I will preface this with "my friends say" to feign humility.
My friends say that I'm ambitious, smart, sarcastic at (mostly) the right times and somewhat discerning in my friends and company. But I grow sweeter and more earnest by the year (like a good boxed wine). I've met many people throughout my life whose company and friendship I deeply value. I tend to value depth in friendships.
I just finished a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at UCSB. It was a rewarding experience, but I was happy to return to the Bay, to the friends and places that I've come to love. Before grad school I lived in the Bay Area for 7 years, left to move around the country for work (with stints in Washington State and Georgia) and then made my way to Santa Barbara to specialize in structural analysis, specifically development of materials for fusion reactors. I grew up working on a farm in the Northwest and dug trails in the Montana wilderness throughout college. I love the Northwest and my family, but I appreciate the culture, friends and opportunities I have here in the Bay.
It's hard to be earnest about these things, but I'm always happy to know people who enjoy thoughtfully and critically examining life without deconstructing everything. I value experiences, challenges and spontaneity.
I find enjoyment and mystery in the inane and intricate, the beautiful and gritty. I am usually measured in my speech, but can rattle as required. I'm as comfortable in heels and a dress as jeans and a T-shirt, rubbing elbows with celebrities as changing my oil, etc. etc.
I'm looking to meet someone inquisitive, unburdened, enlightened, funny, charming, or attractive. Or all of them. At least one? Curiosity, independence, sympathy for the iconoclast are on my list as well.
I'm happy to be back in the Bay Area and looking forward to this new experience (yes, even online dating).
