The Fortune Cookies: A Fortune Cookie Blog

Sink or float

2011-07-27T19:51:00.004-04:00

Water not only can keep a ship afloat, but can also sink it.

Sometimes, something that is useful or essential to us is also dangerous. There are times that we rely on something or someone to carry us through situations, but an overreliance on that person or thing may be our downfall.

Understanding the dangers of relying too much on someone or something can only help us. We need to be able to do things independently (this is not to say that we can't depend on others). We need to be able to do things without help if necessary. At the same time, though, we also need to be able to rely on others or objects to carry us through when we most need support.

Facing happiness

2011-04-01T21:49:00.008-04:00

Your happiness is before you, not behind you! Cherish it. I have met people who greet the days that lie before them with the greatest of melancholy, with regrets and sorrow that the future would never be just as good as what they experienced in the past. It's easy to get lost in the memories of yesterday, thinking of how great things were, and of how happy one was then. But how do you know that tomorrow will not bring a time that is happier? If we all clung to moments--such as the the times we spent with a former lover or close friend that we have lost (perhaps through a break-up or a slow fade-away), we'd close our hearts and souls to the possibilities of the future. If we keep looking backwards, we never may be entirely open to new possibilities. Each of those possibilities has the ability to bring greater happiness than we've ever known.

Failure

2011-01-12T22:20:00.006-05:00

What great things would you attempt if you knew you could not fail.
All too often, we have great ideas. And many times, the insecurities we have, the self-doubts we have about bringing those ideas to fruition get in the way.

Imagine if someone dreamed the airplane, and didn't work on creating it. Imagine if Ford dreamt a car and didn't create it. So much of what we have in this world started as an idea. But just think of how many of these crazy inventions or theories came about because someone believed hard enough, or thought to himself--"just maybe--just maybe--this is true?" Without that nagging thought tugging in the back of your head--or just by ignoring that little voice that tells you are wrong or just plain crazy...maybe you'll stumble upon greatness.

Maybe you'll create masterpieces, just like van Gogh. Maybe you'll be a scientist who refused to back down, just like Frederick Banting.

Maybe you just didn't give up on something you believed in with all your heart, like Anne Sullivan. Or Temple Grandin's mother. Or my parents. My parents were often told that what they were attempting was impossible, and that I wouldn't be able to speak, much less hear. Yet, they defied popular opinion and here I am, a product of that chance, that opportunity. I can't imagine my life being any other way, and it's all because my parents just simply didn't give up.

Out of all the possibilities out there, how many were not brought to life?

Usual gifts

2011-01-05T22:29:00.002-05:00

You will soon receive an usual gift freely given. Accept!

Usual gift? When I first read this fortune, I thought it said unusual gift, so my mind wondered what I could soon be receiving. It wouldn't be that giant rearview mirror that I received at a white elephant swap before Christmas?

The rearview mirror is still in the box. I gave it to my dad, though. Unusual gift, yes.

But a usual gift? I think that usual gifts tend to blend and fade into my memory, even if I do accept them graciously. However, the unusual gifts I do not forget (this includes the giant rearview mirror, a Hello Kitty wafflemaker (given by my boyfriend), a set of ponytail holders and hair clips (I have short hair, mind you), and a pair of sparkly purple panties given by my mom's friend at an annual Christmas gathering of mostly middle-aged family friends--mortifying...)

Simplicity

2010-07-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

Keep it simple. The more you say, the less people remember.

How true that what we say is what stays in people's minds. The overcomplication of words is difficult to remember, and it's just better to get back to basics. Say what you need to say--and my boyfriend tends to ramble on--a side effect is that sometimes people tune out if things go on too long, if there's too much talking.

2010-07-21T21:51:00.000-04:00

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

As a child, my parents always told me that grades didn't matter, as long as I tried my best. I was an honors student, and while I got paid a few dollars for each "A" that I earned in school, I liked doing well better.

