Use your abilities at this time to stay focused on your goal. You will succeed.

I'm trying to figure out what my goals are. Well, actually, I know what they are, but I have been so distracted lately, what with Christmas being around the corner, and with so many distractions. My ability to focus, apparently, is non-existent.

Part of the problem is that when I think about things like studying, I get stressed out because, well, this is Christmas break--who needs more stress? But I promise I will try and make sure that books and movies and fun things do not lure me away from studying (after all, I'd like to finish school on a positive note...)

Tomorrow your creative side with shine forth with exceptional ideas.

Oh, this sounds really good to me. I'm not sure how the creativity would work in retail, as I sell things during the Christmas rush. I'm sure I'll come up with something, so I am curious to see what the exceptional ideas will be.

Value

If a true sense of value is to be yours it must come through service.

I suppose that if one must appreciate something...it has to be earned. I feel like that today (and here I probably sound like an old fogey, but I'm still in my 20's) that there is not as much pride or appreciation for what we have. Or for what we have earned in our lives. I don't mean money (though money has value). I'm talking about working toward a dream or goal--such as perhaps a degree or finishing a project, we have to work hard for that and not take an easy route or have it handed to us. I think there's been some of that lost as generations change. I guess I'm in a transitional generation where there still is some pride on our accomplishments in working toward goals.

And I see others (some whom are younger than me, but it's not just younger people) who expect that they automatically deserve things (such as A's on exams) when they did not work hard. Whereas I remember being proud of working for an A or earning recognition for activities.

Dreams

There are 365 days in a year, may all 365 of your dreams come true.

Now that sounds pretty darned good to me, despite the grammar in this fortune cookie.

Last night (and I'm being dead serious here), Rocco DiSpirito was in my dream, and not only was he cooking some sort of chicken, but he was crushing on me pretty hard. I say that's not a bad dream, and I wouldn't mind if that particular dream came true.

After all, who can resist a cute man who can cook? (and in my dream, he thought I was the bee's knees, so that's just as good as gourmet food). And inexplicably, there were shelves of bottled water (that I drank when I lived in Europe) in my dream, which made me incredibly happy. There may have also been some Quarkkaese (sigh).

So Rocco DiSpirito, if you read this (as if you have time, what with your fusion cooking, Italian-American cooking, writing cookbooks, and being on TV), would you mind coming over and cooking me some food, and coming with some Quarkkaese? And if you develop a crush on me in the meantime, I wouldn't mind, either.

http://thefortunecookies.blogspot.com/2008/11/dreams.html

Bravery and health

The healthy and strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it.

Sometimes, pride goeth before a fall. Sometimes, we learn that lesson too late. But the ability to know where one's limits are--that's good. But what's even better is knowing when to swallow pride and ask for help, especially in areas where one may not know enough.

Granted, there are times when I really hate asking for help or advice, but sometimes I have to. And it's not easy, but I think having the confidence to do so is a good thing. It's easy to keep on trying something idiotic or futile, but the results may not be as good in the end. And it may save you from embarassment over a mistake.

Golddiggers

You are surrounded by fortune hunters.

I think that says it all.

That old routine

You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend.

Since this weekend is Halloween Weekend, I would hope this weekend would be different. But in a good way.

With that, I wish you all Happy Halloween and trick-or-treating! Do something out of the ordinary!

Future profession

You could prosper in the field of entertainment.

You know, once, long ago (like, when I was 10 or even younger), it was my secret ambition to be a rock star. Never mind that I am a terrible singer. Or, in fourth grade, I wanted to be a world-famous mystery writer a la (koff, koff), Carolyn Keene. Such ambitions are typical (I think; ranging from rock star, writer, actress, musician, model, and so on). But reality does sink in, and we do--or the majority of us do eventually become professionals in other fields, such as, say, being a teacher or perhaps a sales manager. Or a vet. But you know what? We all have to entertain somebody at some point in our lives, whether it's our children or our students (nothing like standing up in front of a classroom full of yawning students at 8 AM, and cracking a joke that makes them wake up. Or, telling a story -- or giving a lecture -- with such passion and fervor that students take notice and start thinking that they want to do whatever it is that you do for a living). One of my best-- or several of my best professors in college were the most passionate and animated lecturers who dove right into the material with such enthusiasm--is that not entertainment?

Or, the waiter who sings Happy Birthday at a restaurant, to an embarassed guest, or a pediatrician who makes a child smile (or laugh) after giving him a shot or a thorough check-up. So you see, we all use entertainment in our daily lives and professions. We just may not take notice, unlike people who do it on purpose (such as folks who are stars on The Bachelor or Survivor or whatever reality show is out there).

And you know what? I'd still like to be a writer. But maybe not Carolyn Keene.

