Bad at Remembering People

Do you have a trouble recognizing people? I have so much trouble and I'm bad with names. Monday night, at the Liberal party (we won. yeh!) I met a handsome East Indian couple. We talked for a bit then went our separate ways. I knew them. I know I did but I couldn't place their names or where I had seen them before. After we parted, I pondered their connection. Then I hit on it. They owned my favourite Indian restaurant. I go there often for lunch. They have great set lunches.

Does that happen with you? So many times, I meet someone I have met before but in a different environment and I can't place them. I have met and talked to people from all over. Everybody remembers me but I don't remember them and feel bad.

My favourite example of this happened when I was in university at McMaster. I was playing euchre in the lunchroom with my friends. (At that time, the euchre players took over a whole long table in the cafeteria and games of euchre played continuously. If you had a class, someone would arrive to take over for you. After class, you'd return only to take someone else's place who had a class. Was lots of fun.)

Any way, this guy came up to me and said hello. I smiled back then said, "I know you but I can't place you." He said, "I see you every Saturday morning at swimming classes." I hit my head with my hand and said, "Oh yes, I just didn't recognize you with your clothes on." My friends laughed.

I've been very lucky. I think I've met someone from every country in the world. I try and learn a few words in their language and learn their traditions and culture. I love learning about other countries which is one reason why the characters in That Truthful Place are all different nationalities.

I was very lucky as a kid. My parents have no prejudices and taught me same. They never said, "You can't eat at your friend's house" because they were Chinese, East Indian or Black. My parents taught me to accept everyone no matter their sexual orientation, religion or colour. We are equal. I have always believed that.

have fun,
Patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

My brother, Bob

That's my younger brother Bob and his dog Strider. He looks good doesn't he? (My brother I mean, not the dog.) He's doing really well these days. He's been running triathlons and now he's running in a half marathon. Truly amazing.

I think he's crazy. Triathlons are so damn hard. And now he's running a half marathon. Wow eh?

Even as a child, he was very enterprising. He and his best friend would go to the university football games (we lived close to the university) and hide under the stands. They would collect all the beer bottles (and there was a lot) and take them back to the store. He made lots of money. When he was a teenager, he started a lawn mowing business. He was very successful and I think he sold his business for $20,000 just before he left for university. He completed an MBA and had many responsible jobs.

I've always been impressed with what he has achieved but, until recently, we haven't been friends. My brother and I have always been opposites. As kids, we didn't hang out much even though I preferred his Tonka toys over my dolls. He did his thing and I did mine. We have lead very different lives. For many years, we didn't speak. Then a few years ago, we had a good talk and now we get along great.

We have a wonderful relationship and thanks to Skype, we talk once a week. Family is very important especially as we age. My parents will die at some point and then we will only have each other. Having him in my life is very important to me. He is very encouraging about my writing career and I can always depend on him for support. I'm lucky to have him as my brother.

I just felt like writing a blog about my brother. Hope you don't mind.

have fun,
Patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser

It's Election Time

Canada is holding federal elections now. The date for the election is Monday, October 19th, but I was able to vote today in the advance polls. I thought I'd be in and out. Usually I am which is the reason I like voting in the advance polls. However today there was quite the line-up. I waited in line for an hour to vote.

Sure you can complain about the lines, but isn't it great so many people are voting? My parents voted yesterday in a different spot and they reported how busy the polling station was. I don't think I've heard of so many people deciding so early for whom they will vote.

Being able to vote is a right. Everyone should be able to have that choice. It's hard to believe that there are still some places in the world where voting is difficult. We should be proud that it's so easy for us to vote.

I also think Canada has a choice of wonderful men as leaders. Really any of them would make a good prime minister. They are honest, intelligent and hard-working people. Of course, I'd prefer Justin Trudeau, the Liberal candidate, but I don't think Canada would suffer greatly under any party.

I've been volunteering for the Liberal candidate in my area. I go into her office several times a week and make cold calls to learn how people are voting. The script we use is very good so we don't sounds too harsh or invasive. However, many times people hang up on me. I've called a few very rude people who take out their anger on me. That's not pleasant.

On the other hand, many calls are pleasant and the people are friendly. They are proud to admit they are voting for the Liberal party. They tell me stories explaining why they have made that choice or explain how much they like Justin and want him as prime minister.

Elections provide much excitement. I love having things to look forward to and I look forward to seeing who will be our next prime minister.

have fun,
Patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser