Who I am

I think it is time for me to tell everyone who I am. As of this date that I'm writing this I'm a 42 year old, gay man living in Gresham, Oregon. I would be considered to be lower middle class, and I live in a hard working, Blue Collar neighborhood. I've been blessed in many ways. I've grew up in a stable family, with parents that have loved me unconditionally over my 42 year. My parents wonderful marriage has been a guide for my relationship with my husband for the last 15 years. I have a brilliant sister who has been my friend all of my life. For the past 15 years, I have also had the wonderful influence of my mother and father and brother in-law there families. They have also been wonderful roll models, and great friends. My extended family is a loving, caring bunch, that has been a rock of stability for me, even with all our varied ideas of politics, religion, and life in general. The times that we have come together through the years have been joyous, and we have always tried to respect our differences. For that, I'm proud to have the family that I do, and I deeply miss the one that we have lost.

Now for a little background of were I've lived. The Portland Metro area has been my home for most of my life, but for almost 6 years, from late 2006 to mid 2012 I had the great pleasure to live in Chicago, Illinois. During that time I was able to experience culture that I never would have in Portland. Not because Portland doesn't have a lot to offer, but because when we are native to a certain place we tend to get too focused to the life at hand. I needed to be moved away from my comfort zone in order to experience it. The experience didn't change my life views, but it did open my eyes to new possiblities, and a broader view of the country. The NW will always be my true home though. I feel the most grounded here, and I need that ground in order to thrive mentally and spirtually.

Over the next couple of posts I would like to get more in depth of who I am, but it's going to take some more thought. Also, I would like to get into my politics. This last election has been very hard, and in ways has been deeply troubling for me, as I think it has been for most of the nation. Until then, thank you for your time reading this. To my family, I love and resect you very much, and I'm proud to be one of your people.

Much love,
​Justin