Date men and women from United States / California / Saint Helena, 47 year old

Date men and women from California, United States. My teenage kids say that I have the mind and body of an 18-year-old. Smart kids. They think that's going to work on me, that they're going to manipulate me a bit, get something they want. IT WORKS!
The three of us are solid family. We've had to be in order to survive what I would estimate as more than our share of challenges. Do you know that saying, "Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger?" There's a load of crap if ever there was one! I've been an only parent a long time, and it is exhausting. On the other hand, I can improve anyone's free-throw. Oh, not you? Yes, you. And by the way, what is that weird thing you are doing with your left hand?
My son is learning to drive, and I'm using the word "learning" with broad interpretation. After backing out of the driveway a couple of times, I decided that I'd just get it over with and stick him out on the road. The interesting part of this experience for me, was that I got to see a whole new side of myself that I'd never known existed. Specifically--and this is according to my kids--I was, under my breath, using the f-word a lot. I doubt it. But I do remember having that novel feeling that, perhaps, I was about to wind up in a fiery ball of flames. I don't think I said anything out loud, really, except, "BRAKES!!"
this was the n=end
That's the mother-teenager, touching sight that just might make some people tear up. My kids, practicing basketball, me saying to them lovingly, "Relax your damn hand on on the follow through." Together, the three of us have been through just a stupid amount of hell. Ridiculous. If they made a movie of our lives, people would say it was overdone, not realistic, far-fetched. But .not boring. Not boring. The result of all of it is that I know that I deal with most anything thrown my way. I'm pretty solid that way. But when I generously let in a car in traffic, when I go out of my way to be polite and allow them to merge in front of me? Then they better wave that little "thank you wave," or I'm going to take out my 45 and shoot their tires out. I LIKE my little thank you wave? Is that asking so much? Wave, damn it. Say, thank you. It's not that I'm unstable, it's that I really believe in good manners.
Most people think I'm funny. The ones who don't tend to be the people who don't wave thank you when someone lets them into traffic.
I don't understand why so many of the men's profiles have pictures of them holding dead fish. Gleefully holding dead fish, as if to say, "LOOK! I'm holding a big dead fish and it is dead, dead, dead. LOOK! See? It's DEAD! Am I sexy, or what?" It gets me all hot and bothered just thinking about it. Okay, baby--now just show me your car's brake pads and we may have something real going.
, so petty! Generally, I don't like petty. I don't like it when petty people get all lathered up over petty issues. The exception to this rule is, of course, is when I've gone to the hair salon. There's a critical post-hair salon time period during which it's strategically smart to tell me that my hair looks great. Lie, if you must. This is an acceptable mis-truth. My son has learned to avoid any of my pettiness on this topic by constantly telling me that my hair looks great, including when I've just gotten out of bed in the morning and it appears to be electrocuted. Picture Einstein.

I'm an animal person. I was almost a marine mammologist until I realized that it was a little more involved than calling Flipper, and swimming around the ocean holding his fin. There's actual research that needs to be done--work! I have dog-training in my background, and I've used it on my kids;
I'm confident and outspoken, when necessary, but also a little shy. I won't back down if I've sensed an injustice, but I tend to be more on the private side, with, of course, the exception of writing THIS, in public

Meet a soulmate from California, United States. My closest friends would describe me as a fun loving woman who knows how to have a good time. Someone who knows what she wants in life and goes for it. I am spontaneous, happy, strong, but at the same time easy going and I love to laugh and have fun. What makes me smile are my two beautiful daughters, my dog, dancing, walks on the beach,cooking a great meal with a beautiful bottle of wine, living in the moment and living life to the fullest. I am grateful for my family and my health. I work hard and play hard. I have been into classic cars and had many of my own as well as sold them at one point in my life. One of my hobbies is collecting Vintage Jewelry from the 50's back when jewelry was made with a feminine delicate touch. I like to explore new things and people are my passion in life. I always say you can never have too many friends. I am in an industry that allows me to meet wonderful people every day so I love my job and am very secure with myself. My work ethics are great from having been in the Military (Air Force) for 10 years. I am an old soul and so when I love, I love with all my heart. I would like to attract a man who is goal oriented, someone who has morals and ethics in his work and in his play, a hopeless romantic wound be nice! He has to be someone that is my friend first, a gentleman, respectful, honest, fun loving, loves to laugh, travel, be in the moment what ever that is and has a great smile and a great heart. I want someone to appreciate me for me. I am looking for a long term relationship, someone to grow old with. If you are that person then let's chat I would love to have the opportunity to get to know you!