Pimpin’ was great.  But there was one suitor in particular who made it particularly interesting.  He went above and beyond the pimpin’ rules and regulations as set up by webMAN and went straight for the jugular.

That’s right friends.  He stalked me on Facebook.

You can imagine my surprise when I received a message from…we’ll call him Dallas…on my Facebook account.  He straight up admitted that he wasn’t going to mess around with being “chosen” from a panel and wanted to take a leap of faith and get to know me because he thought I was awesome.

Is it just me or was that a fabulous way to open up conversation with a complete stranger?

I thought it was weird that he never “friended” me though.  Later he told me that he didn’t want to learn about me (or me about him) on Facebook.  He would rather things unfold naturally.  Weeks later, he finally friended me and I was able to discover the truth of why it took him so long.  He didn’t want me to judge him based on looks.  Because the dude was rockin’ some serious abs.  And shoulders.  And arms.  And legs.  Plus he has great hair. 

Naturally, I become anxious.  Dallas is one of those individuals who works out.  I eat pizza for breakfast and drink way too much Dr Pepper.  And I can assure you that unless something drastic happens with my metabolism, there will be NO bathing suit shots on my Facebook page.  What in the world could we have in common?

As it turned out…we had a lot in common.  We shared views on faith and family.  He totally got my sarcasm and humor.  I found myself laughing.  A lot. 

But sometimes it’s just not in the cards.  The Lord had a different plan from what I thought was going to be an interesting and exciting time in my dating life.

Dallas is a perfect gentleman, loves his family, hilarious, a hard worker, hotter than crap and I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get the chance to make out.  (Is that too bold to admit?)  Fortunately for me, when I emailed him yesterday to explain that I would be writing about my pimpin’ adventures because my readers were curious, he was more than willing to take one for the team and promised to go out of his way to kiss me passionately should our paths cross again. 

I suppose I could allow that.  For the sake of the blog of course.

Elliott sent several photos to friends and family the last few weeks in Iraq. At times, he would give his camera to one of the guys to take candid photos of the crew. One of them captured this moment and titled the photo “Relieved.” When I asked Elliott to tell me what was going on at that moment, he said that he had just finished his last mission and was grateful that everyone was going to be coming home in one piece.

I love this photo. I think it says so much. Of course he was relieved. He had a charge of men under him and each one will be hugging their families and loved ones soon. That’s why the photo is so incredible. And that’s why he is so incredible…because THAT is where his head and heart are…with his men. He did his job. He did it well. Everyone is safe.

God bless America!  And God bless YOU Elliott!

Lincee’s sister, Jamie:

My sister…my friend

Yes, you could say I was one of “those” sisters—the big sister who tolerated the presence of her little sister at the “grown-up” slumber parties. And yes, I must admit that I used the wiles only a big sister would know to get snacks and drinks from the kitchen—I timed her! “Awww…not as fast as last time…maybe next time”. I know…I know…

But I also remember skating in the garage to “Funkytown”, talking to each other underwater, and of course there’s the Cats Café. Good times…good times.

Yes, we shared experiences, and somewhere along the way…that bond that only sisters understand turned into even more—a genuine friendship. Now I see my sister and I am full of affection and pride. She is beautiful—inside and out. She is smart. She is kind to others. She embodies the value of integrity. She shows respect to all. She is the best hugger I know. And above-all, she has unwavering faith in the Lord.

Lincee lights up any room she’s in, she’s adventurous, she’s hilarious, and I miss her when we are not together. I am blessed to have Lincee as a sister and a friend.

Lincee’s BFF, Jill:

I’ve known Lincee since our sophomore year at Baylor. I saw her doing a skit for our sorority and thought, “I want to be friends with that girl!” She has been one of my best friends ever since! In college I learned that she’s confident, fun, smart and loves an audience. After college we worked together at Disney. That’s when I learned that she’s a hard worker, a stickler for being on time, is endearingly child-like at heart, loves anything dipped in Rotel Velveeta with a wine cooler on the side, and loves Christmas A LOT. Seeing her in her married years showed me she’s fiercely loyal, trusting, and loves her family dearly. Her divorce and the time following that showed me she’s strong, faithful, patient, and teachable. The last couple years have been awesome to see that even she is seeing that she’s adventurous, successful, a writer, a wonderful friend, has a merciful heart, and is just downright SUPER! I love this girl. Now let’s get to pimpin’!

