Family

As we get older, I think you begin to appreciate what family you have in your life. My brother and I were estranged for a few years. We have been talking more recently and I will be taking my nephews to their first baseball game in August. I love baseball (I love all sports) and I'm not able to frequent many games. It will be nice introducing my nephews in a new sport.

On Friday, I had lunch with my parents and my aunt and uncle whom I haven't seen in a few years. It was good to see them looking so well, but I was reminded why we haven't seen each other in a while. I think it would be best to keep distance.

But decided to email my cousin, their daughter. She called me Friday night. It was a rare time for her since her husband was away from home and the kids were out for the night. It was so good to talk to her. We spoke openly and honestly with each other. We truly shared which has brought us so close. She lives in Boston, Mass., and it won't be possible to meet any time soon but we considered taking a trip to the Bahamas together. That would be so much fun. We'll see.

The daughter of my father's brother is also a close friend. She lives in Venice, California, and again I don't see her often but we keep in contact with phone calls and email. I have always felt that Joy was more my sister than cousin. We look like sisters. She is a wonderful woman whose intelligence never ceases to amaze me. I have so much respect for her. Luckily, we are close and I know I will be seeing her soon. Hopefully, she will make a trip up this way soon.

My family is spread out all over Canada. I have cousins in the Maritimes and cousins out west in Alberta. I haven't seen them in ages which makes it difficult to keep in touch.

I have realized how important family is at this stage in life. I don't have many close friends and the two closest live in England. Both my cousins make my life better even though they too can't meet me for coffee or a movie. I'm just appreciative they are in my life.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com

Sleep Lab

As I have mentioned before, I have severe sleep problems. No sleeping medication works so I knew I needed some more help. I asked my family doctor to refer me to a sleep disorder's clinic. He did so immediately and I was told I would have to wait 3-4 weeks for an appointment. Not enjoying my sleep at the moment, I was prepared to stick it out a little longer.

Miracle upon miracle, yesterday afternoon I received a call from the sleep disorder's clinic asking me if I could attend at the hospital that night for a sleep lab which involved staying overnight at the hospital while being monitored. Of course, I jumped at the chance.

So, last night, I slept at the hospital wired up like an octupus. I arrived at the clinic at 9:00 pm and by 9:30 pm, a technician put around 20 wires on my head, face, chest, stomach and legs. I also had one thing over my nose and another in my nose. All the wires led to a box that was put on a rope around my neck until I went to bed. Before I was ordered to sleep at 11:00 pm, the technician attached the box to what looked like a computer cord that was attached to a panel on the wall. Once I was all hooked up, I was allowed to go to sleep but I didn't think I'd sleep all trustled up like that.

Amazingly enough, I did sleep and I was told there was 800 pages of data for them to go through. I will get the report in two weeks. It was an incredible night. I didn't feel like I slept that much but the technician said I did. At one point, he came into my room in the early morning hours and shocked the hell out of me. I think I shocked him more with my scream.

Wifi is one the greatest inventions. It was so wonderful being able to watch the Boston/Chicago playoffs online at the CBC Sports site while in the hospital. I didn't like the thought of missing the game and the hospital offered free wifi. So I was able to watch the game and even chat a bit.

No, I didn't have a nap today even though I was woken up at 5:30 am and even though I didn't have a good night's sleep. I would rather wait and go to bed at a decent hour and sleep the night. I'm not always guaranteed sleep if I take a nap during the day. So, it was an uneventful day. I'm glad I got through it.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com

I'm in the newspaper

The local Dundas Star News did an article about my book Shall We Chat? Revealing the Secrets of Chatting Online. It came out in their paper yesterday (Friday). I'm getting calls from neighbours letting me know that they have seen it. This is quite exciting. I'm so hoping this free advertisement will induce sales of my book and interest people in my website.

