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Wednesday, October 12, 2005


Don't be mean or talk about your ex

Salem's Most Eligible: Mark Carter

by Rose Wade
SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES


Inside Out 

Mark Carter
Photos by Josh Meltzer | The
Roanoke Times

Rose Wade is a 21-year-old Hollins University student and baby sitter extraordinaire with too little time on her hands. She enjoys procrastinating, reading and the day-to-day pleasures of life. For her, being single is a good excuse to get dressed up.

Read more Roanoke's Most Eligible stories

Home: Salem

Age: 40

Sign: Aries

Occupation: Owner of Custom Machining & Tool

Nominated by: His office manager, Lisa Scott. "This is a great guy!" and he's the perfect gentleman, she says. But because he's not into the bar scene, he doesn't meet very many women. Mark works a lot, but Lisa knows it will not keep him from having fun with someone special. "He's convinced that all the good women are taken," and Lisa wants him to see that's not true, "so no squirrely women, please!"

About Mark: If he's not tinkering with something, he's visiting with friends. Almost always busy, there's no TV watching for Mark. Recently, he bought a Piper Warrior airplane and received his pilot's license from Roanoke Regional Airport. And when he's not in the sky, he's riding a motorcycle. He's been told that it takes a while for people to warm up to him, that first impressions aren't his strong suit. But he's also been told that once you get to know him he's a dedicated and loyal friend.

General interests: Canoeing, Jet Skiing, riding a Harley and four-wheeling in his Jeep.

Where you're most likely to find him: Eating a nice meal at a restaurant such as Luigi's, relaxing with friends at Smith Mountain Lake or catching a late-afternoon movie (according to Mark, "it doesn't matter what you watch, it matters who you watch it with").

Mark's routine when he goes out: He works every day until 5 or 6, but he keeps his weekends free so he can "goof off" as he pleases.

How long he's been single: He's been divorced for three years.

Pro of single life: You're not obligated to anyone.

Con of single life: Mark prefers married life. Almost all of his friends are married, and he misses the companionship marriage offers.

Whom he'd like to meet: He isn't interested in mean women; he does want to meet a woman who likes to have fun, who isn't afraid to go canoeing or flying.

In the next five years, Mark hopes to: Although already successful, he'd like to see his business grow to the point where it can operate without him there so he can take more time off. He enjoyed marriage; he isn't opposed to the idea of wedding bells, but he's going to be much more careful when choosing a prospective mate.

How he rates Roanoke's single life on a scale of 1 to 5: 2

Why? Although there's plenty to do, Mark's not particularly fond of the single lifestyle many choose, which often includes drinking, carousing and chasing other singles.

Best date: As long as the date ends on a nice note, that's all that matters. If your date lingers in your vehicle, you know things went well; if she runs, well, you know a second date is unlikely.

Worst date: Going out with a woman who can't stop talking about her ex-husband.

How to approach Mark: Throwing yourself at him would be "horrible." It certainly doesn't make him feel special. On the other hand, if you've got a smile on your face and you're friendly, he'd probably be interested in hanging out.

Want to talk to Mark? E-mailroanokes_most_eligible@yahoo.com or call981-3352, and we’ll hook you up. Know someone who’s great but who can’t seem to find that special person? Nominate him or her and let everyone see who they’remissing. (And yes, you can nominate yourself.) E-mail Rose Wade at roanokes_most_eligible@yahoo.com or call 981-3352.





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