I am Sam. I was born and raised in the city of brotherly love (and sisterly affection), Philadelphia, or for the initiated: Philly. It’s the home of the cheesesteak, but I’ve never eaten one. It’s the home of the Flyers, but I’ve never been to one of their games. But I have walked the dark alleys of South Street on numerous Friday nights, watching the chaos that goes on down there, and sometimes participating in it. The first 21 years of my life were spent in that grand city, then I moved to Tennessee, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
I am Sam.
My life growing up was a sheltered one. My father was a traveling preacher, who also had a thriving prison ministry program (that I participated in myself when I got older). My mother was a Sabbath school teacher (think Sunday school, but for Seventh-Day Adventists). Living in the shadow of two parents like that was daunting for me and for my sister, Joy. I didn’t really comprehend how much that affected me until I became an adult and had a family of my own.
Knoxville, Tennessee was a wild experience. College town that it is, it couldn’t contain me. I struggled to reconcile my studies (at the University of Tennessee) with the fact that the university was the number one party school in the nation while I was there. I could totally tell. I somehow survived, however, even working on the school paper as a roving reporter/journalist. That was the beginning of my writing for an audience, which has obviously continued to this day.
Now I’m in upstate New York, which, when I tell people I live in New York, they get all starry-eyed until I explain that it’s far from the city, both geographically and emotionally. I am still a very spiritual person, even though I don’t go to church. I am a teacher who is not teaching at the moment. I am a father of two young girls who are incredibly amazing. I am the husband of a phenomenal woman I felt I wasn’t worthy of before, until I realized it’s not about that. It’s about the journey, together.
I keep a daily journal, or at least I used to keep a daily journal, but you know what happened. I got busy once, and I didn’t get a chance to write in it, and that led to me getting depressed that I missed a day, and so I missed a second. It began to snowball, and before I knew it, I hadn’t written in my “daily” journal in over three months. Do you think there was any going back then? No way. So here I am now, hoping that a different type of medium, these words typed on this screen, might make a difference. We’ll soon see. Welcome to my daily journal. I am Sam.
You can also email me at jmcmanus1227@yahoo.com.
Sam's Online Journal 
Nice to have crossed paths Sam!
You too, Becca!
Thanks for replying to my comment! I’ll be checking back to see how your journal comes along. Best to you in the New Year! -Jessica
You’re welcome. And Happy New Year to you as well, Jessica!
Much, much better š
You inspired me. Thanks. š
No problem. š
I’ve nominated you for The Addictive Blogger Award – http://ourmulticolouredlife.com/2013/02/04/the-addictive-blogger-award/
Awww! Thanks white chick. š It means a lot to me!
Hi Sam, thanks for choosing to follow me. A cheasesteak sound very intriguing!! Your last paragraph made me smile because that’s what happens with a lot of my students (I teach on a couple of MA programs in the UK for Creative Writing). Good luck with the blog!
Funnily enough, every single time I tell people I’m from Philadelphia they always say they’re jealous because of the cheesesteaks, and I have never had one. I’m glad I chose to follow you, so you’re welcome!
Nice to meet you, Sam. I love a good philly cheesesteak sandwich. You should try one.;)
I am also a big Harry Potter fan. Love your photo!
Kim, you are too funny. Nice to make your acquaintance as well. Well, after I check out your blog that is. Thanks for stopping by. Don’t be a stranger. Wingardium leviosa!
I love that Harry Potter picture. XD
Thanks! I went to the high school’s Halloween Dance last year as Mr. Potter. The kids were duly impressed.
Sam! I’ve jusr recruited you for my gun family feud team! I hope you get a pingback
Woo hoo, Steph! Thank you. You’re gonna make me cry again! We are soooo gonna win! š
Ha ha!
Even if you have no intention of doing it, I nominated you for The WordPress Family award.
You’ve become a very good friend of mine over the last several months. I cherish our friendship, and I just wanted to let you know.
š
http://cnmill.wordpress.com/2013/06/23/the-wordpress-family-award/
You’re a Harry Potter fan too? Yay! I still haven’t outgrown the series. š
Keep writing! Ive nominated you for the Liebster Award. http://gottasaythanks.wordpress.com/the-liebster/
I think the series is amazing at whatever age. Glad to meet a fellow fan! Thank you so much for coming by and for the nomination!
Hi,
I found your blog through a createspace community. Would you be willing to follow my blog: avgriffin.wordpress.com?
Avery
I will definitely check it out, Avery.
Never had a cheesesteak from Pats??? (Not Gino though.)
I have been to both places many times while hanging with friends, but I’ve never had a cheesesteak in my life. I know. And I call myself a native Philadelphian. š
Stumbled on your blog and looking forward to reading more. Your writing has a way of making me feel like I’m falling down a rabbit hole as I read. That’s a good thing!
Thank you very much, and for coming to my page too, even if it was as a result of stumbling on in. All are welcome. Stay a while.
Stumbling is how I find the best stuff! (Truth – the only way I find stuff – the only way I know!)
I too have stumbled across many things that have turned out to be amazing in my life. I am on my way to check out your blog. I absolutely adore your handle.
I am glad and very happy for you and your family Sam, continue the good work you have been doing.bro:) From “My Friends call me Butter”.
Thank you very much. We are enjoying life.