Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

Before 2013 got away with me (how is the end of April upon us already?) I spent an evening with Oprah!

Yes, I saw Oprah!

I have wheeled to Harpo Studios when in Chicago for a conference.  My autobiography is one degree of separation from Lady O. And, I have even been interviewed by her (in my imagination).

On a fairly mild winter evening in January, I was finally at the same venue at the same time as Oprah (along with approximately 15,000 other fans).

What follows are a few of the many photos I took that night. They may not be the greatest photos, but they are mine, along with the memories from an opportunity I didn’t expect to get in Vancouver. I’m so glad I had saved my birthday money for something special. This evening definitely fit the bill.

Local billionaire Jimmy Pattison introduced Steadman Graham who then introduced his beloved, a surprise to her. Between Jimmy and Oprah, there was a fair chunk of change in the house that night!

(I dig the orange and purple combination and I’ve made a mental note to add some orange to my dress-up wardrobe.)

Oprah…!

In discussing the role of Sofia in the movie The Color Purple, Oprah shared how she had been obsessing about getting the role. The very moment that she surrendered and let it go, Steven Spielberg called to offer it to her. Surrender: a good lesson for all of us.

A few other life lessons she shared (from my notes deciphered three months later):

• Life is validated only in service of others. People want to know they matter and are heard.
• You become what you believe, which is the lens to how you see the world.
• Listen to that little voice when it says, “Hmm, that’s odd.” It will protect you.
• Showing gratitude positively changes the energy field around you.

After sharing her life story and the key lessons learned along the way, Canadian broadcast veteran George Stroumboulopoulos conducted a Q&A session with Oprah. On the issue of Lance Armstrong (likely forgotten news by now): “He will be forgiven because people, themselves, want to be forgiven… Now his real life’s work begins.” Enough said.

Listening to Oprah thread together defining experiences in her life on how a poor black girl from Mississippi became a multi-media mogul who transforms people’s lives was riveting, amazing and inspiring. Listening to her story gave me all of the more reason to believe that I, an individual with a physical disability and a significant speech impairment, can become a successful motivational speaker.

Lady Gaga’s The Edge of Glory blaring over the sound system as we left the arena further strengthen my drive to make my dream happen.

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

Thank you, Oprah, for a memorable and inspiring evening.

For the past few years, my wonderful husband Darrell has been juggling teaching computer classes at three locations for the City of Surrey’s Park & Recreation.

Because of our sucky transit system, he typically wheels to and from each location. Last night he came home in the dark, drenched. Some days, like tomorrow, he wheels approximately 6 or so kilometres between two location, regardless of weather – in the cold, rain and wind. It is taking a toll on him and his wheelchair.

About a month or so ago he discovered Learn It Live, which offers a vast array of online courses taught by approved instructors. Darrell applied and was approved! Now he can share his computer knowledge from the comforts of his home office with anyone who has an internet connection. We are both hoping this turns out to be the solution he has been searching for.

Darrell has a knack for explaining computer concepts and terms in simple language, and a way of alleviating one’s fears when using the computer. He is also extremely patient. Those new to computers and seniors are drawn to him and appreciate his teaching style.

Darrell’s first online class "Quick n Simple Computer Maintenance for Beginners" is on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 5pm pacific/8pm eastern. This class is free to give him the chance to test the online classroom technology and to give people the opportunity to experience his knowledge (hopefully in exchange for a testimonial, if appropriate). If this free class interests you or might benefit someone you know, please check it out.

Good luck, Darrell! May this opportunity bring you further success.

March was a rough month in terms of staying on track with my 4-Hour Workday.

Each day I began with good intentions. But then, after a couple hours of working at my desk, I would lose my concentration and focus. I’d then get pulled into Facebook, waste too much time and then stop for lunch and to do a few mundane tasks – like empty the dishwasher or swap the wash into the dryer. I would then sit back down at my computer to attempt to finish my list of 6 things to do that day.

Every night, when I laid down my head, I would beat myself up for not trying harder, for not applying myself, for frittering away yet another day. I would fall asleep, mad at myself.

Every day I’d awake with good intentions and to try again. Yet, the same cycle repeated itself.

I had no clue why, except it must have been been me not focusing or trying hard enough. I mean, what else could it be? What had changed?

Easter Monday I was talking with my husband while finishing my watered-down orange juice. My energy level plummeted – Darrell watched it drop like a rock and I felt it. I needed to lie down on the couch before I passed out.

It then struck me: family members had kindly made a run to Costco for us while they were here at the end of February . I had been drinking the Costco brand of orange juice the whole month of March. The juice was what was different?

Was the change in orange juice brand responsible for my lack of focus and energy? Perhaps, was it also responsible for the numb and tingling in my left foot, which was a new ailment last month? And the vague but persistent headaches.

But how is that even possible?

For the last umpteen decades, my breakfast routinely consisted of whole wheat bread, peanut butter and orange juice from concentrate – and a banana, when they were in a house. That gave me a quick n easy breakfast, which I thought was fairly healthy and balanced, and kept me going until lunch. It was what I knew and what I thought worked for me.

But, since substituting my OJ for water or green tea, I have felt more focused, more clear headed and the most of the strange pains have vanished.

I am deeply relieved that my lack of focus and productivity was not my doing, but rather my food’s.  However, I am now feeling unsettled because what I thought was good for me and worked for me is clearly not. Now I wonder if the general tired feeling that I have felt for ever was because of my food, not so much because of my cerebral palsy, which was one reason for implementing my 4-Hour Workday in the first place.

I now see how what I eat for breakfast is crucial in having a successful 4-Hour Workday.

What is on your breakfast menu? Does it keep you energized until lunchtime?

On May 15, 1996, my aunt placed a tiny, 5-6 week old brown tabby kitty on my lap. Faith and I have been inseparable ever since.

After several rough weeks health-wise and with her exact birth date unknown, I am declaring today as Faith’s official birthday for this year.

Her apparently perpetual crocked head (caused by whatever) just adds to her cuteness factor…

Happy birthday, Faith. I love you.