My senior year of high school, I got my first "C" in an academic subject (physics). My parents' reaction was not what I expected. I had expected my parents to be upset (after all, my dad is just fantastic at math and science, and he tried to help me out)--"Did you try?" and I did, even though I was completely confused by the topic and the way the material was taught. My parents told me that it was fine because I worked hard to understand the material and did my best, even if it didn't look that way on my report card.

Service

2010-07-15T21:10:00.003-04:00

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

On my honor I will try

To serve God and my country

To help people at all times

And to live by the Girl Scout Law

Of course, it's been years since I was a Girl Scout (I made it as far as Cadette), so I had to look up the Girl Scout Law. But I still remember holding up three fingers and reciting this at the beginning of each Troop meeting. As a Girl Scout, we earned badges that we later sewed onto our vests or sashes. I didn't make it very far; I joined Girl Scouts because my friends were in my Troop, and I had a lot of fun.

That changed in my last year of Girl Scouts. Because many girls quit Girl Scouts or found that they wanted to focus their time on other activities, our Troop was much smaller, so we merged with another local Troop. This other Troop had a leader who was all about earning badges and selling many cookies, and at that point when it became work and about the importance of earning badges rather than learning about oneself or spending time doing things that were important to you, Girl Scouts was no longer fun. So I dropped out after that year (must have been 7th or 8th grade).

But here's the thing: after I left Girl Scouts, I was still quite involved in a lot of activities, volunteering my time with different organizations that focused on those in need, and I didn't need a badge to prove that I was worthy of that activity. I felt good about myself and felt that I was doing something worthwhile. For many years, I did volunteer work, and although right now my time has been pretty tied up, I still feel pretty good when I do something for someone else. I feel this way, because I'm doing something because it's important to me, and not because I have to earn a badge or proof to show that I did something.

That feeling is more meaningful than the Girl Scout badges, in my opinion.

Always time for friends

2010-07-10T19:31:00.002-04:00

A friend asks only for your time not your money.

Again, no proofreading for the missing comma here...and a very cheerful looking fortune with the two smiley faces!

True, a friend does not ask for money (unless it's for a quick borrowing with a quick repayment--I've done that before where I've conveniently left my money somewhere, and I'm someplace that doesn't take credit cards or something). But more importantly, friends offer time to each other, time to talk, time to laugh, enjoy each other's company.

Now, I must add that I would like to add consideration to this. Be considerate--time is valuable not only for you, but also for your friends...sometimes people are busy...so be aware that sometimes they may not be able to offer up time immediately. I have a friend who is nice and everything, but she often asks me to do things at the last minute (for example, texting me that morning at 11 AM to ask me to lunch on the same day). However, this is more than an occasional occurrence, and it happens quite often. It's a bit frustrating--I'd like to give her my time but I am also busy and am a notorious planner, where I have my life scheduled out a week, if not several weeks, out in advance. Plus, turning down multiple last-minute invitations really makes me feel bad and scummy, because I do not know if it gives off the impression that I don't want to do anything with her.

Delegating

2010-07-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

Tension in a partnership? It might be time for you to delegate.

I wonder...what is the tension in the partnership? Is it caused by someone who is doing all the work? Is the tension mine? If it is, delegation to someone who is responsible may help.

If someone is taking all the work, I hope that some of the work gets delegated to me--as long as it's something I don't mind doing at all.

Basically, this fortune seems like one of those that calls to mind the idea of sharing, the idea of collaborating, communicating, and working together toward a mutual goal.

Is it perhaps an unequal partnership? Sometimes I am not sure if simple delegation would answer the question. Sometimes, leaving the partnership is the best solution.

Inner wisdom

2010-06-25T19:17:00.000-04:00

Take some time and listen to your own inner wisdom.

H0w often have we done this: We had a nagging thought or instinct--but did something different entirely? Sometimes our first impressions or our first instincts are the right ones. Knowing when to heed that little voice in our head is important. Otherwise, our decisions may not be the right ones.

Brer Rabbit

2010-06-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.