Some healthy tips

Here we go, Low fat whole wheat green tea.

First things first: Why did this advice come after we have partaken in our Chinese food feast? Which was probably a buffet (so you know what that means: seconds and maybe thirds of deep-fried stuff, or pan-fried dumplings--my weakness). I sincerely doubt that it was low-fat, though.

Secondly, whole wheat? I don't think I saw anything whole wheat at the restaurant.

Thirdly, are there commas missing? Or am I supposed to have whole wheat green tea that is low in fat? You tell me. I don't think that exists (though the medincinal properties of green tea cannot be ignored)

Courage, again

The courage to be great lies deep within each of us.

I bet each of us is capable of being great. Whether it's great at work, at school, at sports, or being a great person of some sort--sometimes we get so encumbered by our doubts that we can't achieve our goals. But sometimes just believing in ourselves takes courage and bravery, and being able to do so--looking at our doubts and feelings of inadequacy--and saying, heck yeah, we can do that! That's courageous.

Escapism

Treat yourself to a good book for a much needed rest and escape.

Relaxation is one of those things on my list; indeed, I enjoy reading (and rereading) these books that you see. Once in a while, it's not a bad thing to forget about life and its troubles for a couple happy hours. And, a well-written book can transport you to another time and place, such as outer space, or somewhere more prosaic, like Maryland. So, heed this advice--and read a good book. :)

Amelie-inspired fortune

You are grateful for the small pleasures of life.

It is always important, I think, to remember the little things that make life worth living. For me, it's the feel of really nice socks (such as an angora blend sock), or perhaps finding a really cool pair of shoes on sale and it's in my size (doesn't life get better than that? Or perhaps fireflies blinking away at night. It's the little things that add up to the larger happiness and joy.

Greed?

The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more.

So very true. I think. But for me, the irony lies in this very true saying about appreciating what you have--and not succumbing to greed--by following it with the lucky numbers that you can play in the lotto. Talk about hypocrisy.

Watch out, cowardly lion!

Your courage will guide your future.

For whatever reason, I thought it apt to use my winged monkey sculpture with this fortune.

And, if you think about it, the choices that we make are ones that tend to be brave. I think the only cowardly decision one can make is to abstain from making one--and letting others or other circumstances decide what happens next. It could be that the scariest thing is the result of that decision, but sometimes, when you make a choice--it could lead to better things--sometimes worse things (if you're going to be a pessimist). But in the immortal words of Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.

Party!

The social scene can be fun today.

You mean, it wasn't fun already?

In that case--let's party!

But before we do, do you have any tips on how it can be fun today?



Digg this

Romance

You will experience small success, especially in romance.

That's good to know. Like, what kind of success? A kiss? A nice dinner? Some jewelry, perhaps?


Digg This!

Q & A

Always the more beautiful answer who asks a more beautiful question.

Question: Did a philosophy professor write this? Do they hire philosophy majors and professors to work at fortune cookie writing companies? Why is my fortune so esoteric? Are those numbers really that lucky?

And is anyone else disturbed by the fact that answers now have the ability to ask questions?

Glamor?

Some change of glamor and excitement is coming to you.

It's sad to say that I have a hard time with this, because I keep wanting to say the word "glamor" is spelled wrong (indeed, I had to look it up online just to be sure). Thanks a lot, Glamour magazine.
I don't mind glamor (glamour) though. Or excitement.

Shh.

Listen attentively. You will come out ahead.

This goes right with the fortune that says that my lips may be moving, but no one is listening. Hmm. My students needed to get this one, I think. Or any student.

Or perhaps, as I finish off school and start looking for my dream job...That would be great!

The truth comes out.

Desire, like the atom, is explosive with creative force.

Is this true? Somehow I don't even know how to respond to this one.

Somehow, the idea of desire exploding sound a little scary, but I suppose so...

You will stumble...

You will stumble into the happiness of your life.

I only hope that I can do it gracefully.

Which means: no high heeled shoes. And the happiness of my life thing--that sounds awfully nice. Not sure about the stumbling part, though.

Excitement, anyone?

An unexpected event will soon make your life more exciting.

How ironic.

I took this picture a day ago. And guess what happened to me?

As I was driving to school, all of a sudden...

No matter how hard I pressed my foot on the brake, my car just went slower and slower, and I could smell some burning rubber.

I have to be at school in 15 minutes!

On the dashboard, the check engine light and the battery light were blinking.

Hang in there, baby, we're only, like, five minutes away from the campus!

