LINK PLUS Vol 13

A Weekly Link Supplement

Vol. 1 Issue 13 / Dec. 11, 2019

One Spill Closer

Chan uk Party ah Start ers

Post-It Positive

Contain It! A Dream Come True

Dec. 11, 2019

|1

table of contents Publisher The Weekly Sob, Sob!Link Teach your Phone children to laugh 347.787.1838 at their terrible predicaments

Fax

4

347.787.4018

Back In School Email

plus@weeklylink.com Common sense tips and tricks 8 Website www.weeklylink.com Looking

for a job?

Mailing Address

Professional resume 1303 53rd St. writer shares some Suite #125 guidelines 11219 12 Brooklyn NY

Off the bus basics

Easy supper to greet your kids with 19

bedtime battle tips 24 Š 2019. All Rights Reserved.

New drama serial: Link Plus is published by The Weekly Link.

TRAINING Link Plus assumes no GROUND

26 responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements in whole or part in any form without prior written permission

from the publisher is prohibited.

Creative Creations 31 2|

Post-It Positive

4

recipes

9

impact!

14

A Dream Come True

16

TRAINING GROUND

18

The Benefits of Disorganization

22

one spill closer

24

SOME IN... SOME OUT

26

Dec. 11, 2019

|3

Post-It Positive B. Schwartz 4|

Sometimes we walk around blindly as if surrounded by darkness. We pay no heed to all the good that is present in our lives and tend to focus only on the negative. But we can choose to switch on the lightbulb and flood ourselves with the dazzling awareness of Hashem’s constant chessed. Meet Mrs. T. Berger whose easy-to-follow program about thanking Hashem, and whose hotline; ‘The Gem Line’, have each enlightened and transformed the lives of many.

Hi Mrs. Berger! Can you please share with us what your program is all about?

With pleasure! I started the program about six years ago, and what can I tell you, my life, along with the lives of countless others, have been transformed!

The program is rather simple. Our members undertake to write down three things that they are grateful to Hashem for, every day, for twentysix days.

Twice a week I give a twentyminute shiur on our hotline, "The Gem Line". Members can share personal stories of hashgacha pratis that changed their lives. I also send out inspirational photos to all our members.

Our motto is ‘Be the Gem that connects to Hashem.’ We connect to Hashem by noticing the good and

Dec. 11, 2019

then thanking Him for all the bracha in our lives.

Can’t we just express our thanks to Hashem through talking to Him? Why do we have to write it down?

We can surely express thanks to Hashem through speaking to Him, but, when we write things down, it affects us on a deeper level. Let me explain. Try shopping without writing a list. Chances are that you will forget many of the items needed. However, when you write down exactly what you need, even if you forget to take the shopping list along - you are far more likely to remember what you had to buy.

The act of writing has a way of engraving that which we write, onto our hearts.

|5

We learn so much about Emunah and Bitachon and have all that wonderful information in our minds, but when we write about it, the powerful words penetrate our hearts.

happy a t o n s ’ t I “ is heart that is grateful, it t ear a grateful h y.” p that is hap

So, this is a practical Emunah and Bitachon program?

Exactly! We all know that Hashem exists and that He wants to give us all good. By writing down the blessings in our life, we get to feel it and live it, each day!

While many have reported unbelievable yeshuos after committing to a round or two of thanking Hashem for twenty six days, that is not really the point of the program. The closer connection that we develop with Hashem, the Emunah and Bitachon that become part of our lives, and the happier people that we become, that is the true goal of this program.

I tell people, “It’s not a happy heart that is grateful, it is a grateful heart that is happy.”

Can you elaborate on the kind of things you thank Hashem for?

6|

We all know and usually remember to thank Hashem for the ‘big’ things in life.

It’s the ‘little’ things in life that often go unnoticed, that our program zooms in and focuses on. I’ll give you an example. One of our members thanked Hashem that her hard-boiled egg peeled easily.

I loved that! How many times do we peel a hard-boiled egg and find ourselves only with the yolk? When we live a life of appreciation and gratitude at every level, we live happy lives.

