Fortune Cookie No. 5 - You Will Take a Pleasant Journey to a Place Far Away

You Will Take a Pleasant Journey to a Place Far Away

OK, this fortune is much better than the last one. And I realize now that my complaints directed at my previous fortune were a bit harsh. Apologies extended. That said, I'm looking forward to this one coming to fruition.

Now then let's break down this fortune:

First, what makes a pleasant journey pleasant? Some journeys don't begin as planned, intended vacations. In fact, where all vacations can be journeys, not all journeys are vacations. Some journeys and some vacations just happen spontaneously and can be the most memorable. While other trips are scheduled and organized, intended by all accounts to be pleasant trips, but take on a life of their own as nothing goes according to plan. While still "enjoyable", these journeys can be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Do we need to have a destination in mind before we undertake our journey? Or should spontaneity be our guide? Some of the greatest journeys were those where the intended became an afterthought.

Is this journey a pre-planned, anticipated/expected journey or is it a prize winning, all expenses paid trip? I mean if I receive the fortune after I've planned my journey, does the fortune still apply? In other words is the fortune referring to this upcoming journey or is an additional, unexpected journey still in my future? In my opinion, a fortune isn't much of a fortune if it predicts something already in the works. Now it might lend validity to my decision in taking a journey (which at present, I haven't). And to really blow your mind, what if, while on my journey, I receive the fortune?

Does it matter much if the journey is work related or for pleasure? Knowing the answer to this question doesn't concern me as much as the other inquiries. And to honest, they don't worry me much either. But are there enjoyable business journeys?

Also, what qualifies as far away? Far away might mean something different if you travel globally for business. Of course far away might be a trip to a neighboring city if you are a parent to a two year old. And the duration of the trip and the difficulty in getting to your destination can also factor in as to what one considers far away.

Finally and possibly most important, do I get to select those who will accompany me on my journey or is this excursion a solo adventure? Often the only reason the journey is pleasant is because of the company you take. Of course a backseat of stinky, crying, tired kids can alter the journey's enjoyment. The upside to a solo journey is your time is your time. You can go where you want and stay as long as you desire. You are only limited by your finances and adventurous spirit.

As is typical with my fortune writings (ramblings), I'm sure I'm over thinking this hopefully imminent journey.

So with that, spontaneity take over. Where we going today?

PS-This entry is a bit rough. I have a cold and I'm tired of writing it. I need a vacation.

Fortune Cookie No. 4 - Soon, you will receive pleasant news

Soon, you will receive pleasant news.

Time out! Fortune cookie fortune writers of the world, are you really becoming this indifferent in your fortune writing?! Where's the heart? Where's the passion? Where's the dedication and devotion to your craft? Pardon me if I complain for a minute, but this just might be the most benign, lazy, and generic fortune I have ever received. Don't get me wrong, I'll take it to be sure as it definitely beats,

"Soon, you will receive horrifying, devastating, and depressing news." 

But in all honesty, this fortune of receiving pleasant news can refer to any positive event happening everyday and in anyone's life . . . and hopefully does apply. As I've stated before, I'm not asking for any and all fortunes to be so specific as to declare the actual predicted event in vivid, descriptive detail, including the exact moment in time it will occur. But a little originality and excitement in the fortune would be appreciated, and with some amount of specificity. And yes, I am making a bigger deal out of this than is necessary, but oh well.

What then is pleasant new?
Well, doesn't this fortune really come down to what one considers pleasant news anyhow? And does this pleasant news need to affect me directly to qualify as "pleasant"? As the saying goes "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" or "Don't judge a book by its cover". For example if I read or heard of a news event where a mother and child were reunited after years of separation, well that is pleasant news to be certain. But it doesn't necessarily have much of an direct impact no my life. Or I'm sure hearing about someone finally achieving regularity after days of irregularity is pleasant news to the sufferer of said affliction or malady, but maybe not so much to the rest of us. Yet, on the whole, to argue this announcement isn't good news, not sure we can.

Another way to view this good new/bad news dichotomy is to see news receiving in terms of not receiving pleasant news, but rather in not receiving unpleasant news. Maybe no news often times really is good news, or in this case pleasant news.

Of course I don't sit around expecting and awaiting bad news. But honestly, at times anyhow, I also don't expect to receive good news either; at least not unexpectedly. Sounds a bit like the glass half full/half empty, in a way (and yes a glass with half water has the other half filled by air so the glass technically is full). The pessimist is the one who not only awaits the unpleasant news, but seeks it out. The optimist on the other hand, not only expects to receive pleasant news, but they search for it and share it. And when possible, they create pleasant news for others.

Why focus on bad news anyhow? What does it accomplish and who does it benefit? I'd rather be the good, see the good, and share the good in the world.

Question: So staying with the looking for and receiving positive news theme then, which is better, to receive expected pleasant news or to receive pleasant news unexpectedly? Maybe since good news is just that, good news, it doesn't really matter how/when it is received. Both are desired and appreciated by the pure in heart. The key of course is to be grateful in receiving pleasant news, no matter how and when it is received and to then acknowledge this gratitude and do something with this pleasant news. Share it!

It's also been said that sometimes it's more about what they don't say. I mean, maybe when receiving some unpleasant news, we can still find some "pleasant" news. Maybe not. That's the optimist in me.

So maybe the true fortune here has been a mindset reversal on how I perceive and receive news. From now on I will continue to accept the fact that bad things happen, but I'm going to be more positive in my expecting good news and in finding the positive in the news I receive.

What pleasant news have I received recently? I've certainly had some pleasant news, but let me get back to you . . .