Far from being instructions on trapping or hunting, I think of trying to do too much at the same time. For instance, if I am trying to finish two things for a tight deadline (which of course, would be at the same time and date), and trying to complete them well.

In those situations, it's really difficult to do it well. Or in some cases, it's difficult to even complete both tasks, in which case you need to regroup and either focus on one task (or rabbit) so the goal is accomplished.

Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy, you gotta learn to play it right

2010-06-13T23:22:00.002-04:00

A gambler not only will lose what he has, but also will lose what he doesn't have.

I think of the lyrics from The Gambler...and also from The Winner Takes It All and I imagine someone desperate, someone on a winning streak--the lucky run. Someone who has brought all he has to the table. "Just a little more, I'll win it back," he thinks to himself. Deeper in debt, another chip to lay on the table. "Just a bit more--my lucky streak will come back."

Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy, you gotta learn to play it right

He's convinced himself that he has nothing to lose, but everything to gain. But by betting more than what he has--he's going to lose it all and spend time trying to get himself back in the black. Or perhaps his wife won't be happy and their marriage will disolve. Perhaps he'll file bankruptcy and lose the home that he and his wife have built together.

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away and know when to run
You never count your money, when you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin', when the dealin's done
Every gambler knows that the secret to survive is
Knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep
'Cos every hand's a winner and every hand's a loser
And the best that you can hope for is dyin' in your sleep

Knowing when to stop, when to stop taking chances--sometimes that takes real strength and confidence, too. Knowing when to walk away, not to give up--but to keep oneself from losing everything, whether it's money or love. Taking a risk can be worth it. This I know for sure--we've all taken risks, whether it's tossing that last chip on Red 5 on a rouletta in Vegas, falling in love, buying a house...sometimes the risks are worth it.

Maybe that Red 5 was that lucky number. Maybe that was the last of your savings. Perhaps the person you fall for is the one you end up marrying. But maybe it all falls apart and you get your heart broken. Maybe that house was the one of your dreams--or perhaps it turned out to be a money pit and not the right place for you at all. But more importantly, knowing when to take a chance is important, and moreover, it's also important to know when not to risk it all.

Athrilling time

2010-06-10T19:27:00.001-04:00

Athrilling time is in your immediate future.

First of all, no proofreaders for this fortune?

Second of all, a thrilling time in my future sounds like a good thing. Hopefully it is a good thrilling time and not one of those miserably thrilling times (i.e., dangerous). I hope the smiley faces on this fortune are a good indication of what sort of thrilling time I am meant to have in the immediate future.

Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.

2010-06-09T23:12:00.002-04:00

Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.

I've been looking at this fortune, wondering how to interpret this. Charity begins at home--the first thing that comes to mind is that we are all taught to do chores. Perhaps we begin by cleaning our rooms for a dollar. Or perhaps washing the dishes for ten cents--or whatever allowance we got from our parents. But rather than doing these chores for monetary reimbursement, we (hopefully) learn to do things like take out the trash so Dad won't have to, or to clean the shower so Mom won't have to. It's the consideration for others that we learn at home.

Now as far as justice--it is a bit of an extension of charity. Instead of doing things for people that we truly know and love at home, we extend our treatment to others. Treat them kindly, treat them with respect, and to be fair to others.

Charming one

2009-05-28T22:54:00.003-04:00

You will always possess a charm and sense of humor that attracts others.

It's always important to keep a sense of humor! I've found that the people who are most comfortable to be around are the ones who are charming and kind, and have a great sense of humor. There are those that make me want to run (I have a couple customers, who, frankly, scare the heck out of me with perpetual scowls. This makes me wonder how they wound up being married.

Care and attention to the key relationships in your life will pay off.

2009-03-19T18:47:00.007-04:00

Care and attention to the key relationships in your life will pay off.

Once, I had a friend that I thought was my very best friend in school. I went to college, and despite the fact that I would call her or e-mail her, she would not return my messages. There was even a time that I was home for a long weekend, so I called her as soon as I was home, and asked her to call me back so we could do something together.