You say that this is a life-changing program. How has this program changed your life?

I am an emotional person. I can’t compare the ‘me’ of before (before I had these tools), and the ‘me’ of after (after I acquired these gifts). I lost my brother a”h about four years ago. It was not easy for me, but it was a vastly different experience from when I had lost my parents a”h, several years prior, when I was not at all in ‘gratitude mode’.

During shivah for my brother, a camp called me to come speak to their girls. They wanted me to come the day after I got up from shivah.

My kids said “Mommy, you can’t go!”

I said to them, “Thanks for your vote of confidence, but why not?”

They responded, “Because you’re going to cry!”

They were right. That’s what the old me would have done, before I started noticing and thanking Hashem for His Kindness. I did go speak to the girls and I felt such happiness that I was able to inspire them about my passion, thanking Hashem.

Do you mean to say that once we start thanking Hashem, we feel no pain?

No. We all experience pain and challenges. Allow me to explain.

There was once a Yid who had many difficulties in his life. He went to his Rebbe for chizzuk and was advised to do the following; ‘take a cup and fill it up, half with water and half with spicy pepper.’

The Rebbe then told the Yid to drink the concoction.

The Yid gagged on his ‘drink’ and could not finish it.

The Yid was then commanded to refill the cup the same way again, only this time he should go to a lake with

fresh drinking water.

“Spill the mixture of spicy water into the lake, scoop out a cup of water and drink it,” The Rebbe instructed him.

He did as he was told. The taste was refreshing and delicious.

The Rebbe explained, “You started out with the same amount of spicy pepper. What was different? The difference was in the amount of water that diluted the pepper.

When a Yid notices Hashem’s chessed and thanks Him for it, his troubles become diluted in an ocean of goodness and bracha and it is much easier for him to handle difficulties.”

When we focus on Hashem’s Goodness, we feel rich. I like to say that ‘rich’ is an acronym for Really It’s Chasdei Hashem. We feel Hashem’s love for us, and that makes any challenge that we experience a lot easier to handle.

We get to taste the sugar in the bitter coffee.

Any stories you’d like to share with our readers?

'Rich’ is an acronym for Really It’s Chasdei Hashem.

Dec. 11, 2019

I have so many stories, but I’ll share a recent one with you.

Two friends decided to commit to the program together. Every day, for twenty six days, they reminded each other to write

|7

down three things that they were grateful for. One of them did this as a z’chus for a shidduch for her twenty-four year old single sister, the other one as a z’chus for a refuah sheleimah for her father.

The doctors were stumped about his mysterious condition; they did not know how to treat him.

On day 26, the twenty-four year old girl received a promising call from a shadchan. Her sister, our member, was so inspired that she joined the program a second time around.

Before she completed round two, there was a Mazel Tov! The second girl, who did the program as a refuah sheleimah for her father, said that the week that she completed the program, her father started to show unbelievable signs of improvement. The doctors could not understand what happened, but she knew why!

The more we thank, the more

8|

goodness we receive!

Wow! Why do your ‘rounds’ run for twenty-six days?

Twenty six is the g’matriya (numerical value) of Hashem’s name.

Thank You Mrs. Berger for your time. You are a true inspiration!

May you continue to inspire and transform the lives of many with your enlightening messages!

For a preview or to hear a sample shiur, call 712-770-5478, pin # 242654#

Chanukah Party Starters Dec. 11, 2019

|9

Pastrami and Mashed White Bean Puree

10 |

Cranberry Pomegranate Fruit Fizzler

Dec. 11, 2019

| 11

Crunchy Asian Salad with Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette

12 |

Crunchy Asian Salad w/ Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette Pastrami and Mashed White Bean Puree

Creamy, well-balanced and delicious, this mashed bean puree is the perfect canvas for any kind of meat topping, think: sautéed liver, pulled beef, or fried pastrami and onions. Being my family’s all-time favorite, this “special occasion” elegant appetizer is bound to become yours too.

