Date men and women from United States / California / Cameron Park, 52 year old

Date someone special from California, United States. Hi, thank you for stopping by. I've been at this a few months now. If your looking for an easy going, down to earth friendly guy, I might be it ;). I am a little shy but I get over it easily with the right person. I am old fashioned. I believe in opening the door for a lady, stopping to help when I see someone in trouble, and the man pays for dinner. It would be nice to have someone to go to the movies with or a good hike and see where the trail leads us. My friends would describe me as honest, fun and insightful. I earn my living as a software engineer but my real job is a dad.
I make a good living and do own my own house but if your into corvettes and nice boats, I'm not your guy. My midlife crisis went by and all I got for it was an old jeep.
What do I like, humm I like dancing (although I'm not very good at it). Currently taking East Cost Swing lessons and its sooo much fun ; ), I like hiking, I like music, corny songs of love and romance (my son says my music is "crap". I think that's teenagereze for "really great":)). I like waking up on the side of a mountain in the cool morning air with a cup of cowboy coffee. (I'll bring along a little Starbucks instant for you if you come along).
I had a hard time deciding if I should consider myself a widower or divorced. Actually I'm both. After my first wife passed away, I got married way too soon. I guess that gives me a little bit different perspective than most. I know what it is to have a perfect marriage and also a not so perfect one.
I have two teenage boys that are my most precious gifts from God. Newsflash on my 16 year old: We are heading for the Jr. Olympics in Baltimore. My son qualified in the 800m, 1500 and is ranked #22 in the nation in the 3000m run. ;) I'll update my profile in a couple of weeks with the results.
I am physically fit (my boys keep me that way). I can carry a 40lb pack fifteen miles into the middle of nowhere and set up a nice camp. My screen name doesn't really fit me. There is a story behind that name and if you get to know me, I'll tell you about it.
What am I looking for? I'm looking for someone who isn't afraid of the rain, a smile that lights up the room, a laugh that makes the whole world laugh, someone who's worth fighting for.
Since you've taken the time to read this far, I'll let you in a little farther into my personal life. I lost the love of my life 16 years ago when my second son was born. I know what it is to love someone completely and unconditionally. To completely lose sight of where you end and she begins. God took her away from me and although I know that his ways are far above my ways, I still have not quite forgiven him for that. I’ve made plenty of mistakes since then but a have learned to be happy with where I am and that has made all the difference.
My story sounds sad and I only include it here for the sake of honesty and to let you know who I really am. I am a glass is half full kind of guy. I go out every weekend with a great bunch of friends and believe me, we know how to have fun ;)
A note I wrote on my facebook page and try to remember for myself:
"Don’t let past mistakes and bad experiences from yesterday define who you are today. All of the should haves and shouldn’t haves will put you so far in debt to yourself that you will never get out. Every day is a new day with a clean slate. Make the most of it."
Some people say that true love comes once in a lifetime. I'm starting to think that's true. Hope that someone comes by and convinces me that it's not.
If I was to write up a resume of my life, there would be quite a few technical accomplishments that I could list but those would pale in comparison to raising two boys into fine young men.
I would love to get an email from you, even if you're just passing by. I really hope you find what you are looking for.