Date men from United States / California / Burlingame, 43 year old

Date a man from United States. I've been thinking for some time what to write here, something clever and funny to make me stand out and get your attention, but I think it may be best to skip that sort of nonsense and just be myself, which is to say direct, straightforward, and honest....
I feel at times that I'm a bundle of contradictions (to borrow a cliche): a relatively shy and quiet fellow who enjoys an active social life and loves to meet new people; a creature of habit who loves his daily routine but is always open and eager to try new experiences; a traditional-minded guy yet at the same time deeply unconventional; a fundamentally good person who doesn't mind occasionally trying something out of character.... my friends tell me that I'm open-minded, a sharp dresser, that I have a dry, self-deprecating sense of humor, and that I'm a good listener with a wide range of interests. Those who get to know me better describe me as a caring, thoughtful, gentle man....
I love to read, mostly non-fiction - history, politics, the sciences, travel literature. I believe that reading not only improves our minds and gives us a wider understanding of the world, but teaches us to be humble and more receptive to the viewpoints of other people and cultures.
I'm an avid student of the arts and have a passion for East Asian art in particular, especially Chinese painting and pottery.... I love the peace and beauty of the Santa Cruz wharf, and drive down the coast to the wharf as often as I can (there's nothing more romantic than a sailboat).... I also love downtown San Francisco and Chinatown; I have lots of favorite restaurants and stores there and love spending a Saturday afternoon exploring the city.... I firmly believe that the simple things in life are the most important: the beauty of the world we live in and especially our relationships with our family and friends are what really matters in life, not materialism or an over-emphasis on physical possessions.
I'm a very happy person, comfortable with myself, looking for someone to share my enthusiasms and passions with. I feel like my life has been on "Pause" and I want to press "Play" again.... Thank you for viewing my profile. Have a nice day.

Meet someone special from United States. Lets see what can I say. By day a debonaire financial consultant acting like i'm calculating complex statistical equations while secretly texting on my I phone to make weekend plans. At night I'm a spatula flipping french cook Ninja, engrossed in some new recipe that convince only me, that I'm the next Gaston Len?tre. Love to work and play hard. My goal in life is to experience everything life has to offer. Take me or leave me, I'm a unique individual by most standards. My occupation is finance which I have a true passion for, but love and am active in carpentry, and home improvement, not to mention cooking. Love unique characters in life, individuals that are slightly odd, but always entertaining.
My family and friends are my passion, and only wish to extend this with a life partner.
My ideal match is a woman who I can connect with intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Someone who will challenge me in these areas, to be a positive influence on my life. I am looking for someone I can grow close to and can't live without.