If you have a co-worker, neighbor, family member, or anyone else in your sphere of influence that would be perfect for this treasure, please let me know by submitting it to me. Whatever format you choose, please include at least one picture (the more the better) and Click Here to send them.

1. The fans all know about your epic sense of humor, but tell us some stats such as your age, height, eye color, and hair color.

Age:  33
Height:  5’2
Eye color:  Mostly green
Hair color:  Brunette

2. Describe the type of man you looking for (use bullet form).

• Loves the Lord
• Has a natural ability to make people laugh
• Hard working and dedicated to his responsibilities in life
• Confident but not cocky
• Polite and gentlemanly (I refuse to believe that chivalry is dead)
• Physically fit
• Conversationalist:  I love witty banter
• Someone who trusts that I’m a better woman as a result of my divorce (cheaters need not apply)

3. You lead an interesting life.  Name some of the places you have experienced in your travels so we can encapsulate your adventurous side.

• I was greeted by 50 Mexicans as my personnel basket swung me from a tug boat and plopped me in the middle of the deck on Rig 660 in Gulf.
• I ate questionable deli meat in the Ukraine that I later learned was donkey tongue.
• I was baptized in the Jordan River in Israel.
• I rode a camel named ZaZa in Petra.
• I was pulled aside in a little room at the Bogota Colombian airport because the police thought I was smuggling in pirated DVDs.
• I held a bedpan so my friend could throw up in a hospital in QBA.
• I zip lined through the jungle in Costa Rica.
• I tried to sneak in to the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, but chickened out at the last minute and settled for a photo outside the gates.

4. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

One can’t help but notice physical build at first.  I also notice eyes and his smile.  Do they appear happy and joyful and in love with life?  Is he a hugger?  Is he respectful?  Does he make me laugh?  I’m a sucker for a good old boy too.

5. What would you consider your best trait?

I have a nurturing side that always seems to lead me in the direction of helping others.  I have a strict policy to never let anyone cry alone and I can make a mean banana pudding.

(WebMAN Interjection): Lincee is, by far, one of the most trustworthy, unselfish, and reliable people I have ever met in my life.  You can count on her for anything.  I am reminded of a survey, in the book The Millionarie Next Door, where they surveyed the affluent on what is the most important trait in a partner, and hands down “someone you can rely on/trust” was number one.  That is Lincee.  There could be no other answer to this question.

6. Describe an ideal first date.

My first reaction will probably be, “YES!  I’M GOING ON A DATE!”  But I know that’s not the point of this exercise.  I love digging deep and finding out about people and that is best executed with a bowl of queso and a basket of chips in front of me.  I would never turn down a meal unless it was sushi.  I also love going to the movies, the theater, listening to live music and if you know how to spin me around the dance floor…or the living room…or a parking lot…I’m putty in your hands.  I enjoy college football and $1 hot dog night at the baseball field in the cheap seats.  I also love driving in a car with the windows rolled down listening to music while drinking a Sonic Route 44 Dr Pepper.

7. What type of music do you like/listen to?

I’m not exaggerating when I say that I love most music genres.  Heavy metal and gangster rap are probably not high up on my list.  My music is generally directed by my mood.  I love pop, classic country and boy bands.  I love Broadway, crooners and classical.  I love 80s, Disney and church hymns.  I love alternative, folk and acoustic.  Music feeds my soul.

8. Name some of your favorite movies.

It’s as if you asked me to name a favorite child:

• Favorite all time:  Pride and Prejudice
• Favorite classic:  Gone with the Wind
• Favorite musical:  Singing in the Rain and Newsies
• Favorite chick flick:  The Notebook
• Favorite 80s movie:  Girls Just Want To Have Fun and 16 Candles
• Favorite epic:  Star Wars Trilogy
• Favorite animation:  Sleeping Beauty and The Incredibles
• Favorite one-liners:  Princess Bride
• Favorite cult classic:  Dazed and Confused
• Favorite dance movie:  Urban Cowboy and Center Stage
• Movie I’m too old for:  Harry Potter Series
• Movie I’m embarrassed to admit I own:  The Pirate Movie
• Movie I don’t own but secretly wish I owned:  High School Musical: Senior Year
• Movie I cry when I watch:  Rudy
• Movie I fast forward to the good parts:  Big Business

9. Name some of your favorite TV shows besides that lame Bachelor show.

I love The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Arrested Development, Project Runway, 30 Rock and that show where the guy makes the phenomenal cakes in the shape of mustangs and pigs flying.

