10/4/2026 Sunday
Nadia was discouraged to go to church initially due to the fact that she didn't like this new series on John by Pastor Dan at Crossroads today. But going to church is more than just the sermon or music, so we went. Sermon on John 2:1-12 was so so. The Gospel books, contrary to the belief of many, are the hardest books in the New Testament while Revelation is the easiest, for me. The pastor did common commentary on the word "woman" i.e. madam, not a usage for disrespect. At least he didn't take "madam" as far as a highest address of honoring a woman. I was then particularly curious about his father's disapproval of him going into full time ministry. I'm curious as to what kind of disapproval is that? (a hypocritical look down on full time ministers which is the most common view or an ultra-high view of ministers) Too bad I couldn't talk to him about that after the service as he was nowhere to be found by me. I couldn't even remember to ask Pastor Jeff about his own father's approval when I did get a chance to talk to Pastor Jeff. So my people fellowship skill has much to work on. I did however try to redirect conversations (with Henry) when my wife only focused on topics like cars which Henry brought up due to our new Tesla Model Y, and with Dan regarding Rummage sales which we were heading after service. So that we talk about them instead of just us or some googleable topics. This is something I discipline myself to do more and more since the advancement of AI. Stuff you can talk to AI about, you don't need to do that with a real human being as primary topics for fellowship/relationship.
We went to Fair Hills Fairgrounds Rummage Sales (hosted by Atlantic Visiting Nurses twice a year - Spring & Fall sales in April/May & Sept./Oct.) but left before they opened because we went too early (11:12am) unaware of their opening time which is 12:30pm. Good thing Nadia went yesterday as well already.
We then tried the deals at a restaurant next to 99 Ranch in Edison, called Miss Flower Hotpot. We had claypot rice (2x for $39 with unlimited signature chicken corn soup and a bowl of Chinese dessert soup). This restaurant is known for their 10+ hour broth simmering prep. And we were not disappointed. Nadia planed for another visit this Thursday for the $20 hotpot deal (Weekdays only). Nadia did not like their manager whom she thought looked at us funny as if we were bad customers the moment we walked in, I told her to calm down and insinuating that she judged too quick. But I don't think it worked.