Date men and women from United States / California / West Los Angeles, 43 year old

Date men and women from California, United States. What I love most about traveling are the unexpected treasures I find when I am lost. I was in Prague once wandering around by myself and no matter whom I asked for directions, all I got were grunts and pointing. To my surprise, not 5 blocks from Prague Castle, (gothic and AMAZING) I found a Starbucks. One of the people working there walked more than a block with me to show me the way back, and I have been a devoted Starbucks drinker ever since.
What I love most about being home, aside from the fantastic weather are the amazing people in my life. My friends and family are extremely important to me. Last summer I bought a purple beach cruiser and nothing makes me happier than riding with friends down the beach bike path. I love dining out and cooking at home for someone special. I love live music and movies or curling up on the coach to watch a TV or read on my iPad. I am a technology junkie avid college football fan. I can watch any football game but college Saturdays in the fall are the best.
I have always embraced where I am in life while continuing to set new goals and move forward. I am outgoing, positive, intelligent, sensitive, active, independent, warm, friendly, a retired wild-child, love animals, love learning, USC Football, cooking, a glass of wine over stimulating conversation, and travel.
What am I looking for? In short, a life partner, a lover and a friend. It would be great in one package. ;-) I think smart is sexy and the ability to laugh, not just at me but at yourself, alluring. I value independence, playfulness, and open-mindedness. If you are kind, active, enjoy good conversation, open-minded, a bit adventurous, hopefully passionate about what you do, like animals and interested in exploring the world, we may be a match. No way to know for sure unless you shoot me an email.
By the way, the age range I date is 8 years plus or minus my age and I'm not open to long distance relationships. I just started a masters program in clinical psychology in April that I love. Due to the intense study schedule, I only check in on Match once or twice a week so if you contact me it may take me a bit to get back to you.

Meet a woman from California, United States. I am initially reserved upon first meeting, but eventually, I come out of my shell. I enjoy a broad variety of activities such as cycling, running and weight-training. Reading, writing and embroidery are some of my hobbies.
In July of 2009, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania! It was a FABULOUS experience! :D Next time, I need a partner to come with me! Some of the photos from the climb are included here. I braided my hair for the trip. A couple of those photos are included as well. In October 2009, I completed the Long Beach Marathon one weekend and ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon the following weekend... OUCH!
In 2012, I'd like to visit China and spend New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro with good friends. Rio on New Year's Eve would be a blast for sure!
I enjoy doing volunteer work. Aside from the fact that it is fun and it provides an opportunity to meet new people, someone else always gets something out of it, which is great! I recently finished mentoring a high school girl for 4 years, which was fun. Right now, I volunteer regularly to record audio books at Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic in Hollywood.
My musical tastes range from Streisand to Steel Dragon to Tupac. India Arie, Prince, Seal, James Taylor, Angie Stone, John Mayer, Train and Trey Songz (=hubba hubba! :) ) are favorites, too, and as quirky as it may sound, I love Barry Manilow and Johnny Mathis, too! :) Socially, I enjoy dancing, attending theater productions and watching your basic home video.
Although I workout regularly, I am a fast-food junkie and can tell you what days any major chain has its specials and what they cost! :) I do try to keep it healthy the majority of the time, though. Most important of all, I am constantly trying to create a stronger relationship with Christ.
Although I am career-driven, my family is of the utmost importance. Life is short, so it should be lived to the fullest and with few regrets. Looking for an active, educated, open-minded male, who has a solid relationship with God. He must be a planner, be industrious and ambitious. Thoughtfulness and sensitivity are also a plus. Hopefully, he'll have a broad variety of interests and a sense of adventure!
My ideal match should have traditional values, yet not so traditional that he expects me to stay home, cook, clean and take care of kids--he should be comfortable with sharing those responsibilities. He should also be willing to support me in my career just as much as I will support him in his. At the same time, I look forward to one day being a "Ruth" to my "Boaz." :)
On a lighter side, he likes fast-food joints and "chi-chi, foo-foo" restaurants too; long talks and quiet time. Ideally, he will treat me like he would want another man to treat his mother or his sister.
While I am open to meeting and interacting with everyone -- at least initially -- I will say that for various reasons, I prefer men who have never been married and/or who have no children. I should also say that I have a strong penchant for Black men. Gotta love 'em! :D At the same time, it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, so whoever you are in whatever package, don't be shy! :)
Flakes, fakes and fools need not apply.

Date a soulmate from California, United States. Good things come in little packages! My friendships go back 20 years, so whether rollerblading in the park, drinks at the Viceroy or a trip to Club Med, I can pick the friend to do it with. My career affords me flexibility and independence which lets me feed my travel bug: I’ve snorkeled with sea turtles in Maui, climbed the Rock of Gibralter, and soaked up the sun in the South of France. On weekends I can be found biking at the beach, hiking at Runyan Canyon or working out at the gym. My family is my rock, and I’m fortunate to have them close enough for regular visits. My childhood was filled with gymnastics competitions and standing in as my brother’s wrestling opponent. Parents, kids and dogs love me. I still believe in the fairy tale and happily ever after.You: you notice when the tag of my shirt is out, and tuck it in for me. You appreciate the finer things in life and work hard to get them, but you know that family and friends are what matter most. You want to travel the world with me, or at least pull off some long weekends in Palm Springs or Vegas. You think my off-key renditions of Neil Diamond tunes are cute. You’re nice to the waiter. You have your own interests, but share some of them with me. Maybe you’ll take me to the ballpark and explain the nuances of the rulebook. It doesn’t really matter what we do, because we can have a blast just running errands. You see the big picture, but remember the little things. You love your life – the only thing missing is me.

Meet someone special from California, United States. This is one of the hardest things to answer. I guess the cliche, "to know me is to love me" will not suffice. My tastes are eccletic. Here are just a few of my interests and loves: MY DAUGHTER - she is the most incredible person I know, Spending time with my friends and family, making those around me laugh, My dog Ella, skiing in Vail, dive bars, a good glass of pinot noir, the beach, peanut butter and chocolate ice cream, a good book, Maui, Cabo San Lucas, UCLA football and basketball, teaching US history, working out, playing softball, volunteering for children's charities, mentoring kids, pizza, Dave Matthews Band, walks on the beach, hiking Runyon Canyon, "I Love Lucy", David Bowie, a good hearty laugh, watching live music, seeing a play, fine dining, people with a sense of humor, getting lost in an art museum, Belvedere Vodka, sushi, the smell of freshly cut grass, staying home and renting a movie on a cold night, fireplaces, Matisse, traveling, romance, a good steak, bagels and lox on Sunday mornings, Mel Brooks Movies, Telling the loved ones in your life that you love them often, singing off key in my shower, my ipod, TiVO, Seeing a movie on a rainy day, and of course, run on sentences.
I am looking for a man to compliment me. I am very blessed with a great life, a great daughter, great family and I would love to find someone to share it all with.