The Fruits of the Spirit.....Forgotten.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Which ones do you struggle with at times? (pause as I circle all).

My birthday this year was a good example of this. In a single evening, I ceased to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, gentle or self-controlled. All because of some cream cheese.

After a wonderful birthday in Sacramento, I headed down to the bay area to celebrate with my family and friends. I arranged to meet all of my hometown friends at Sushi Boat, which I knew was a risk. Last time I was there, they were less than friendly, and sure enough same thing this time.

They actually seemed annoyed that they had customers! After overcharging Elisa for part of her dinner, and being less than warm in their presentation, it was my turn to order from the menu at the dead silent restaurant. I found a roll that seemed like my Sacramento usual, and then ordered an old fall back - a California roll with cream cheese added to it.

"We can't do that." the waitress said.

"Oh add cream cheese? If there is a little upcharge that's fine, I expect that."

"No. You want cream cheese, you add whole roll."

"A whole California roll?"

"No, whole other roll."

"Wow, you're serious?"

I wasn't going to pay an extra $7.00 for cream cheese. Kind of ridiculous.

I remembered seeing in the window that they had a poster where you would get a free roll for your birthday - score! I tried to order this first. Oh wait....nope!

Waitress: "Must be two days within birthday."

Me: "Oh, we are celebrating today. My birthday was on Thursday."

Waitress: "That three days."

Me: "Yes, yes okay...."

So I order above mentioned items, sans cream cheese, but I can feel my face burning. What ever happened to the customer's always right? Why would a little chunk of cream cheese nestled between my crab and avocado be a big deal?

Then it hit me. Target. Right in the same strip of shops we were eating was a Target. Target sells groceries. Cream cheese! I refused to be in alignment with the law of Sushi Boat, for the law was stupid.

I asked if anyone wanted to go with me, which in turn caused everyone to look away or decline. Except Myriah. Dear Myriah, who is always up for a defiant adventure, and to her credit even BOUGHT THE CREAM CHEESE.

So we victoriously return with cream cheese, after confusing the Target cashier through our giggling and not needing a bag because we are going to "use it right away."

We arrive back just as the food comes, after I make my umpteenth not-so-silent comment about how I deserved cream cheese in my sushi roll for my birthday!

And there, she did it. The waitress, that is. She sets on the table with a half-smile a full roll with cream cheese in it. Complimentary. For my birthday three days past.

I awkwardly slide the Target block of cream cheese off the table and into my purse and half smile back, filled with guilt.

Just goes to show, people in the world may be nicer than they seem, and it would've been better to have been patient and kind, rather than initiate a cream cheese crusade.

I ended up looking like a total jerk.

Lesson learned.


With my "big bro" Greg - lonnnngtime bay area friend.

With two of my best friends - the one holding the cupcake was my cream cheese accomplice and financial supporter ;)

Oh dang. Sorry Sushi boat :/ We knew not what we did.

Elisa wondering why the heck there was a croquette smashed
underneath her rice bowl. You're a winner again, San Jose sushi boat.

Oh my Sam...



I know, Charlie...I think we deserve cream cheese too!

Victorious! But should've followed Galatians 5:22 instead!