Mashed Bean Puree Ingredients: 1 pk (16 oz.) Great Northern Beans, washed and checked 1 medium white onion, peeled Salt and pepper to taste 2-3 tbsp oil or water Directions: 1. Fill a 16 qt. pot with water until 3/4 full. Add in beans and whole white onion. Let cook for about 2 hours until beans are soft. Remove from heat and drain well. Add salt and pepper to taste, and about 2-3 tbsp oil or water. With a hand blender, blend the beans until smooth (if the mixture is too solid, you may add some more oil or water).

2. Spoon mashed beans onto plates and top with Pastrami Onion Mixture or any other topping of your choice.

Pastrami and Onions: Ingredients: 2 medium white onion or 6 cubes frozen sautéed onions 2 pks pastrami, diced Directions: 1.In a small pan over medium flame, heat oil for frying. Sauté onions until lightly browned or use 6 cubes frozen sautéed onions.

Add in the diced pastrami and mix until combined. Let cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

Dec. 11, 2019

Cranberry Pomegranate Fruit Fizzler Sweet and tart with a delicious fizz, this refreshing winter-themed cocktail will make a great thirst-quencher at your Chanukah Party.

Ingredients: 4 cups Cranberry Juice 3 cups Pomegranate Juice 1 cup Grapefruit Juice 1 Liter Ginger Ale 1 Liter Seltzer 1 cup frozen Cranberries and/or fresh Pomegranate Arils, for garnish Directions: In a large pitcher or bowl, add in cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, ginger ale, and seltzer. Stir to combine. Top with cranberries and pomegranate arils, and garnish with a sprig of mint (optional).

The nutty flavors from the chestnuts, quinoa & toasted almonds greatly complement the crunchiness of the cabbage & snap peas. Layer it on a platter & wow everyone with its beautiful display of bright colors & textures.

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa 2 cups water (for quinoa) 1/2 cup slivered almonds and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted in oven at 350 degrees about 5 minutes) 4 cups shredded green or purple cabbage 1/2 red onion, sliced thinly 1 cup snap peas, sliced 2 scallions, sliced thinly 1/2 cup roasted chestnuts, sliced 1/2 pk sliced pastrami, cut into strips Directions: 1. Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, add in quinoa and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff with fork.

2. Toasted Nuts: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake slivered almonds and sesame seeds for about 5 minutes until lightly golden brown.

3. Assembly: In a large serving bowl or platter, layer the cabbage, sliced onions, snap peas, scallions, chestnuts, and pastrami. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds and sesame seeds.

Celebration of Light

Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 clove crushed garlic 1 cup olive oil

Tiered Donut Stand/ Lanterns/Votives: Home Goods

Directions: In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and crushed garlic. Blend with hand blender until combined. Add the olive oil in a steady stream while blending it into the vinegar mixture, until emulsified.

Drizzle Vinaigrette over salad before serving.

Easily Recreate this look: Lucite Chargers: Waterdale Collection

Tablecloth/ Gold Candlesticks/ Faux Eucalyptus Runner: Amazon Gold Flatware: Amazing Savings

| 13

impact! a child of

Mamme Rochel Shira looked at her cell and sighed.

I guess it’ll get better, Shira thought.

She’d wanted to belong.

Shira did have a life besides for the neighborhood and she made the most of it. She joined an exercise group, did her shopping, cooked meals for Bikur Cholim and worked part time. She was busy. But her kids complained.

This morning she texted a sweet message. But not one member of the group responded.

Oh, well.

Being new to the neighborhood was not without challenges. Come to think of it, it wasn’t limited to the group chat. The other day, she was in the supermarket and she spotted her neighbor, Shoshana.

“Hi” she said, flashing a smile.

Shoshana waved and then motioned to her that she was on the phone. Shira felt depleted. Why do I always feel like the odd one out?

Like a newcomer. That’s what it is.

I still feel like a newcomer. And I’m already living in this neighborhood for almost a year.

Her children were having a rough time adjusting as well. She tried to help her daughter, Chaya’la, by arranging a Shabbos party in her house. Just one shy little girl showed up. She sat with Chayala for a long time after that; rubbing her shoulder as she cried her heart out.