10. What is your job?  Your title?  What is a typical day for you?

I am the Public Relations Manager for a marketing firm.  A typical day consists of me trying to pimp out rigs and subsea trees to the oil and gas trade media.  I also write seven different internal newsletters for my clients.

11. What are your religious beliefs?

I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.  He is a big part of my life and I need a man who both understands and embraces this fact in his own life.

12. Where are you from originally?  Where do you live now?

I’m from Hallsville, Texas (population 1,556) and am related to most everyone in the tiny town.  I was first runner-up in the Miss Hallsville pageant in 1994.  I think I lost because I told the judges that my life-long goal was to work at Disney World.  If I knew their names, I would have sent them a post card from Magic Kingdom four years later when I was ACCOMPLISHING MY LIFE-LONG GOAL.  After living in Florida, Waco and Dallas and I now reside in Houston, Texas.

13. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I’m a reader.  I love Half-Priced books.  I typically read about 30 books a year.  I love watching shows on my DVR because I can do that on my own time.  I believe DVR is the best invention EVER next to the iPod and toaster oven.  I like to spend time with friends.  I like to cross items off my to-do list.  I love to swim and frolic on the beach in my string bikini.

14. What type of foods do you like/hate?

I pretty much stick to anything white or yellow.  I stay away from green and orange.  Unless the orange is candy corn.  I’m addicted to holiday sweets.  That’s why October is so exciting for me…the stores gear up for several months of seasonal candy.  You have Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter all together.  I love Mexican food and often enjoy a good old fashioned steak and potatoes.  I don’t eat anything crustaceous or meat off the bone.  Because let’s face it…that just reminds me of cannibalism.

15. Do you have a special talent or stupid human trick?

Take your pick:  I can, and have been able to since I was five-years-old, say the ABCs backwards.  I can talk like I am stuck in a closet.  And I have a pretty impressive whistle that often turns the heads of many a young man, as well as all the dogs within a one-mile radius.  I know more Disney trivia than will ever be needed in a normal adult life and can pop my hip and thumb in and out of socket.

16. Where did you go to college?

Baylor University.  Sic ‘em Bears.

17. What do you think you will be doing five years from now?

Probably in a coffee shop somewhere writing notes for my future best-selling novel on the back of a napkin.

18. Since people will ask, why aren’t you and WebMAN dating?  Is it because he hijacks your website or because he is a jerk in general?

We are long-time friends.  He is dating other people. And he couldn’t handle me.

So how do you send candidates and where?

The most popular format is to have the prospect answer the same questions.  However, writing up a quick profile is also another good option.  Whatever format you choose, please include at least one picture (the more the better) and Click Here to send them.  On Friday, I will also be submitting a second post with descriptions of Lincee from her best friend and sister.

Who likes the beach?

That’s it ladies. The Dallas edition of Big Pimpin’ is officially closed. And to be quite honest, I don’t think my email inbox can handle any more submissions!

We are going to compile all the entries into one spreadsheet. A panel will sift through the information provided and narrow it down to 10 girls. This may take a while, so be patient!

Lawrence will take it from there make and his final choices on a select few lucky ladies!

Thanks to everyone who participated. It takes courage to send in profiles and photos. You guys rock!

I’ll make sure to keep you all posted on the developments of my love matches. Here’s hoping they turn out better than The Bachelor!

And Lawrence…bring me back an adult beverage with an umbrella. It’s the least you can do. Everyone knows that pimpin’ ain’t easy.

Here at iHateGreenBeans.com, we aim to please. And by “we,” I mean Lincee. If I had it my way, there would be much more subterfuge going on with this “pimpin’” instead of offering up top notch prospects.

I have been friends with Lawrence for a few years now, so I thought I would provide some male perspective to this part II post. I wish the guy had a bigger “dirt-bag factor” (other than the standard male default) so I could have made this a roast, but the truth is he is a decent guy.

For example, when he destroys me in golf, he is only semi-arrogant about it. Gracias.

