Welcome to my new blog!

Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for stopping by. This is my very first blog, and I'm just tickled to be here.

I want to focus on two things with this weblog: the struggle to be openly gay in the Southern United States, and what it's like to live with a chronic, debilitating illness on a daily basis. With that said, I'll dive right in and tell you my story.

I've struggled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since early 1993. My condition progressed over the next few years, and I found myself completely disabled in December 2004. Until that time, I worked as an exercise specialist in a clinical wellness setting in Shreveport, Louisiana, and I loved my job. So, it was tough to deal with the loss of my position, my relationship with my coworkers, and the fulfillment I gained from doing something I loved - not to mention the loss of income.

To further complicate things, I came out as a gay man to my parents on November 11, 2006. I grew up in a strict Pentecostal home, so you can imagine the drama that ensued. The very next day I left Louisiana and moved in with my current partner, who has a home here in Petal, Mississippi.

Now, I work from home on a part-time basis. As I'm able, I take care of the house and the yard. Keeps me busy.

Well, that's all for now. Over the next few days, weeks, and months, I'll be talking about the never ending challenges of gay life in the south, as well as the devastating effects that chronic fatigue syndrome can have on a person's life. I feel I have a unique perspective on both issues, and I hope what I have to say can help make somebody's struggle just a bit easier.

Good night, and have fabulous dreams!