14 |

S. Weisz

“Why didn’t the boys invite me to the carnival?” nine-year old Yishai whined one day.

“Everyone told me afterwards at the park how much fun it was. It’s not fair!” he complained.

Shira sighed. Again. Life isn’t always fair. Hashem puts people in certain places to give them choices that could help them grow. But what to tell Yishai? She looked at him, sulking and hurt, and felt his pain.

What could she do?

The weather turned warm. Shira loved the sunny days and treated the kids to the park, feeding them their supper there. It was a nice change for her and the kids and it was great coming home to a clean house.

As the spring wore on, the park was becoming a less enjoyable

experience. The neighborhood kids, with Eli Kleiner as their ringleader, were bullying her son Yishai and not letting him join their fun.

Life’s not perfect, she thought.

One day as she was busy preparing meals for Bikur Cholim the phone rang.

“Is it possible for you to deliver supper to one of your neighbors tomorrow?” the coordinator asked her.

“I don’t see why not.” She answered.

“Okay, the name is Kleiner. They live on 57 Main Street.”

“Oh, sure, she’s practically my neighbor. Of course, no problem.”

Inside, her feelings surfaced.

Her son Eli keeps bullying Yishai.

But wait. If they need meals from Bikur Cholim, something is obviously going on in that home. Shira went to shop for the ingredients, and prepared a meal with all her heart and soul.

It wasn’t long before she heard the school bus. Yishai burst into the house, threw his briefcase on the floor and lay down beside it, heartrending sobs racking his body.

“What happened, Yishai?” Shira asked.

Between cries, she could make out “Eli” and “hit me”. It took a lot of energy and aggravation to get to the bottom of it.

So frustrating. Shira sat on the couch. She buried her face in her hands.

Dec. 11, 2019

would have to talk to him. They had to make a plan.

An hour and a half later, the little ones were bathed and in bed. As Shira was serving the main course, her phone pinged.

“Anyone going to Manhattan tomorrow and can give me a ride?”

It was Faigy Kleiner who posted it..

Shira was planning to go to Manhattan tomorrow. She could take Faigy with her. The question was, did she want to?

Shira related to Yochanan the entire saga with Eli Kleiner and their Yishai. Yochanan listened attentively.

“You know, Bikur Cholim asked me to deliver supper to their house today. I really don’t know what’s going on with the Kleiners and now Faigy needs a ride to Manhattan tomorrow and I’m planning on going into the city.”

Yochanan perked up. “You’ll take her, right?”

“I could. But it won’t be easy.”

Shira sat, contemplating. It took her a while. She closed her eyes.

She felt an infusion of strength to do what was ultimately right.

Right according to Mamme Rochel.

Giving as a true giver, for the sake of another Yid, expecting nothing in return... even though it hurts.

How much could one person take?

She posted.

She contemplated moving, but then thought better of it. When her husband, Yochanan came home, she

‘I am going to Manhattan tomorrow, Faigy. You can join me’

| 15

A Dream C

Matchbox cars, between the jars.

Gloves and shawls, between the dolls.

Unpaid bills, on window sills.

Pacifier, in the dryer.

Wet Q-tips, between hair clips.

Crackers and chips, amidst the dips.

Pick up-stix, in the box of clicks.

Coffee cup, in the tub.

Crocs and socks, between the blocks.

Screws and hooks, between the books.

Lemon squeezer, 16 |

in the freezer.

Torn wet rags, in shopping bags.

Soggy ‘Link’ , in the kitchen sink…

A gasp, a sigh, why can’t I, find the space, keep stuff in place??!!

It must be me, my destiny.

I just can’t cope, is there no hope?

Is there no remission, to this repetition, Is there no end To this hopeless trend?

This is insane!

My home can’t “contain”!!

All that’s inside it!!!

There’s nowhere to hide it!!

This constant refrain, in my muddled brain.

Is knocking me out, I sulk, I pout.

There is no hope, I just can’t cope.

I think instead, I’ll go to bed.

I’ll drown in my dreams, Of clean-up schemes.

The heady sensation of ORGANIZATION!!