If you'd like to read the Dundas Star article, go to this link: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/community/ancaster/shall-we-chat-examines-online-secrets/

Next, I'm going to approach the Hamilton Spectator and see if they will put me in their paper. That would be a dream come true. While at McMaster Univeristy, I was the Assistant Sport's Editor for the Silhouette, McMaster's university paper. I wrote a variety of articles about sports but, in addition, managed to write some news stories. I had considered trying to get a job at the Spectator after I had completed university. But, as you know, I went to Israel instead for five years.

For my nephew, Aiden's 13th birthday, I gave him the manuscript of my fourth book: That Truthful Place. I dedicated the book to him. Unfortunately, it is not finished yet. There is a bit more left to write but I know I will be able to finish it in time. Aiden seemed pleased with his present. He is the first one to read that book and, since its about 13 year old kids with telepathy, he is my audience. I can't wait to hear from him when he has finished reading the book.

Right now, I'm working on my fifth book: The Nuts which is about five poker buddies and long time friends who come together to advert a conspiracy which threatens the U.S.A. I have written about 143 pages so far. I know where I'm going for a while but then there are a few hiccups in the road to the conclusion which I know what to write. I've been having trouble with this book for a few years. I get to a point and then don't know where to go. I will work on it as long as I can. Then I will go back to That Truthful Place and finish it off.

I'm considering publishing my second book entitled Waiting for Love Online. I really like this book but it should be edited but I'm scared the editor will have problems with it. In addition, the editor is asking for $1,000 all inclusive to edit my book. Its a fair price but I don't have $1,000. I am self-publishing so I hope people will forgive small mistakes. At least, I'll be getting my work published.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com

Finally

I received an annoying telephone call this morning from a telemarketer waking me up. I had been having a nice interesting dream about being with people and our pets. A woman was having problems and needed someone to look after her dog. I had to take a long drive to reach her. Don't remember much more. Telephone ring interferred with remembering that dream.

After the call, I went back to sleep and it was a restless, anxious dream. I was frantically trying to figure out different ways to get noticed so people will learn about my book Shall We Chat? My unconscious mind went through many scenarios. It became so intense that I was stressing out. Woke up feeling out of sorts.

I haven't written anything in my blog for a while because I am suffering from severe insomnia. Tried everything and many different medications. Nothing works or had bad side effects from the drug. I didn't sleep Thursday night and went to bed at 11 pm Friday. Didn't sleep Saturday night but finally slept at 10 pm Sunday night. But then I also didn't sleep Monday night. Finally slept early on Tuesday night. Slept also last night and woke up at a decent hour this morning. It is wonderful sleeping two nights in a row.

Yes, I've called the doctor. Waiting for his return call.

But, I finally have wonderful news. Something to write about. The local Dundas Star News is printing an article about me and my book. Here is the article: http://www.hamiltonnews.com/community/ancaster/shall-we-chat-examines-online-secrets/

Isn't this wonderful? I'm finally getting out there. I have been very discouraged which is another reason why I didn't write in my blog.

Another wonderful event is that Bryan Prince Books in Westdale, Hamilton, will carry my book. I am taking over a few copies hopefully today.

So, finally, I'm happy again. Things are looking up!

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com

Long Time No See

Unfortunately, I haven't felt much like writing in the last few days. The humidity put me into a kind of funk. Worked a little on my 5th book about a conspiracy, but didn't work very hard this week. I have to get myself in order and get out there and sell my book Shall We Chat? Revealing the Secrets of Chatting Online.

My friend, Marion, with whom I walk every weekend with our dogs, gave me some great feedback about the book Shall We Chat? She thinks it is the perfect book for anyone who is considering chatting online. They should read my book first. She has found it very interesting and learned about a whole different world. She admits that she is not about to start chatting, but she knows now what it is all about and she credits my book for that. It is wonderful to receive such a great review.

