cobbler assembly line

Not too long ago I went during lunch to get the heel fixed on my shoe. In these parts shoes get worn out very quickly by extended, intentional walking and getting your high heels caught on grid-like subway coverings.

In more rural parts of America (i.e. everywhere but here), you have to wait at least a week to get your shoes fixed. The normal process is that you take your shoes to the dry cleaner, who sends them off to somewhere in the sky, and then your shoes are returned. In NY, however, there is about one cobbler per block. And they are not called "cobblers" in other parts of the country to my knowledge. I don't know what they're called, but I think no one knows because no one ever has to get their shoes fixed!

Anyway, the other day I went to get by shoes cobbled. When I arrived, there were about 4 ladies in front of me all sitting around, stuffed in next to eachother, with either one or both shoes off of their feet. In a matter of minutes, one pair of shoes was fixed, the shoe-owner paid, and then left just as fast as a fresh supply of ladies filtered through the front door. I was impressed at the efficiency! If only other businesses in the service industry could learn from this example.

I got asked out yesterday

I got asked out yesterday. 

The person asking was my cab driver. 

Enough said.

my great day

Today was a great day. I woke up really tired and had to coordinate the Sunday morning Preschool, but all of the volunteers showed up and I didn't have to do any last minute crisis management. I also got there early enough to get a muffin (there are only a few available each Sunday and if you don't get there early you get stuck with a bagel). After church I took a really long, uninterrupted nap and chatted with my parents, who confirmed they had gotten U.S. Open tickets for this August! That means they will get to visit me in NYC since the courts are in Queens. What I didn't realize, though, is that all of this was a pre-cursor to my amazing day.

I went to church this evening (which is now when I attend weekly service) and was overwhelmed to tears with the confirmation in my heart that God is seeking to redeem the nations through NYC. My church meets in the Chelsea area and we meet in a German Lutheran Church. Tonight there was a guest speaker who was a black female, but our normal pastor is from Australia. I heard an original song written by a Hispanic male who sang with an alternative style. And despite our cultural differences, we were all united in the fact that Christ is our Savior and He rose from the dead. There isn't much in this world that is more beautiful than that.

After this moving experience, my roommate Laryssa and I were walking down the sidewalk and both stopped mid-step as I brushed shoulders with ANDERSON COOPER!!! He didn't stop and we didn't stop him because Laryssa and I were both in shock and gasping for breath. I have loved watching Anderson Cooper for years. I still can't believe I saw him.

Then, as if things weren't already great enough, Laryssa and I turned the corner and there was a Boston Market staring us in the face!!!! You heard it right - BOSTON MARKET!!! I bought like 4 sides and an extra-large soda.  I couldn't believe we had found a slice of normalcy in this chaotic, other-galaxy-like city.

I am now writing with a full belly and after having a great conversation with my baby sister. What an amazing day!