Date men and women from United States / California / Davis, 59 year old

Date men and women from Davis, United States. When I think of where to start an updated profile I think of what the Good Witch of the West said to Dorothy at the beginning of her quest to get to the Emerald City when she asked where to start. And the Witch said it is always best to start at the beginning. I was born in a working class military family and my Father was a WWII and Korean War vet. I've worked blue collar and professional jobs. I was encouraged to get an education and I did getting graduate degrees in social work and urban planning. I have had a lot of adventures in my life and have had a strong commitment to both social justice and personal growth. I've been through some very hard times and very, very good times. I've learned a lot from both the things that I have accomplished and my mistakes. Sometimes I've learned the hard way and these days I prefer the easy way of learning.
I lost my wonderful wife after a grueling battle with cancer in January of this year. I've done a lot of grieving, a lot of counseling and coming to terms with the loss. One of the things that I've learned is that part of healing goes along with living and it is not a sequential process. And part of healing is that life has to about life now.
I also learned a lot about what it takes to have a good relationship. And in the end it is about loyalty, commitment, integrity, caring, courage with some adventure and fun and exploring mixed in. I think this is the foundation. What I found is those things are built over time and they can't be rushed. I find that in the end it is much more important about who you are and how you lived your life that what the list of accomplishments is.
Some things about me. I am a good listener and I like to get know people and learn about their life, their family history, who they are and how they got here. I tend to get a little too much into my head sometimes and try to figure things out that can't be understood intellectually. These days I am spending a lot of time cultivating the spiritual side of things. I'm pretty compassionate, I have a good sense of humor and can admit that I make mistakes and I don't have to be right all the time. (I will ask for directions when I get lost!) After many years I have come to realize women are usually right about a lot of things.
Ideal match? That is a hard one because it is not an entirely logical or objective process. This is who I am. I enjoy exploring the outdoors, fishing and biking. I like to walk, explore new places – especially small towns. I enjoy bookstores and like to read. I have a really neat cat and I really like animals. I like bluegrass, celtic, folk and rock music. I like the Great Basin and deserts along with forests and mountains. Some of my favorite places: One of my favorite states is Nevada. Some of the places I've been: Gerlach NV - hot springs and Guru Lane, High Rock Canyon, ghost towns, Jarbridge and the fancy restaraunt in Eureka NV. Also check out the City of Rocks, Idaho, Mission Mountains in Montana, the Beartooth mountains in Montana/Wyoming. The North Cascades.
I also don't want to give the impression that I'm Daniel Boone and as soon as Friday rolls around I disappear into the wilderness. I am civilized, sleep in a bed, have hot and cold running water, indoor plumbing and cable TV. I like to read, enjoy movies, museums both refined and rustic. I have some good and interesting friends that are great people. Someday I would like to see Europe.

Meet someone special from Davis, United States. I'm a regular guy who kept going to school till I became a biology professor at a research university. My energy goes into my work, but I am looking to slow the pace, work on different writing projects, and enjoy the rest of the ride. I worked hard to get to my position, the career is going great, which brings me deep satisfaction. Some call me an iconoclast - that's ok, but I just call em like I see em. I have the good fortune to have seen a lot of the world through my job, and opportunities continue to come in. I love Hawaii and beaches in general. I have always been active and outdoors, playing sports and backpacking and hiking. Trying to stay fit, I run or lift most days. I enjoy most sports and games right down to cards and board games. I read and write a lot. Listening to music is an important part of my life - on my stereo as well as live music.
I have one son. We did a lot together and I put a lot into parenting during his childhood. It has been difficult learning to live with his absence since he went off to college.
I want a more balanced life that is shared in a nurturing and intimate relationship. I have more to give. I am reluctant to try to describe a 'perfect match', but I would expect to share some of my interests described here. I want to be physically and intellectually and emotionally attracted. I want to be very close, and that requires doing right by each other. Chances are you'll be pretty sharp, and challenge me at times. That would be part of the fun. It hasn't emerged here but humor is important. I can't help but try to make you laugh, and it would be great if you could make me laugh.