I cant claim the poet, soldier, or politician aspects, but the others fit. Concerning politics, I rather despise the games that must be played to partake. I much prefer straight shooting conversation. I'm really a fairly transparent person, what you see is what you get, but I'm also fairly private, so getting to see all those transparencies doesnt come easy or without respect. I suppose that's the gentry in my blood.
Thanks for the compliment, and enjoy the west coast! Never been to California myself, but I've visited Oregon before, must say I really enjoyed the outdoors they had to offer.