That being said, the people that I fall for are few. Interest only happens one of two ways. Either I fall for the person at first sight (really first hearing, but "at sight" will probably make sense to more people) or I gradually grow comfortable around someone to the point that I get a smaller crush. My infatuations have fallen on quite a variety of guys.

So, I've made up a list of characteristics that would make up the perfect guy for me. I don't ever expect to find this person, and if I do then I don't expect him to be available ("available" qualifiers include being single, straight, within a couple years of my age, and no where near my gene pool). Still, I think a list is a good idea. Here it goes, in no particular order:

A writer, actor, and musician
Recognizes the power of words, and knows how to use them
Loves exercise/sports of some kind, stays healthy and fit
Loves camping
Works well with computers 
     (at the very least I don't want to have to explain everything to him)
Doesn't hate kids
Is very intelligent, very reasonable, and has an analytical mind
Reads novels, poetry, and people, and has opinions on them
Can goof off and appreciate a corny sense of humor
Can be spontaneous, do things on a whim, 
Can be romantic/sweet
Loves Shakespeare
Paints, or at least appreciates art
Wouldn't mind visiting a museum or art gallery with me, might even enjoy it
Loves life
Has a thought out scheme of life which is realistic, but not overly pessimistic
Has eclectic taste in music, and listens to more than what's on the radio
Uses money wisely and is never in debt
Can ballroom dance
     (Get it through your thick skulls guys, ballroom is 
     NOT gay, it's friggin romantic so take the dang class!)
Can cook
Knows that the woman will NOT be doing all the housework for him
     (at least I know I won't be.  yucky yucky housework)
Doesn't take me for granted
Doesn't forget to thank me for being there for him time after time after time after ...
Has high aspirations and a plan for accomplishing them
Likes high quality things and is something of a perfectionist
Can make me laugh
I can talk with him for hours without being bored, but silences are not awkward
Someone who can surprise me
Someone who challenges me, and does NOT put me on a pedestal above him
Someone who considers me a challenge, and likes it
Someone who can take a teasing jab non-personally
He looks good
     (well, he is my "dream guy", right?  We'll leave the
     particulars to the imagination)
He isn't cocky, even though he's accomplished enough to justify that attitude
He is absolutely NOT snobby, and is unpretensious with everyone he meets
He also doesn't wallow in self-loathing, find the happy medium already you guys!
He knows appearances aren't important, doesn't care what other people think of him
Someone capable of working and having fun at the same time
Someone interested in learning everything about everything
Someone who realizes that every moment is a learning experience
Someone who's religious concepts are thought out, no blind faith
He does things for himself, and hates being around whiney people
In essence, I want the modern Renaissance Man

Why do I want all these things? Well, mostly becuase, that's how I wish I was. My goal is to be a modern "Renaissance Woman." I want someone with the same desires, dreams, ambitions, and values as me. These are my values. I want an equal, someone who challenges me, yet to whom I am also a challenge. *Sigh*, this is what I want. It's too much to ask for, I know. The person I end up with (if I end up with anyone) will almost definitely not fit this mold. Oh, and in case anyone gets any bright ideas, I'm not looking for someone to set me up. I HATE HATE HATE the idea of blind dates. Hate the idea of casual dating in general, in fact. I'd rather just get to know someone, and the two of us come to this sudden, simultaneous realization that we're perfect for each other. Wouldn't that be cool? :-D Good night.

What the Heck was I up to the last two weeks?
Monday, July 15, 2002

Run-down of my vacation activities: got a tan, dyed my hair slightly darker brown (I like the results, but it's only semi-permanent), read a LOT, watched Olsen Twin flicks with the fam, slalom water skied, made one of my cousins cry, went shopping in Minaqua, Chicago and Kenosha, ate at a genuine Italian restaurant with my geniune Italian uncle playing genuine Italian songs on his accordion, learned an interesting thing about my great grandfather, and more.