I am a biology professor at a large Michigan university, and I love teaching, especially to non-science majors (I consider it a personal challenge when I hear "I hate biology!") My background is in film (I worked in the visual effects business out in California for 3 years) and physical anthropology (my undergraduate and graduate degrees are both in biological anthropology). I've led a really interesting life so far, and plan to continue experiencing new things and new places. In addition to Michigan, I've lived in northern and southern California, Scotland, Costa Rica, Uganda, a tiny island off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, and North Carolina; I've traveled quite a bit as well and exploring new places is one of my favorite pastimes. This past summer I went to Belize with my son, and we will be going back next year - if you haven't been there, you should go - it's awesome!

Other than teaching, I love reading, cooking, biking, and traveling, to name just a few. I'm very close with my family - my mom, sister, dad, and grandmother mean the world to me, as do my friends, most of whom I've known and remained close to for over 20 years despite living in different states and sometimes on different continents!

The most important person in my life is my 5-year old son... As I mentioned, I used to have a really bad case of wanderlust - I moved away from this area over 20 years ago, lived all over the place before moving to North Carolina where I went to graduate school (and where my son was born). I moved back here almost three years ago and never want to leave - it's funny how things come full circle!

I'm not one to dwell on the past (I don't have baggage and I'm looking for someone who is also baggage-free!), but I've learned a lot from my previous relationships. The most important thing I've learned is that you can’t try to be what your partner wants you to be; rather, you need to be true to yourself and find someone who loves you for who you really are. Likewise, it’s crucial to love and accept your partner for who they are, and not want, try, or expect to change them. In other words, successful relationships work because both parties love each other for who they REALLY are, good and bad.

I think one of the problems people run into in relationships is overly high expectations. Many relationships experience that ideal stage early on, but all relationships have to experience both highs and lows sooner or later, and I think the best indicator of a true, real relationship is the way the partners resolve conflict, work together to solve problems, and bind together when times are tough.

Funny, Intelligent, Laid-back, Loyal, Optimistic, Sarcastic, Witty

Board Games, Card Games, Concerts, Cooking/Baking, Hanging out with friends, Intimate Conversation, Movies, Museums, Music Listening, Reading

Aerobics, Boating/Sailing, Cycling, Equestrian, Gardening, Photography, Swimming, Travel, Walking

Bird, Cat, Dog, Fish, Other, Reptile

Fish

Alternative/Modern Rock, Classic Rock, Pop, Reggae, Rock

American, Chinese, Deli, Ethiopian, Indian, Italian, Japanese/Sushi, Jewish Style, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Seafood, Thai, Vegetarian

English

Okay - to be really cheesy here: Turn ons include a sharp wit, intelligence, occasional bouts of silliness (since becoming a mom, I've rediscovered the joys of jumping in rain puddles, making faces, and dancing to music only I can hear), good relationships with family, passion (doesn't even really matter what it's for - just a passion for something!), strong hands, kind eyes, a sweet smile, self-respect and self-confidence, a love for kids and animals, and an adventurous spirit.

Turn offs - bad grammar, rude behavior toward others (I would never date someone again if I see him being rude to, for example, a waitress, even if he treats me like a queen), bad hygiene, arrogance, materialistic mentality (I don't care what kind of car you drive), bad-mouthing ex-lovers or ex-wives, inattentive dads (on the flip side, seeing a good dad with his kids is a major turn-on).

All in all, I'm looking for a man who is sure about who they are. Someone who is not emotionally tied to his baggage - who can learn from prior relationships but is able to move on and form new, healthy relationships. Any man I'm with must love kids, since I am a single mom. I'm looking for someone who loves to play games (I'm talking Scrabble, poker, euchre, etc., not mind games!), enjoys and appreciates music, talking, and most of all laughing (my grandpa always told me that the most important thing is a good sense of humor!). Someone who's as comfortable eating at a local family diner as they would be at a 5-star restaurant. Someone who is close to their family and who understands and appreciates my close relationship with my family. Someone who is interested in exploring new places, be they local or foreign, and trying new activities, foods, etc. Looking back over this essay I seem like a real picky pain in the rear - but I'm actually very easy to please!

I have a very good relationship with my ex-husband, who lives out of state but will be moving back to Michigan this summer, so I'm hoping to find someone who is self-confident and trusting and who will not feel threatened by my friendship with my son's dad.