Went to yoga yesterday. It looks like I'll be going every Friday now with my friend, Yoko. It was a very difficult session last night. We had to balance ourselves in different positions which I had a hard problem doing because of the benign tumor in my right ear which causes me to have problems with balance as well my right ankle has been fused and that leg is not very strong after six operations to finally fuse it. I basically didn't use my right leg much for six years.

But after yoga, Yoko and I walked across the street to this wonderful Korean restaurant. Sorry, I can't remember the name but it is on Locke and Main Street. The food is fantastic. I so enjoy eating there.

Watching lots of hockey. I so enjoy the game and the playoffs have been exciting to watch. I am sorry that the Ottawa Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins but didn't think Ottawa could beat them. Enjoying the Detroit/Chicago series too. I'm going to be so sad when the hockey season ends. However, then I can look forward to football.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com

Mother's Day

I know Mother's Day was last Sunday but I appreciate my mother more this Sunday. All my life, my mother and I have been battling. Just different personalities and one was very sick; that being me. My poor mother had a difficult child on her hands while her husband was always busy working. Now, my mother is not the easiest person to live with and we have agreed we will never live together again, but we do end up spending more time together due to various reasons.

Last Wednesday, my mother and I went to the Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake. My father bought tickets for the play Lady Windemere's Fan but was unable to attend so I went with my mother. I must say the play lacked, but that was the best time my mother and I ever had together. I know she enjoyed my company and I certainly enjoyed hers. No fights. No arguments. Just friends hanging out together.

And today, my mother and I were sitting in her backyard just having coffee after dinner and we had an enjoyable conversation. It was pleasant being with her and just talking. It is almost as if our relathionship has changed somehow by magic. I love my mother dearly but there have also been times when I hated her but she is my mother and the only one I've got or would ever want (unless Judi Dench becomes free).

Well, better late than never. It would be great if my mother and I can keep up this friendship. I moved four years ago to live closer to them so it would be easier to connect. For a while. I regretted this destination, but now I am content and pleased that I made the right decision. I do live in a lovely place which is quiet (necessary for a writer) and lovely (great to see nature for the mood).

So as we say goodbye to Sunday, I am a happy person. I'm doing what I love and I am loved which is a wonderful feeling. I am a lucky woman.

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com

Boo Hoo Friday

Friday has come again so quickly. I cannot believe the week is over. Time seems to be flying by. Just when I think it's time to do the laundry (I only do it on weekends with cheaper hydro), it's time again. It is almost possible to blink your eyes and the week is over. I can't even remember everything I did this week.

Today was a good day. Both Kira (my dog) and Emma (my cat) were lucky enough to visit the vet today for their shots and to be checked out. I thought Kira would be more relaxed having Emma in the examination room, but no. She was terribly stressed out and very unhappy to be at the vet. She wined, barked, and couldn't sit still. Whereas, Emma seemed quite content to just smell around the room and hang out until the vet arrived.

Both are healthy and unhappily received their shots. They are doing very well for their ages. Kira is 13 and Emma is 19. Both are showing signs of age but I will let then grow old naturally. Emma would be impossible to feed pills to if she needed them so best just let her be. Kira is much easier to medicate and I give her one pill a day to ward off arthritis which she may get in her knee because it was operated on two years ago. No problems now luckily.

Sold another book! It's exciting when someone buys my book and then I know they are going to read what I have written. It makes me feel so good that people are interested in my books.

I have three weeks to finish my fourth book. I am dedicating it to my nephew who turns 13 years old in three weeks. The novel is about 10 children who, when they turn 13, fall into a coma from which they awake with the ability of telepathy. It is a story about how these children come together and how they react to life. I plan to give Aiden a copy of my book in manscript form as a present. Obviously, it will be one of a kind because what can you get kids these days? They have everything. I hope he will agree that this is a special present.

A long weekend ahead so plenty of time to write and write I will. Of course, a poker tourney will insert itself into the day when I need a break from writing. Weather should be great. Enjoy everyone!

have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com