highly competitive types.

* I have a pretty twisted sense of humor, so if your joke is funny, I'll likely be in stitches, even if it's generally offensive. I don't like shock for shock's sake, but funny is funny as far as I'm concerned. I also like unjokes, though some of my very best friends can't figure out why.

* I like doing stuff on my own, like going to a matinee and laughing at all the wrong parts. But I'm also chicken to try new things by myself, so if you're willing to hold my hand, I'll be excited to try just about anything.

* In relationships, I'm a fan of communication, so if you're having trouble expressing what you want me to know, please just keep trying until I get it. I'd rather understand and be understood than be right. Always.

* I believe in "opposites attract," though perhaps not in every category. I like introverts that balance my extrovertedness, and I like creative types that balance my pragmatic style. I also think that it's not a coincidence that so many early birds end up with night owls. But there are some things that I think are important to have in common. I like a guy that wants to have hypothetical or philosophical conversations with me, for instance.

* I don't have kids, but I like kids. I'm no spring chicken, so I don't know that it's reasonable to expect I'll have kids of my own at this point, but I'm not so closed-minded to think that it wouldn't be something to consider, given the right circumstances. I'm also perfectly comfortable with a vision of my life that doesn't have kids in my day-to-day life. I am an auntie and I have a pretty cool dog, and that's good for me.

* I like what I do for a living and most days I consider myself happy where I am in life, though I don't make very much money. I make enough to get by and slowly pay off my debt, mind you, so I'm not looking for anyone to support me.

* I love a good beer and great conversation. I also enjoy a cocktail from time to time, but wine doesn't sit well with me anymore. I'm not a huge drinker, though, never have been, but I do enjoy an adult beverage from time to time.

* I'm kind of a no-nonsense kind of gal, so I say what I mean and mean what I say. I'm not a fan of unnecessary or polite apologies, so when I apologize, I mean it.

* I'm not originally from the Pacific Northwest. I grew up on the east coast and moved to Northern California some years back. I only moved to Seattle six years ago because I fell in love with it the moment I saw it for the first time.

* I'm not looking for "the one" but rather hopeful I'll find someone whose company I enjoy tremendously and who enjoys mine equally. Someone that makes me laugh in ways others cannot. I'm looking for the "whoosh." I believe everyone deserves whoosh in their life, and I'm not really willing to settle for anything less.

What do you think? I want to know about you. What's quirky about you? How do you like to spend your time? What do your friends dig about you, and what drives you crazy? What do you get jazzed about and what makes you soft and gooey inside?