Then with a shuddering noise, my car stopped in the middle of the road, right in front of a driveway. My brain started going off in directions. What to do? What to do? Call dad...call my professor? I tried to restart my car, and yes! for a minute I felt it going. Around this time, the owner of the house was trying to help me out, and get me into his driveway. How nice it is to cause a minor traffic jam, with some good samaritans helping to push my car up into the fellow's driveway.

I've had enough excitement to last me the rest of the week.

*By the way, I have a red car too. I do not have red hair, though.

Friends come in all shapes...

Friends come in all shapes and sizes, but their hearts are always BIG.

Somehow, I think the size of these friends' hearts depend on just how good a friend they are. Don't you?

Is it payday?

Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.

Of course.

I wouldn't want do do anything half-assed. But then again, do I get paid for what I do?

No need to worry

Don't worry about the world coming to an end. It's already tomorrow in Australia.

Just how is this supposed to make me feel better? I mean, if I am so stressed out about getting my work done, the idea of "tomorrow" sounds kind of scary--especially if "tomorrow" is synonymous with "deadline."

Of course, for those who believe the world is ending, this may be really good news.

What they should teach in Stats class

Statistics are no substitute for judgment.

This is precisely what they should have taught in statistics. That, and "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." (Mark Twain)

Turn off the TV

Turn off the TV and the computer and exercise your mind with a good book.

Always good advice.

However, this was absolutely hilarious, because my dad was the one who got this, shortly after he discovered k-dramas (k-dramas are korean melodramas that typically end with a cliffhanger every episode, so you can't help but watch). So of course, we laughed at my dad's fortune (misfortune?) of getting this. He's still hooked on k-dramas, by the way. May I recommend "The Memory of Beautiful Days" or "Palace" or "Hotelier" or "Lovers in Paris"? You won't want to read a book--you'll just want to keep watching, in order to find out what happens!

Reconcile with an old friend

Reconcile with an old friend. All has been forgotten.

I' m not going to say anything flippant here. When I got this fortune this Tuesday, it was almost prophetic and kind of struck a chord in my heart. I've been struggling a little with an old friend who I think is mad at me (for unknown, but suspected, reasons). I've not heard from her for a while, despite my emails. I even sent her an email the day before I got this fortune. Still waiting to see if I get a response.

The friend I mentioned is not in the photograph--it's one from my early childhood--she was my friend when I was 2 years old, through now. I will try one more time, next week, to see if she's willing to tell the truth rather than give me the brush-off. If nothing happens, then--well, that's that.

I also am recalling some passages from In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner:

"I'm sorry for what happened last winter," she wrote, deciding that this was probably the best way to handle it--flat out, in the open. "I am sorry I hurt you. I want..." And she paused again, aware that everyone was staring at her, as if she were some rare acquatic creature recently brought into captivity, some animal at the zoo who'd just learned an amusing new trick.

"What's the word for when you want to make something right?

"Reconciliation," Ella said quietly, and spelled it, and Maggie wrote it twice, just to be sure she got it right.

If you had a penny...

If you had a penny of every kind act. You'd surely be a millionaire.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Optimism

An optimist is the human personification of spring

So very true, I suppose. I think that says it all--the hope and idealism? So what does winter mean--pessimism?

So that explains it!

Perhaps this explains some of my students. No wonder some of them don't seem to be getting it at times. It's all clearly explained in this fortune: "Today, your mouth might be moving but no one is listening." Perhaps I'm going into the wrong profession...

The mind is everything

The mind is everything. What you think you become.

Yes, the mind is everything. Sometimes, I look at this fortune and think to myself: I can do anything I want to! I can be successful!

Other times, I feel like I'm reading the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which has things like, "Then the Seer abides in Itself, resting in its own True Nature, which is called Self-realization."

Other times, I wonder about the grammar in the second sentence. What I think I become? Why not just become?

Investigate new possibilities

Investigate new possibilities with friends. Now is the time!

I wonder what kind of possibilities I should investigate with friends. Of course, something innocent, like, oh, I don't know. Travel. Maybe opening a business. Or maybe after having lots of alcoholic beverages, my mind can travel down dangerous and risque places. Which I don't think my friends would want to investigate with me. (ok, now I must get my head out of the gutter...)

This is why fortunes are so much fun to read!

Be Prepared...

Be prepared to receive something special.
Always something nice to wait for. Perhaps a letter? Or maybe dessert?

Welcome to the Fortune Cookie!

I've been collecting fortunes for a while now. If I remember where I put my fortunes, I like to giggle at them. Other times, I completely forget where I put them. But I started accumulating these fortunes, and decided that some of them are worth sharing.

And about me--I like to eat. Sometimes, I go to places where I get a fortune cookie at the end of the meal, so this is a collection of the fortunes that I have saved (and not lost), as well as some of the fortunes that my dinner companions discarded at the end of our meals together.