Did I ever hear back from her? Not till the night I went back to school, and even then, she just left a message on the answering machine, which was something to the effect of, "Well, I didn't call, but I figured you'd be back at school already."

Stupid excuse, I thought--even if she couldn't get together with me that weekend, she could have at least called and said, "Hey, it's cool that you're home, but I'm really sorry--I already have plans." At least do the courtesy of realizing that friendship is a two-way street, and I can't be the one to always maintain the relationship.

After that, I stopped trying or bothering to keep in touch with her. If it was truly a friendship that she valued, she ought to nurture it, too--not just me. So for years, I didn't hear from her, then I ran into her a year after I moved back home. She's sort of in my life, I don't consider her a true friend. So, to me, real relationships are ones that you value and where you feel valued as a person, and even if time gets away from you, you can still call that person and make them feel important.

All I need

2009-02-26T21:01:00.000-05:00

No need to worry! You will always have everything you need!

That's good to know in these hard economic times. One thing I do want to say--is to remember the difference between "need" and "want"--perhaps I need food, but not a wii, or maybe I need clothes, but I want, say, the $200 skirt from Anthropologie. I think making sure you have what you need will keep you happy--but also knowing that you may not always have everything you want is also important, too.

So here's to having everything we need--and all the things we want--and get--is just the icing on the cake.

Psst. I've got a secret for you.

2009-02-22T21:13:00.009-05:00

Rumor is a by-product of untruthful conversation.
I kind of remember elementary school, and even worse, high school where truths and untruths flew around like crazy. So-and-so did this, so-and-so slept with this person. Sometimes it would leave an indelible mark on the person's reputation. One little thing, real or imagined, could be someone's downfall. Usually it's something not true, or maybe a bit of stretched truth.

I can think of an instance where rumors about one of my friends was spread around this little group, and I'm sure was spread to other people who knew this group. It's not a nice situation, and I was frustrated about this, because most of these people had met her for the very first time then, and I had known her since I was about six years old, so I think I'm a better judge of her character than all the gossips. Even though that was quite some time ago, it still annoys me to know that people were so readily saying untruthful things about my friend behind her back. Of course, I stuck up for her (and I think of this whole group, only one guy believed me, because, as he said, "Guys lie--so you are right, and she's probably telling the truth.")

Hopefully, enough time has passed that people have forgotten about the incident...But the thing with rumors and gossip is they never seem to die easily...

2008-12-26T21:50:00.001-05:00

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...)

2008-12-21T22:47:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-23T21:00:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-20T23:30:00.005-05:00

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

2008-11-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-02T23:07:00.001-05:00

You are surrounded by fortune hunters.

I think that says it all.

That old routine

2008-10-26T20:17:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-19T20:07:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-12T20:15:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-05T20:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-02T14:53:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-07T21:36:00.004-04:00

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?

2008-08-31T21:15:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-17T21:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-10T21:35:00.004-04:00

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

2008-08-08T21:15:00.001-04:00

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?

2008-08-01T21:15:00.001-04:00

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.

2008-07-29T21:15:00.001-04:00

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.

2008-07-23T21:04:00.000-04:00

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...

2008-07-20T21:05:00.000-04:00

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?

2008-07-18T15:36:00.003-04:00

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...

2008-07-16T21:06:00.000-04:00

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?

2008-07-13T21:05:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-10T21:32:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-08T22:15:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-05T21:12:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-03T23:06:00.002-04:00

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...

2008-07-02T22:46:00.001-04:00

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

Wouldn't that be nice?

Optimism

2008-06-10T22:45:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-04-30T22:29:00.001-04:00

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

2008-03-20T21:26:00.001-04:00

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

2008-03-16T22:38:00.001-04:00

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...

2008-03-16T22:06:00.002-04:00

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

Welcome to the Fortune Cookie!

2008-03-16T22:03:00.000-04:00

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.