I am 26 years old, from Des Moines, Iowa.  I am tall, standing at 5 ft. 11 inches.  I weigh 190 lbs. currently but I work out every day, trying to lose the 25 lbs. I've gained during my incarceration.  I am told since 11th grade that I resemble Sandra Bullock.  I have two 5 year sentences ran consecutive.   My discharge date is middle of 2013 but I will be paroled sometime in 2011.

I am well educated.  I graduated from Boone High School in the top 10% of my class.  During my senior year I also attended DMACC to obtain my CNA license.  After high school I continued to attend DMACC where I received my associates in Psychology.  Before my incarceration I was attending Office Specialist classes at DMACC.  When I am released I plan to obtain my BA in Sociology/Psychology.   I want to start an after school and weekend youth program as well as facilitate a community cleanup program in my neighborhood.  My dream is to buy a junker house and completely remodel it by myself.

My favorite foods are Chinese and soul food.  I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music and watching movies.  My favorite types of music are R&B, soul and reggae.  I like horror movies and movies based on true stories.   For fun I enjoy dancing, barbecues with friends and family, swimming and playing on leagues.  The leagues I play on are bowling, volleyball and pool.  I would also love to join a softball league, since that was my favorite sport to play in high school.

Some things I dislike are dishonesty, prejudice, cockiness, and people who are not true to themselves.  I am freaked out by snakes, large spiders and dark unfamiliar places.  My favorite time of year is fall.  I love the warm but cool feeling and the colors all around.  It's a cozy time of year for me.  My favorite colors are red, green and brown.  Before incarceration I worked as a dancer for 7 years.  In those 7 years I also worked as a CNA, a dietary aide in a nursing home and assistant manager at a Foot Locker.  However, the most rewarding job I possessed was that of a nanny for a set of twins for about 2 years.

The qualities I like best about myself is my honesty, open-mindedness, compassion and willingness to forgive.  I keep a positive outlook on all things and don't let obstacles detour me from my goals.  I am a people person.   People who meet me say that I am loving, fun, friendly, happy and real.  I have a huge heart and I'm always willing to help a person in need.  I love children, I think they are the most earnest and fascinating people to every come in contact with.   I am a very good listener, even though I may not always have the right words to say.  I don't judge, that's not my place.  I am a fast learner and love to learn new things.  I like to live life to the fullest and experience all I can.  I haven't always done the right thing but I'm learning from my mistakes.  I can admit my faults and accept defeat.  I'm learning new things every day.

I am looking for someone who shares the same interests as me and that can help me through this time.  I am interested in a long term relationship or deep friendship beyond these gates.  I am not looking for any game playing, dishonesty or drama.  I need someone who is sincere and won't string me along.   If you are this person, please contact me.

Always,
  Melisa