Spectrum Connection: April 2020

From The Desk Of Dave Smalley: IMAGINATION

Our imagination is a great tool, but it can be at times a double-edged sword, if we don’t manage its power. In these unprecedented times, it may be the cause that our imagination holds one of the keys to our happiness and preparedness…or lack of…for what is next. Only we can control our imagination, our subconscious, and conscience mind. No one else! Sure, our thoughts are influenced by what we see and hear, but WE are the ones that control how that input affects our thoughts and our picture of the future.

We can allow negative input to go unfiltered, and take our imagination into a direction that envisions a world that is, well, one of despair and of little hope, seeing no end in sight. In these unprecedented times, I interact with some people that feel that way. There are moments I can relate to people feeling that way. But, then I gather my thoughts, call on experience, and know there is another way.

We can all call upon our past experiences when faced with monumental challenges, and our reactions to shape our thoughts. In every instance, when things have looked dark, we pulled together, made solid decisions, it got brighter, and then burst into sunshine. Using our positive experiences as a model, we can jump start our imagi- nation to envision our lives after this pandemic. We must avoid staring at the closed door, instead lifting our- selves, and looking for the doors of opportunity opening. We not only have the opportunity to envision a bet- ter us, but we are blessed with the time to prepare ourselves to fulfill that vision.

Many will wallow in the ‘what could have been’, rather than accepting our reality and looking forward to our future. We can use our imagination to energize our mental picture of what our future is going to look like. We have the opportunity to see ourselves in the positive light we desire. I can guarantee that if we stay true to our positive imagination / imaging, our life will automatically gravitate to that image. Use your imagination to envi- sion you and the environment of your future.

I can assure you that I am using my imagination to see our tomorrow. While it is not yet crystal clear, I see the sun shining, and I hear our shared laughter. I feel even more love and connection than ever before. I feel us arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder. My imagination takes me to a place of hope, of happiness, and of together- ness. My imagination road-maps me to our reality. Won’t you join me?

We WILL get through this. It will not be easy, but at the core of our DNA, is we do HARD. It will not be without some sacrifices, not without some tears, or not without bumps and bruises. All those things, all those wounds, will heal, and they will harden us to allow us to further sharpen the steel of our character. Further our champi- ons focus. I not only imagine it, I SEE IT! We will all stick together as the family we are.

With great respect,
~Dave

 

Hold onto hope with me! Choose joy and be safe. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.
~Derek Mills, CFO

We are Spectrum Strong, we are a team, and we are a family. Circumstances outside of our control are forcing us to pause life as we knew it. Embrace the moments we are given, there is always something to be grateful for even in times of struggle. I challenge us all to acknowledge 3 things a day and journal them while we are going through this experience. Today, I am grateful for a roof over my families head, for technology to connect with all of you even though we are all spread a part, and I am grateful for my faith and trust that we will be okay. “This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.” -Book of Common Prayer

~Tracy VanNostrand, VP, Wicked Whisk Catering

 

I know this is the last thing that any of us expected. We are all gearing up for the best and busiest time of the year, and it all came to a screeching halt in just a matter of days. It’s great seeing everyone come to- gether and helping each other. We’re all in the same boat right now, and we will weather this storm, and come back better than ever. I’m honored to work with so many great people like yourself. See you soon.

~Denzil Pitts, Director of Concessions, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land

 

Just remember, we were all in this together. Remember that, tough times never last, but tough people do! “When you notice that you’re having negative thoughts about how all of this is going to pan out, you need to remind yourself that you are not a very good fortune teller.” –Donna W. Hill

My thoughts are with EACH of you. This too shall pass. Always here,

~Samantha Rozier, Assistant to the President

 

“Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born form the dark night. It’s in crisis that inventive- ness is born, as well as discoveries made and big strategies. He who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. He who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent and is more inter- ested in problems than in solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis. The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There’s no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There’s no merit without crisis. It’s in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead. Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it.” –Albert Einstein

~Jazmine Ellegan-Simon, Director of the People Department

A Recipe From Us To You!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice And Broccoli

An Easy One Pot Meal With Things You May Have On Hand, Ready In Thirty Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound Chicken Breast
• 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 medium Yellow Onion
• 2 tbsp minced Garlic
• 2 cups Broccoli
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup Water
• 2 cups uncooked Extra Long Grain White Rice
• 2 cups shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, over medium-high heat, add the Olive Once shimmering, add the Onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

2. Season Chicken with the Salt and Pepper and add to the Cook for 4-5 minutes or until there is no more pink visible.
3. Add the Garlic and cook for one
4. Add the Rice, Chicken Broth, and Cover with a lid and turn the heat down to low.
5. Cook for 15 minutes stirring halfway
6. After 15 minutes remove the lid, stir the Broccoli in, cover again, and cook for 7-8 more minutes until the Rice is cooked and tender.

7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of Once stirred in, sprinkle the remaining Cheese on top and cover for a few minutes to allow the Cheese to melt. Serve while warm.

Recipe Notes

You can swap out the White Rice for Brown or Wild Rice, you may need to ad- just cooking times.