When we go to a hockey game, and there is a wake of women asking him what toothpaste he uses, he tosses me all of his table scraps. Generous.

And when we go to the bar, he always says, “How you do’in” to the waitresses so we get free drinks. Dis guy is swell.

I’m telling you. I recycle all of his jokes, all the time. They work. Women like the humor. If they’d all stop running from me, I’d be willing to recycle more of his stuff. Dreams.

The only satisfaction I am getting from all of this, is knowing we will have a TOUGH time with the selection process. I have reviewed the pics and profiles and WHOA! There are some amazing women that visit this site!

How you do’in?

Seriously. All of them are adorable, accomplished, and clearly courageous for taking the action of sending in their info. I will be very interested to see how this turns out.

- webMAN

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

webMAN is right! It is going to be a TOUGH process sifting through the emails I’ve received. Thanks to everyone who sent in profiles and pictures. You guys are amazing!

Since we have several applicants, I’m going to implement the same strategy I used for Sergeant Cole and form a committee of friends to help decide which girls seem to be compatible with Lawrence. We are going to take submissions for one more week and then I’m going to turn over the list to Lawrence for review. That’s when I take myself out of the equation and he starts sweeping girls off their feet.

Until that time comes, I think it’s only fitting that I share a little bit more personal information about this hot tamale:

If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
Yes. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with me? Granted, sometimes I’d ditch myself for my cooler friends if I could.

Do you use sarcasm?
I believe that the above statement answers this question.

Have you ever bungee jumped? If no, would you?
I have not. I’d like to bungee jump and sky dive at some point.

What is your favorite smell?
Freshly cut grass

Scary movies or happy endings?
Happy endings

Boxers or briefs?
Boxer briefs actually

Do you have any pets?
I like pets, but currently do not have any.

All-time favorite movies that you can watch over and over again?
Shawshank Redemption. No contest at all.

Tell me about a favorite event in your childhood.
By far my ultimate childhood memory is when I thought my dad was the strongest man on earth. In Kindergarten, he bent a piece of pipe with his bare hands and I thought the world of that.

What is your life motto?
If it’s attainable, reach for it, grab it and hold on. Don’t give up.

Who has had the most influence in your life?
No one person in particular. I learn from my mistakes and flourish from others. I take a piece of each person I meet with me, regardless of how long you are in my life for.

What do you think you will be doing five years from now?
Hopefully I’ll be a little more successful and have someone in my life that I know I can count on day in and day out. I honestly, just hope that I am happy and blessed with great friends and great family.

Morning or night person?
I am definitely an evening person. If I can get away with sleeping in an extra 10-15 minutes I will. Good thing I am allowed to get to work when I do.

Country or city?
City to live. Country to visit. Who doesn’t like a nice quite relaxing couple of days?

What cartoon character best describes you?
Curios George. I’m always getting into trouble. As much as the man with the yellow hat tells me not to do something, I don’t learn until I’ve tried it for myself.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Maui

What are your religious beliefs?
Raised Baptist, but I’m not an active member of any church. I am not against religion. I just don’t practice it on a regular basis.

Brothers or sisters?
I have two wonderful sisters that I love very much. The three of us are very different, but get along very well. I would do just about anything for either one of them.

So why aren’t you dating Lincee? I hear she is the greatest thing since sliced bread and the iPod.
As much as we both know how magical it would be, being friends is the best thing for us. If we were dating, then how could she “pimp” me out on her lovely blog?

I’ve often fantasized about leaving the intriguing world of coiled tubing rigs, subsea trees and light well intervention for something a bit more on the creative side. Perhaps I could frequent my neighborhood coffee shop and write a best selling book on the back of stained paper napkins. Or I could move to New York City and become a Pop Watch blog writer for Entertainment Weekly. Maybe I could finally achieve that life-long dream of being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

Never in a million years did I think pimping would be something I enjoy. And I certainly didn’t expect my Big Pimpin’ category to get almost as many hits as my Bachelor recaps.

Granted, my first subject was quite the catch. And since we share the same DNA, I was able to work out all the kinks with his “season” just in time get everything in order for our second installment.

Meet my friend Lawrence.

I know. You should see his eyes in person.