I close my eyes what a surprise!

I’m lifted aloft, on wings so soft.

To a place so grand, it’s La-La Land!

By R. Lowy

With eyes open wide, I tumble inside.

Into the embrace, of this magical place.

How can I explain it?

This place called “Contain It”!

A heady sensation, a rare combination.

Of Home and Shop, where messes stop.

A cozy bubble, erasing your rubble!

Showing me how, to organize now!!

With people (angels?) that care, with service and flair!!

What a surprise, I open my eyes.

I can’t recognize, my home in disguise.

Dec. 11, 2019

Is this dream real?

A pinch I feel.

How can I explain it, this dream called “Contain It”??!!

It happened to me! my own destiny.

Changed forever, my home’s a pleasure!

Everything has a place, there’s so much space.

Custom designed, my home redefined!!

The author can be contacted at: 914-299-5744

Come True Your mess-do not blame it!

Your home –reframe it Your space – come and claim it, It’s here at Contain It! 1612 47th Street 646.450.0156

Hours: Sun. 1pm-6pm Mon, Wed, Thurs. 11am-2pm Evening appointments available

| 17

13

TRAINING GROUND

by Chava Leah Beer

Recap: Shoshana contacts Reva Mermelstein, a close friend of Mrs. Roth, who suggests that Ayala be treated in London with EMDR treatment… with Shoshana’s support. Shoshana discusses this with her father, who thinks it may be a great opportunity. After talking it over with Mrs. Roth, Shoshana decides to broach the subject with Ayala while taking her out for lunch.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN Ayala was uncertain.

“Would Dr. Lowy allow it?”

“If it’s just for half an hour, I think we could get someone to fill in for me and you can leave in either case.

But –”

18 |

“Until we find a place, choose what we want to eat, stand on line and order, it will be almost time to get back.”

Ayala? Did you just have the guts to interrupt me?

Shoshana recovered from her shock and continued, “Exactly. I just figured that was the easiest time for you to get out. But if you prefer, we could do supper instead. Would that work for you?”

A shadow crossed the girl’s face.

“Um, I would have to ask my mother for permission.”

“Of course.” Shoshana was glad Ayala hadn’t said no. Knowing that Mrs. Roth was in on the plan, she was positive it would all work out in

the end. *** At exactly 5:00 p.m., Shoshana and Ayala locked up the office and began walking toward Benny’s Pizzeria.

The busy eatery was teeming with customers.

“What would you like to order?”

Shoshana asked.

Ayala hesitated. Sensing her discomfort, Shoshana offered to place her own order first and let Ayala choose afterwards.

That way she wouldn’t have to feel like Shoshana was hovering over her as she made her selection.

Ayala gratefully agreed.

aback. Hadn’t they made up to eat in the store? But then she regained her composure. By now, she was adept at reading between the lines, understanding the depth of Ayala’s unspoken words.

She probably doesn’t want to be seen in this public place and would prefer some privacy.

“You know what, how about we pack the food up and eat at my house?”

She was adept at reading between the lines, understanding the depth of Ayala’s unspoken words.

Shoshana carried her tray to a table in the back and sat down, inhaling the tantalizing smell of tomato sauce mingling with the distinct aroma of fried onions. A lively background noise of children chattering and the clanking of dishes competed for her attention, but even from where she sat she couldn’t miss the conversation at the counter.

The olive-skinned man standing reached for a slice of pizza and then asked Ayala, “To stay or to go?”

“Just a minute.” She hurried to the back of the room and asked Shoshana, “To stay or to go?”

Shoshana was momentarily taken

Dec. 11, 2019

Ayala looked at the floor, tugging at an earring. “Yes, I think that would be better.”

Shoshana lifted her tray and returned to the counter. The man graciously packed up their meals, and they headed to the Pressman home. ***

Dr. Lowy was noticeably taken aback when Shoshana asked to speak to him a few days later, but when she outlined the steps she’d taken in contacting Mrs. Mermelstein and convincing Ayala to be treated for her PTSD in England, he looked suitably impressed.

