Seeking

Base-16 numbers, hidden bars, and accidental ten-year projects; competent weirdo seeks same.

I’m hoping to meet someone with a great sense of humour and an interesting level of silliness to explore Melbourne and beyond together. Let’s grab a drink at a local bar, wander along the Yarra, or have a quiet coffee, chat about happy, random things, and swap stories. If that leads to something special, that would be all kinds of nice.

I’m a software developer and run a cloud and internet of things business I started two decades ago. Building it has been a challenge at times, and stepping back to see what we've created is very rewarding (and yes, I’m the kind of person who numbers things on his personal website in hexadecimal, octal, and binary just to see who notices). Work has taken me from Perth, Melbourne, an early project in Tokyo to a 'one-year' project in Luxembourg that turned into ten years. Then a time in Perth, and now back home in the Melbourne CBD.

I can be on the quiet side until you get to know me, but I love taking in the city at a slow pace - walks, drinks, movies, meals, and just experiencing Melbourne. From time to time I can be found at a CBD bar having a quiet read of the Kindle accompanied by a Balter XPA - I actually keep an automagically live-updating list of the recent books and movies I've consumed on my site's /now page.

If you know what a DM41X is (or just appreciate someone who can pat his head and rub his tummy flawlessly), say hello.

Haikus are simple / But sometimes they don't make sense / Refrigerator.

All the best in your search,

Ralph

P.S. Say hello here.

I’m hoping to find a partner to build a genuine, lasting connection with. A few things that would make us a great match:

• A great sense of humour: You appreciate a bit of silliness, don't take yourself too seriously, and enjoy witty, low-drama banter.
• Curiosity & warmth: You enjoy exploring new ideas, sharing stories, and having conversations that range from completely random to deeply meaningful.
• Comfort in the quiet: You’re as happy grabbing a casual drink or wandering the city as you are spending a peaceful evening at home with zero noise.
• Affection & intent: You value honesty, kindness, small everyday gestures, and are genuinely looking for a meaningful partnership.

You don't need to know what a DM41X is, or care about hexadecimal numbers - just bring your authentic self, a curious mind, and a sense of humour.

• I miss holding hands - with someone else, I mean.
• I have a subtle, warped, and occasionally irreverent sense of humour.
• I love silly conversations with close friends, but I take serious discussions seriously.
• Happy for a night out, but my favourite after-party is just me, a couch, and zero noise.
• As a kid I attended 5 schools and lived in 11 houses across Perth, Sydney, Albury, and Mandurah.
• Wanted children but the universe had other plans.
• Sing to myself when happy.
• Can pat my head and rub my tummy with either hand, in either direction.
• Follow tech, sci-fi, breaking news, random humour, and calculators (having fun with a DM41X).
• Fav quote: "This above all - to thine own self be true."
• I’m around 172 cm (5'8") and 62 - I generally tend to click best with someone a little shorter and a little younger, though personality and humor matter more.

Living in the CBD, my favorite routine is walking east along the Yarra toward the Swan Street bridge - much nicer than heading toward the casino. I'd love some company to wander with, unpack everything and nothing, or just set up a picnic and watch the world go by.

By day, I code for work, but I still love tinkering with my home automation system for fun. (I finally got my Melbourne webcam online a while back). When I'm relaxing, I'm usually caught up in a book on my Kindle (perhaps over a beer at a CBD pub) or planning my next big travel adventure.

My screen tastes are all over the place, ranging from sci-fi and action to classic rom-coms and sharp comedies. You’re just as likely to find me quoting Blackadder, The West Wing, or SG-1 as you are finding me rewatching About Time, The Martian, or The Rainmaker.

Favourite movie experience - Star Wars (1977), 20th Century Fox fanfare, opening theme, opening crawl, Rebel blockade runner, Star Destroyer... and then the action started.

My book and movie collections have traveled the world with me. When it comes to reading, I’m usually drawn to a mix of thrillers, techno-thrillers, and some non-fiction.

If you looked at my frequently re-read books, you’d find a pretty specific trio: Friday by Robert A Heinlein, Hackers by Steven Levy, and Chuck Yeager’s autobiography. I appreciate a good mix of classic sci-fi, tech history, and real-life adventure.

My sporting life revolves almost entirely around F1. That said, since being back in Melbourne, I’ve inevitably tuned back into the AFL - though Mum would be absolutely dismayed by how the West Coast Eagles have been going lately!

I used to be a big jogger, but these days I prefer a brisk walk. It’s the perfect pace for exploring the city, catching a podcast, or just clearing my head.