Ironically, it wasn’t his eyes that caught my attention when I first met him. It was his smile. Or should I say teeth? Have you ever seen pearly whites this perfect before? Is his Dad a dentist? Does he have floss in his desk? Does he use those Crest white strips?

Clearly, these were questions that needed to be immediately answered.

About a year before I left the Dallas agency where I used to work, Lawrence graced us with his presence. And when I say “us,” I mean me and webMAN.

The PR department and the Movie department cubes were right next to each other. Lawrence was the young guy straight out of college that had to do mundane jobs, like clip movie ads out of the Morning News and stuff passes into envelopes.

webMAN and I immediately sized him up. Sure…he looked like he could hang with the cool kids, but looks aren’t everything. There was a delicate inner-office balance and this Lawrence fellow could throw us all off if we weren’t careful.

I had my first breakthrough with Lawrence inside the storage closet that our departments shared. I was stuffing our side full of Central Market cookbooks and Maggiano’s lemon cookies. He was stuffing their side full of Polar Express toy trains and Mean Girls posters.

Lincee: “Look. You’re new. I think you need to know how things go around here…”
Lawrence: “Hey! [signature grin] Do you want a screening pass to Harry Potter?”

That’s when I knew that he was one of us and this would be a friendship that would last forever.

Lawrence is a sweet guy who is always surrounded by friends and fun. I’m excited for you to get to know him better in the next few weeks. I’ve made it my personal mission to find him an adorable girl. Call your friends, daughters and sisters people. He is a good one!

In keeping with tradition, I provided Lawrence with a list of questions to answer. I will be revealing a few more details each Thursday in the upcoming weeks. Feel free to email me with additional questions.

And if you are bold, go ahead and send in your own personal profile and accompanying photo!

Let the pimpin’ begin!

Age: 28

Height: 5’9”

City: Dallas

1. What is a typical work day for Lawrence?
I am a film publicist. My official title is Senior Account Executive. A typical day would include social media, interaction with regional members of the press (Entertainment) and setting up promotional screenings for feature films. I also work with promotional partners such as TV, radio, newspaper and Online outlets among others.

2. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Golf, being outdoors, pool time with friends or sporting events

3. What is your favorite cereal?
Frosted Flakes or Shredded Wheat
I also really like Maypo (Maple flavored Oatmeal)

4. Mountains or beach? Beach

5. What is your favorite food?
I’m a steak and potatoes kind of guy. But I like pizza, fish, pasta, burgers and bratwurst. Pretty much anything that you can grill.

6. Favorite TV show?
Can I name shows? Weeds, Entourage, Californication, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, NCIS, 30 Rock and The Office. Wow – I might watch a little too much TV.

7. What was the last book you read?
Bringing Down the House. Great story. Makes you want to get up and move to Vegas.

8. How many countries have you visited?
Seven

9. Have you ever met a famous person?
Believe it or not, I have met several.

10. Best concert ever?
Dave Matthews Band
July 21, 2001
Folsom Field, Boulder Colorado

11. If you knew you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt?
I would love to be able play NHL hockey and win the Stanley Cup. It’s a dream, right?

12. What qualities of the opposite sex would you HAVE to have in a potential mate?
Funny, ambitious, caring, not afraid to show me who she really is. I need someone who believes in communication. Someone who thinks that a compromise is better than a sacrifice. Ideally this person’s looks would only add to the positive qualities.

Lincee has exceeded all of my expectations with her shameless and effective pimping of yours truly on the single’s market! Thanks to all the ladies who submitted profiles.  I am having fun writing back and forth with the girls and learning about their lives.

I especially want to thank you all for the respect you have all voiced to our nation and the armed forces. A quick word on Iraq: As many of you know, this is my second tour of duty here. The violence just a couple of years ago was nonstop and vicious. I lost some friends, the last of whom died exactly two years ago as I write this. Things are far from Mayberry RFD here now, but I have been here for six months with nowhere near the problems of last time. Regardless of how the war is going, I am grateful to have all of your thoughts and prayers. Mine and Lincee’s fathers both fought in Vietnam and the country was very much against them when they returned home.
 
