The ever-delicious adventures of Sammy G

Sammy - Happy Glorious Birthday!! I am sorry my post is so delinquent but at least it's here before your 41st.! I am a techno-tard who, alas, is married to someone only marginally less compu-challenged.

So .... 40!! Is it time to start acting like an adult? I say Nyet! If 60 is the new 30 .... 40 is the new 10. Go get yourself a Razor scooter and begin collecting Pokemon cards!

I have now known you for 17 years ... or 42.5% of "this" Earth life ... depending on what you believe. It seems like only yesterday ...

We were newly minted college girls ... in the process of being disabused of those crazy "the world is your pearl" notions as we were forced to trade leisurely afternoons reading Chaucer for plebeian life as "office veal," being tenderized under the fluorescent bulbs in our nubby, grey cubes.

You were the dash of Technicolor in my black & white corporate world. I still remember you sauntering up to me on the Cabot work shuttle and announcing, in your conspiratorial, Sassy Sam voice, that you knew how to get the cheapest PanAm flights to New York.

That moment is quinessential Sam -- A bold approach to the stranger, a glint of mischief, and the promise of adventure. I don't even recall what prompted you to offer up that little goodie ... We just seemed to be instant friends from that moment.

Thus began the "summer of Sam" ... in a good way ;) ... Two educated gals figured out how to game the corporate system by doing the least amount of possible work, insinuating ourselves into every interesting conversation, using our cunning and derring-do to maximize meal and taxi vouchers, free schmooze-fest wine/beer and ... of course ...to get our daily quota of blueberry tasty snacks. We psycho analyzed every colleague, got the down-lo on all sorts of inter-office hi-jinks and became roving sociologists. What began as drudgery became ... with the addition of the essential ingredient of Sam - a series of fond and funny memories.

Together we explored Boston & you shared new neighborhoods, tastes and experiences. You introduced me to new authors and literary adventures I would never have found on my own.
You pushed my boundaries and vastly expanded my comfort zone.

I'll never forget the crazy weekend you, Cynthia and I had in Provincetown when we met that bizarre man (with the ill boyfriend) who insisted on taking us all over town to every crazy bar there was. I remember him offering to pay a bouncer $100 for each of the 3 of us to take us upstairs to some leather bar, when we wisely decided -- "if you have to pay the bouncer that much - maybe we'd rather not see what's in there!" He told us he could read our futures ... and pronounced Cynthia an artist and me a "soccer mom" - I was horribly insulted. I wish now that I could remember what he pronounced you, because I am wondering if he was clairvoyant!!

You first introduced me to California ... I'll never forget that first trip with Synthia and you ... buying my first 2 piece bathing suit since 2nd grade, eating Mount Rainier cherries, and roasting marshmellos on Balboa Island -- I have incredible sense memories of that fantastic trip!

I have never had a dull moment or unforgettable day with you Sam -- whether it was leaf-peeping in North Hampton, climbing a mountain in Sedona or finding the best cheeseburger in Manhattan & then sipping Egyptian cocktails in a bar with a grass floor ... When I think of you - I can only describe you as someone who completely savors life in all its sensory glory.

With you, life is a kaleidoscope of dreamy possibility - whether its savoring words on a page, musical notes in your ear, beautiful colors and/or delightful tastes -- as Austin Powers might say ... "You're totally switched on Babe"

Your gift is your ability to take that zest for savoring life and bestowing that on all those who surround you. Not only do you savor -- you ignite savoring in others. That is an incredible gift that I feel so very fortunate to have enjoyed.

If I could have a wish for you as you embark on your next 40 years (the 2nd in what I hope are at least 4 or 5 installments) it would be that you realize the profound and wonderful impact that you have on others. I am so happy you found someone as wonderful as David who so obviously delights in you and revels in your Sammyness and I actually go all misty when I think about what a wonderful mom you are to Jarrah.

You are a glorious person and an incredible friend. Though a whole nation divides us - you're never far from my thoughts or my heart. I think of you often and look forward to our next adventure together. I hope our whole families can meet sometime very soon.

Happy Happy Birthday Sammy. You're quite simply one of my favorite people on the whole planet & I love you to bits!

XO Sue