“Would it be okay if we both took off for three weeks? I suppose Ayala can work remotely, but as for me…I think Ruchy did a fine job when I was away last week, didn’t she?”

Dr. Lowy shed his formal doctor persona and resumed the stance of

| 19

Making a difference, going beyond her comfort zone; it was so exhilarating.

Naftali Lowy, chavrusa and longtime friend of the departed Nochum Roth. “It won’t be easy, but how can I refuse?” He stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Which three weeks are we referring to here?”

“Nothing is final, but we thought that right after Pesach would be a good time.”

“I guess that’s the soonest you can find a slot of three weeks not bumping into a Yom Tov. I suppose that’s better than later in the year when all the kids come in for well visits before camp season.”

Shoshana breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ll let you know when we have a final date.”

As she left the room, Shoshana felt a flutter of hope, as if she had just sprouted wings. Making a difference, going beyond her comfort zone; it was so exhilarating. This meeting had been short and to the point, a compensation of sorts, she thought, after her many intense discussions

20 |

with Ayala. *** Shoshana had used all the tricks she could think of to make Ayala feel comfortable in her home. She set the table with the milchig china and turned on the kettle. The first half hour was spent making small talk, as they ate their piping hot pizzas that she had rewarmed as soon as they arrived. Mrs. Pressman had taken Grandma out for a visit to her sister, so the house was all theirs.

With time, the talk flowed more easily and naturally, and Shoshana felt she could take the conversation a step further. “How often do you go out for pizza? Does your mother ever buy quick suppers?” she asked.

Ayala’s face paled, but she responded carefully, “My mother usually cooks. She used to let us buy pizza for supper on Thursday nights, when she was preparing for Shabbos, but recently it hasn’t happened as much…”

A shadow crossed her face, and Shoshana understood. “Yes, buying pizza on a regular basis is a fortune, and with a family of – how many children are there in your family?”

“Five.”

This was her moment. It was time to dive into potentially treacherous waters.

Is Ayala ready for this? Will she bob up and stay afloat or will she just sink further into the depths?

Shoshana had become a pro at reading Ayala’s facial expressions.

She saw the look on the girl’s face that reminded her of herself as a child, standing at the edge of the pool, ready to jump in but hesitating, as the lifeguard coached her to just close her eyes and jump.

Instinctively, Shoshana knew it was worth giving Ayala the push, just as she had been prodded all those years ago.

“You probably had to cut down on a lot of frills after the accident, right?”

Ayala stopped eating and swallowed hard. Two large tears slid down her cheeks.

“Yeah. Pizza was the least of them.”

There was a silence, but it was a different type of silence. One of camaraderie, of true empathy and concern, painful and warm at the same time. Shoshana sipped her hot chocolate and went on carefully, with a mental tefila for the right words to leave her lips.

“You probably miss your father for a lot of other reasons, besides not being able to afford all those extras.”

A box of tissues was tactfully

Dec. 11, 2019

positioned in the center of the table. Ayala grabbed one and blew her nose. She hesitated before responding.

“Of course. A house without a father is like a…” She trailed off, the words eluding her.

Shoshana dared to push her once more.

“Life is probably completely different for you. Though time is supposed to be the greatest healer, to some extent. Did you find that to be true in your case?”

She was happy to see Ayala reach for her own cup of her hot chocolate, as if arming herself to continue the discussion, though she didn’t actually answer Shoshana’s question.

Shoshana realized that a diversion was in order. She stood up and walked over to the freezer.

“Which flavor ice cream do you prefer? We have pistachio and choco-vanilla.”

“Pistachio,” Ayala said quietly.

Shoshana took the carton out and placed it on the table with a flourish. “We have lots of toppings in stock, including slivered almonds, chocolate bits, and wheat germ. Try ’em all.”

She found the ice cream scoop and placed it in front of Ayala, along with a bowl and the selection of toppings.

“Help yourself to as much as you’d like.”

To be continued…

| 21

The Benefits of

Disorgan Yehudis Schonfeld

No. This is not a typo.

