Smile!!! It's contagious

I describe myself as an optimistic realist. That means I hope for the best and plan for the worst - I guess that is the boy scout in me. I try to live each day with a child's sense of wonder and an adult's wisdom. I believe that having fun is the difference between living and just being alive. I am as gentle and affectionate or as strong and assertive as a situation warrants. I enjoy dancing (I'll try any form, although I am best at country), swimming, volleyball, snow skiing, traveling, and hiking/camping. I consider myself a better than average cook, but usually only perform when company is present. I am originally from the Northeast, but have been in Texas for the past 21 years...although I must admit I miss the mountains and trees of the northeast. I have mastered the part about working hard and am trying to learn how to balance my life and play equally as much. I believe in what I consider to be common courtesies such as opening the door for a woman (no matter what her age), giving her my coat if she is cold, giving up my seat for her (whether she is a stranger or not), holding hands, and being her champion...although these no longer seem to be common. There are several layers to my personality depending on the company present, but my foundation is firm and unshakable, based on my values and spirituality. I am looking for someone who is intelligent, fit, athletic, enjoys traveling and the outdoors (camping, hiking), dancing, volleyball, and swimming. An enjoyable evening that could be pizza and a movie at home by the fire, dinner at a fine restaurant, a walk on the beach or in the park, to dancing, the opera, or a broadway show. You should not be afraid to try new things or get your hair wet. Someone who doesn't always need to fill the silence with words, but can also enjoy a quiet moment just being together and listening to the world. Not a partner who is 50-50, but 100-100 in the relationship. The ability to hold intelligent conversation and laugh at life is as important as chemistry and passion. Someone with whom I am comfortable enough to share my inner desires and dreams with. Please, since you saw my picture let's see one of you smiling :-)