It's about time I updated this, I suppose. So here's me in a nutshell as of November '07! I'm a citizen of the United Kingdom, permanent resident alien of this great country, currently residing in a suburb of Chicago, and working right downtown. I have to say without question Chicago is the greatest city in the world -- There's everything I could ever want to do within an hour's drive, and the city is never short on entertainment.
I bought a house this year in sunny and exotic Romeoville, and live with two of my close friends, Dan and Darin. I'm a former co-proprietor of the esteemed Snappy Weiner Bar and Grill in Lisle, while the parties there were a blast it was time to find a place to live that wasn't a mould-infested rat-trap, so here I find myself.
I'm a nerd by trade, working for a software company in the Sears Tower. I was in a telesales-related position for about 4 years, and just this year transitioned into a Project Management job, technically supporting the WorldWide Sales and Marketing organizations, but frequently delving into other areas of the business. I like it well enough, even if it's a lot like babysitting or herding cats at times, but I get to work from home frequently, and my boss is extremely cool, so it's all good.
I love animals. I have two dogs, a two year-old pure(in)-bred Shih-tzu named Rusty who I've had since he was born, and this year I adopted a (3-5) year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix named Pickles who's a former performing circus dog! Both of them keep me busy and regularly in trouble. Our latest addition to the menagerie is Alia , a kitten that Dan adopted. She's a pretty good cat (when she's not chomping on my toes), and the dogs (Rusty especially) enjoy playing with her. You can see more of all 3 of them in my Videos section, or in my Pets gallery.
I'll always surround myself with animals, sometimes I prefer their company to people's. I also volunteer for a rescue organization, American Animal Rescue Society . If you've been thinking of a pet, PLEASE adopt. Don't promote breeders when other desperate animals so greatly need loving homes. Check out AARS' available animals , or at the very least consult another rescue close to you .
I believe in charitable works, and I think the best way to encourage people to help is to make it easy for them to help. Thus, I'd encourage you all to visit
The Animal Rescue Site , and Care2.com's Pets Site . Donations are advertiser-supported, and all you have to do is click a button. Plus, from the same page you can help many other worthy causes, for free.
I love spending time with my friends, when we're not chillin' at the crib, I can often be found at my local, Charlie's Ale House in Wheaton. They have great microbrews on tap, and wonderful food. Music is a huge part of my life too, I'm always out at local shows, and happy to support bands who play music I enjoy, be it cover or original compositions. I'm a totally unashamed glam junkie, and will gladly admit to it, and maybe sing a line or two from a Britny Fox song as proof ;). I'm also a karaoke fan, and although I've let that slip as of late, I plan to be back on the stage rocking the place soon. I'm a huge music Nerd, as is evidenced by the presence of bands like Blind Guardian and Pain of Salvation on the list to the left, and I love finding new bands, so if you have recommendations (please -- something that might match my tastes), feel free to drop a line.
I stand by my convictions and beliefs, and the things I love. People may tease me for the Shih-tzu, or for singing Nelson at karaoke, but I really don't care. I certainly hope I don't give anyone a reason to dislike me, but if someone's going to judge me based on such things, then I really don't care to associate with them. I generally wear my heart on my sleeve, and don't have a problem with making an idiot out of myself for a cheap laugh. See the pictures of Glam Night for proof. Life's just more honest, and more fun that way!
I was cynical about signing up here because I figured it would be just another internet nerd popularity site. The number of Myspace friends I have doesn't concern me. Being removed from someone's friends list doesn't concern me. Not getting added by people posing as "real superstars" doesn't bother me. Presently my friends list is mostly comprised of people I "actually" know, and I'm good with that. I treasure my friends and as of late I've found out that some people I considered acquaintance/friends were people I could truly lean on in a time of need. To all who I consider my friends, thank you, and know that whenever you need anything -- I'm only a phone call away. That said, I'm always open to meeting interesting new people, but if you plan on adding me and not bothering to chat -- ever -- please don't waste your time. I like to think I'm fairly approachable and easy to get along with, so if you're local, or just have similar interests, drop me a note to chat. As I mentioned before, I'm often bored at work and could use the distraction!
Addendum: One other thing that was yet again brought to my attention: I'm very very very awfully terribly completely verbose about things, when written. I suck at getting to the point. Deal with it.
- R