All of you, Disorganized People, straighten your backs, smooth the creases out of your clothes, come out of the woodwork, and reclaim your dignity… Now is the time for you to share your oft-ignored gifts with the world!

Time and again, the benefits of organization have been touted and taught. Organized People patted themselves on the back and strutted around with pride knowing that they are paragons of virtue. However, for a refreshing change, let’s reflect upon the many qualities Disorganized People tend to possess, qualities that often go unnoticed.

Flexibility. How many Organized people can handle Shabbos guests that invite themselves over an hour before Shabbos? Can they shop without lists, (that were written and then misplaced), can they come up with plan C after plan B, following plan A? Can they put up with the

22 |

annoying neighbor that forgets to take the garbage cans back from the curb?

Spontaneity. In a few minutes, Disorganized People can come up with totally new menus, when they realize that the ingredients they’ve been counting on, are simply not there! As teachers, Disorganized People can pull out the most fascinating lessons, at the drop of a hat. When Disorganized People are treated to impromptu surprise visits from relatives (a.k.a. mothersin law) they handle it with aplomb.

Disorganized People don’t get flustered when the weather doesn’t cooperate with their plans and when their schedules get messed up (what schedules?).

Creativity. Disorganized people need to think out of the box, for all the times that they run into problems. They come up with all kind of neat solutions in life, and leave the Organized People,

nization shaking their heads, rubbing their eyes in disbelief, as they marvel and exclaim, ‘how did she pull that off ?’ while hugging their lists to their hearts. Where others see obstacles, messes and clutter, Disorganized People see adventure, opportunity and potential.

They don’t sweat the small stuff.

Their lives have lots of unpredictable twists and turns, like finding out that it’s Rosh Chodesh and none of the white shirts are clean, and that they’re out of chicken, eggs and potatoes when they’re supposed to make supper for the kimpeturin down the block. They learn to grin it, bear it and deal with it, as they refer back to their skill sets of Flexibility, Spontaneity and Creativity.

Disorganized People are often easygoing. They tend to be less rigid in their thinking and less demanding on others. They are used to making mistakes and are forgiving of others when they err.

People (all kinds of people!) are complex. They are not neatly squared off, not easily categorized, and they come in multi-nuanced colors and shades. Disorganized

Dec. 11, 2019

People whose inner and outer landscapes are forever shifting and in motion, tend to ‘get’ the complexities and paradoxes that make up the human psyche, more than their Organized counterparts who tend to see the world as neatlyfiled cabinets. Disorganized People, who are used to imperfection, tend to understand others’ emotions, because they know that they can never fully understand.

All right, all right, for the sake of accuracy, I’ll admit, Disorganization in and of itself is incomplete.

Without Organization, this world would dissolve into a state of chaos.

Like all things in life, balance is the key. The benefits of Organization and the benefits of Disorganization need to team up together to create a perfect world. But for now, for a few short moments, I have taken the great pleasure of indulging, by sharing with you, dear reader, the less-known secret of the Benefits of Disorganization.

(How is it, you ask, that I am so intimately familiar with the Benefits of Disorganization? That, ahem, shall remain unanswered.)

| 23

spill closer Miri Isaacs

24 |

We were sitting in my dinette, enthusiastically planning our annual class reunion. Invitations, menus, entertainment…

My friend Leah, who is shall we say, the biggest stickler in town, perfectly balances my near carefree nature, and the two of us together, by and by tend to get a job done well.

Sitting across from us at the table were both of our toddlers, joyfully interacting as they sipped their cups of apple juice.

That is, until one tot’s juice spilled all over the table and onto the floor. I grabbed a roll of paper towel and quickly wiped the spill as I continued debating whether we should go with the postcard invitations or the voicemail invites.

Leah distractedly looked on open mouthed.

“How is it that you don’t even bat an eyelash when your son spills his cup of juice? I’d be admonishing him, and giving him a warning not to let it happen again.”

“Would it help?” I question.

“I don’t know. But you can’t just ignore it. How will he learn?” she counters.

