Cranky's

This is Cranky's. It's a cute little joint in Long Island City where I will be working when I'm not exploring.  My first day of work was on Tuesday from 4:00PM until about 9:00PM and I had so much fun.  I learned how to make a few coffee drinks, I learned the computer system and by about 6:00 PM Lindsey, the manager, had me serving tables all by myself.  More importantly, I've met some very fun regulars that come in all the time.  I've met someone new each time I've worked and have had a very lovely conversation with them.  It's so normal for people to come in and eat by themselves in NYC. (I am now a fan and do it all the time.)  The first night I worked, I met Kevin, he is hilarious, a fellow musician and a fellow Texan.  I plopped myself down right next to him while I was taking my break and just talked away.  The next day, I met Ryan who read me news articles about teachers in Texas while eating his breakfast and yesterday I met Barbara, who came in for lunch on her day off.  We talked about the arts,  Long Island City and a whole bunch of other stuff.   It's just so fun to chat with random strangers...something I've never done before or really enjoyed.  But, I have learned, everyone has a story and it's so fun to hear it. 

I kinda love Cranky's.  The food is really good, the atmosphere is so inviting and as stated before the people there are so fun.  Sometimes people come in and literally stay all day with their computer and work or eat or visit with friends that come and go.  Not only is it a restaraunt/coffee shop, it's also a place where a production company is run.  The owners Mina and Jim, and the manager, Lindsey, are all part of it.   I am so blessed to be working there and when it's all said and done, I will know how to make cappucinos, lattes, cafe au laits, macchiato's and espresso.  That's my favorite part.

Another favorite of mine is how the Lord continues to provide for me.  It is ridiculously amazing the things that are happening here.  I finally recieved my UPS package on Wednesday after I got home from work and I was so excited!  I couldn't wait to get those new sheets and put them on my bed.  I knew UPS would be delivering after 4:00PM so I sat on the ledge of my window and watched for the truck to come.  When the UPS man came and rang my working doorbell I jumped off the window seat and ran to my door.  I ripped into the 20lb box and as soon as the lid came off I could smell the fresh scent of clean!!!  Aaah, that's what I had been waiting for.  As I rummaged through the box there were some special goodies in there like my favorite snacks and a very special envelope.

 I knew that Mom had written a letter to go inside because she always writes me when I'm away.  I picked the letter up before I looked any further into the box and sat on my couch as I read it.  The first part of the letter was a checklist of all that was sent.  The second part of the letter is so special.  Mom started the letter by saying "I have to let you know what the Lord has been doing in our life and yours!"  Then the letter went on to say that as Mama and Papa were shopping Pop said "Let's send Crystal $200 so that she will have some money while she is waiting or applying for jobs. "  So, mom was going to write a check, cash it and send it to me but, when they got home that day, there was an envelope in the mail from the IRS.  Mom opened it and it was a check for $194.00.  They had overpaid an account and sent the money to me!  As I read that letter I cried and cried because I am in awe of how the Lord takes care of me. 

After reading the letter I took out everyting that was in the box and at the bottom was the envelope that said Money From the Lord.  I think I cried for a good thirty minutes and each time I tell the story I can't help but cry.  The money from the Lord has allowed me to get the things I need like a blanket for my bed, pillows to sleep on and an alarm clock so I'm not an hour late to work again.  

Thank you Lord for your continued provision and thank you Mama and Papa for not sending me a plane ticket home.  I love you


Love,
Miss Gulley in Manhattan