I have written before, but it bears repeating, that I may be in Afghanistan within a year of returning. It reminds me that there are many friends, family members, and spouses out there who patiently wait for a loved one to return. My dear, sweet, mother is the daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, wife, mother-in-law, and mother of war veterans.  In fact, all four of her kids are in the military and we are all either scouts or helicopter pilots. Military moms and wives read this blog. While we are horsing around in the desert and being reckless, you are home keeping the world from falling apart. Thanks to all of you.
 
My unit (56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2-104th Cavalry) will be home in September Insha’Allah – God willing – as the Arabs are fond of saying.

Elliott

Here’s the deal.  I got an email from him early in the week saying that they are in “communication blackout” at the moment and he won’t be able to email, let alone virtually flirt with dozens of girls.  The blackout will eventually lift, but he’s asked that I narrow down the field to a handful of hopefuls.

Naturally, that made me feel weird, so I decided to develop a committee that will help determine the single ladies who have the best fit with Elliott. 

I’m giving it another week before I close the bidding ladies.  Feel free to send me a short bio and a photo if you are interested in being added to my super fancy Excel spreadsheet. 

And for those of you who have already sent me stuff…THANKS!

Here’s one more round of tidbits for you to nibble on until next week:

Age:  30

What is your favorite breakfast cereal?  Frosted Flakes

Vanilla or Chocolate?  Chocolate

Do you wear contacts?  Nope – 20/10 sniper vision in both eyes.  It rocks.

Boxers or briefs?  Boxers.  But for running, briefs are a good idea.

Who has had the most influence in your life?  My Mother because she has always set a strong, morale example.

What will you be doing five years from now?  I will be running my own business, or doing a great job running somebody else’s business and enjoying my family. 

What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?  It’s hugely dependent on whether I meet her at a library or the beach. 

What qualities of the opposite sex would you HAVE to have in a girlfriend?  All I really need is a girl who shares my values about work, family and God.  Being smoking hot is a major plus, of course.

I can’t believe how many emails I received from posting one picture (in which you can’t see his eyes) and a few fun facts about Elliott.  You guys are FIERCE!  I love it!  I guess I will stick with what worked before and post a few more photos and facts. 

Because my Daddy always told me, “If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.”  Let’s get down to business:

 He likes the kids.  Can I get an “AWWWWWWW” from the readers please?

And he thinks that I’m #1.  Thanks E.  Right back at you.

In keeping with Big Pimpin’ tradition, below are a few more fun facts about Elliott.  I’ve included some from fans and some of my own. 

And remember, if you are interested, feel free to email me with questions!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

How tall are you?  5′8

Have you ever bungee jumped?  Yes.  It was very cool.

What is your favorite ice cream?  HEB’s Creamy Creations Strawberry Cheesecake.  Add chocolate, carmel, whip cream and nuts and it gets 37% better.

Mountains or beach?  Mountains

Do you have a stupid human trick?  I can remember your phone number and social security number forever and ever if I see it once.  But don’t be afraid.  I wouldn’t know how to steal your identity if I wanted to.  I can barely use a computer.

Do you have pets?  The deployed soldier’s lifestyle makes it impossible to keep pets.  I like cats and dogs both.  Why should we have to choose?

Favorite thing to cook?  Stuffed salmon Lafayette.  Broil stuffed salmon.  Serve over wild rice smothered with craw fish etouffee.

What is your favorite memory from childhood?  The birth of my sister when I was seven.  She is married now to the greatest guy on earth AND she is an Army helicopter pilot.  I am the proudest brother in the world.

What cartoon character best describes you?  Calvin

If you could try something and you knew you would not fail, what dream would you attempt?  Astronaut.  For real.  If not, then starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys.

Several people have asked about your religious background.  How would you answer that question?  I have Methodist on my father’s side and Catholic on my mother’s side.  I am very conservative in my personal and political views, so I get along well with Christians of all backgrounds.  I’m also accustomed to an environment where we don’t share beliefs and feelings openly.  You probably won’t catch me using tender, vulnerable phrasing like, “I love Jesus.”  But I do believe Jesus Christ died for our sins and whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.  There is sort of a family tradition about being soft-spoken about religion (it is a Methodist thing I think).  Talk is cheap.  Somebody’s beliefs are more accurately represented in their deeds.  I expect my family to attend church and for my kids to have a knowledge of the Bible.  A woman who really wears religion on her sleeve may be a bad fit for me.  A woman with NO religion is a deal-breaker.