“The truth is, it depends. If we’re talking Dec. 11, 2019

about an older child, of whom we have greater expectations, then you’d be right. But Leah, he’s two years old. He was sitting at the table as any two-year old would. He wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary or acting wild. So reproaching him would in no way have an effect. These things just happen all the time.”

“No. You’re way too cool about this. I’d be having a proper fit. Even if it wouldn’t help, I’d be so angry.”

“Exactly. You’d be angry, but it would not be a learning experience for your child. Let’s put it this way. You know those five gallon water bottles that get delivered to the door to be placed in water coolers? Now picture in your mind, that every child will, over the course of his childhood years, spill enough drinks to fill such a bottle. Every spill simply brings you closer to filling the bottle; it’s no big deal. Then, before you turn around, the bottle is full, and your child has grown up and is no longer spilling drinks. Ta-da!”

“Oh, give me a break! You’re one step closer to filling his five gallon bottle? I can’t breathe! This is way too absurd. Is that really how you do it?”

“Sure thing. It works every time. Not to mention, it leaves me feeling calm and composed; that is, aside for a very sticky floor.”

So, we picked up the thread again, continuing with our plans, but I couldn’t help noticing that Leah’s eyes were on her toddler’s cup until he finished his juice to the last sip. | 25

SOME IN...

SOME OUT Chana Friedman 26 |

We all have many things laying around that we are not quite sure what to do with. Link Plus reached out to the organized amongst us to see how they repurpose used containers and storage items to keep the house looking good. Discover the joy of homemade recycling – beyond the shoebox!

Dec. 11, 2019

| 27

“I never could quite figure out what to do with the duffel-bag sized plastic bags that new blankets and pillows come in. I would unzip them, remove the blanket and then sort of store them in the bottom of the linen closet until they got torn or dirty. These days, I use the bags to store my kids’ clothes from outdated sizes or seasons. The bags fit perfectly on a top shelf or under the beds.”

-Simi V.

“I’m that sentimental type who can’t get rid of anything nostalgic; family magazines from Shabbatons, thank you cards, mazel tov cards, receipts and pamphlets from trips abroad. I’ve found that large boot boxes are the perfect size to store all things paper. I choose one that fits two spirals, side by side, so I can put in my old calendars.

Reorganizing that boot box erev Pesach is an experience. I do have a rule, though. When there’s no more room for more, I don’t add a box – I find something to dump instead. This way, only the most important memories last.”

- Chaya F.

28 |

“The cashiers always look at me strangely when I come to buy pillboxes that are labeled for each day of the week. I B”H don’t need them for pills, but I do use them to store rings and earrings. My little daughter has an obsession with plastic jewelry, and this box is perfect for her.

It keeps her entertained for at least a half hour.”

-Liba G.

“Empty wine boxes with the cardboard partitions intact do a beautiful job keeping my Succah decorations organized, especially the chains and garlands. If the partitions are wet or disappear before we got to uses them, I go down to my local wine store and ask them for empty boxes. They’re always glad to get rid of them.”

-Henny E.

“I don’t know if this counts as a storage item, but it definitely makes my life easier, come Yom Tov or any stock-the-freezer season. Used egg cartons are perfect for storing kneidlach. I cook them in advance and store each one in a little egg section. They keep their shape beautifully in the fridge and in the freezer. If I’m really short on freezer space, I’ll freeze a dozen, then remove the kneidlach and store them in a bag to make room in the egg carton for another batch. I’ve also found these nifty cartons great for storing… cooked eggs! I write “cooked” on the box with a permanent marker and put the eggs right back in when they’re done cooking.”

-Rechy L. Dec. 11, 2019

| 29

30 |

GLATT KOSHER BEEF

TevaMeatsLLC.com Dec. 11, 2019

| 31

NOW IN STORES! TOBY TESSLER PRESENTS

A STORY OF

HOPE, CHANGE & LOVE.

Life isn’t easy for Dina, a teenager who lives in a hotel with a group of eccentric and zany guests. This film showcases a hilarious mix involving an angry inspector, a really cute rat, and Sara, a runaway seeking to discover her heritage. You’ll laugh and cry along with the cast as you discover that life is all about PASSING INSPECTION!!

32 |