Fortune Cookie No.3 - An Unexpected Acquaintance Will Resurface

An Unexpected Acquaintance Will Resurface

Hmm . . . from the title alone, this fortune reads like a fairly safe and somewhat exciting fortune. I mean who wouldn't want to see that special someone from their past? To reconnect and recall the good times, the formed memories? To reconnect and renew bonds and ties. But upon further over-thinking on my part, which I do better than most, I'm really not sure whether this is such a good fortune. While I certainly hope it is, I've grouped my thoughts into two acquaintance categories: 1) those people I would love to see again; 2) and those, um, well, let's just say those I'd rather avoid if it's all the same.

Dissecting the fortune a bit further, I also find resurface to be an odd choice of words. Typically resurfacing, at least to me, conjures up images of something floating back to the surface. But as I haven't any ties to the mob, I highly doubt this fortune is making reference to that type of resurfacing. Still why resurfacing? Why not reappear? Or reenter? Or better yet "will pay a visit"?

Another thought, unexpected? I find that this reference has a dual meaning: 1) Unexpected as in an acquaintance we don't expect to see again, whether we hope to again or not, and 2) unexpected as in unannounced, uninvited, not prepared for. That might be a stretch, but it's my fortune.

Now then, throughout our lives some people will come and some will go. While many acquaintances make simple cameos, others stay a lifetime. The impact on our lives from both types of individuals might be deep and lasting or simple and as passive as "have a good one." Regardless the duration, we all leave a mark, we can leave an impression, and we can make an impact in the lives of those we encounter.

Naturally the acquaintances we'd all love to see resurface, would be those people who shared the most of themselves with us. They took little but gave plenty. They help us recognize not only the best in others, but the best in ourselves. They motivated us to live a complete and happy life. But there are others I can think of:

-I once wrote on my other blog of the Button Queen, a quiet, young woman I went to high school with. I never knew her name or even spoke with her, but her button-adorned yellow vest remains an ever very vivid image in my mind. But sadly what stands out even more, what affects me most today, is how we mistreated her; a memory I'd like to change. So yes, I think I'd like to see her again and actually take a moment to meet her too.

-There is also that young woman who paid me some the finest, nicest compliments. She went out of her way to make me feel special, appreciated, and wanted. And how did I repay her kindness and affection? Shoot, not very good.

-What about the school teacher who recognized potential and promise in me, but only received mocking ridicule from the class she worked so hard to educate and inspire? She worked long hours and arrived early to ensure we gained talents and skills to be successful, but we failed to return that dedication with  the respect and support she deserved.

I don't want to make this a confessional of course. But going forward with my life, I want to live with no regrets. I want no one to ever doubt the genuineness of my love and respect. I want to tell them how I feel, when I feel it. But more importantly I want to show them my love when I should. I want to leave them better then they were before I met them. I want to share more of me and expect less from them. 

The ultimate question we have to ask ourselves is, "Would others be happy to see me if I resurfaced in their lives?"

So whether a cameo or a lifetime visit, I wonder which list I would be on.

Fortune Cookie No. 2 - You have A keen Sense of Humor and Bring out The best In others

This week's Fortune Cookie Fortune:

"You have A keen Sense of Humor
and Bring out The best In others."

Well thank you. Yes I do have a keen sense of humor. Well, maybe a perceptive sense of humor, but it's all good. Sometimes it's a bit sarcastic too. But tell me fortune cookie fortune, how did you know?

So let's break down this fortune into two parts: the "keen sense of humor" part and then the the bringing "out the best in others"half.

You have a keen sense of humor . . .

Hmm. Imagine if a dull, deeply introverted person cracked their fortune cookie and that little gem was staring them in the face. It would blow their mind!

But as this is my fortune cookie fortune, I ask myself is it true of me? I would like to think so. Of course humor, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And having a sense of humor and being funny are two different things. But here we'll consider them one and the same, just spelled differently.

You know though, it is quite possible that some of my most humorous moments have been, shall we say,  somewhat unintentional. A personal philosophy I subscribe to (of course I subscribe to it, it's my personal philosophy) is that if I do something embarrassing, something that reddens my face, it most likely is temporary and maybe, just maybe, my moment of discomfort has in some way brightened the day of another. In that case, it's all good. And you know, my day at that moment is usually a bit brighter too . . . brighter red that is (rimshot). And as it stands, I have yet to sustain any debilitating injury as a result of any of my embarrassing moments.

Regardless humor is a certainly a gift and one which should be shared . . . with a certain amount of self restraint of course . . . and not at my expense.

Now truth be told, I don't go looking for the above described moments. In fact I'm attempting to follow Brian Regan's lead in that “I'm trying to get through life without looking too stupid." Most days I do better than others. At least that is my assessment. Others might not be so agreeable. And some stupid is ok I guess. But I have limits.

You bring out the best in others.
Now to the second half of this fortune: You . . . Bring out the best in others. As much as I agree with and value the first half of my fortune, it is this second half that I value most. In fact it brings me to another personal philosophy I've just recently begun trying to live. As an aspect of bringing out the best in others, I don't want to be a burden, a distraction, or an hindrance to anyone in their attempts at living a righteous, worthy, and productive life. Living day to day is hard enough on our own accord. Obstacles and pitfalls certainly ensnare the best of us. Why surround yourself with others who only demean you, or attempt to halt your happiness, and who impinge on your quest for joy? These people drain and sap your vital energy. I'm not suggesting you eliminate these people entirely from your lives. But I agree with former BYU and Philadelphia Eagle All-Pro tight end Chad Lewis in his book "Surrounding Yourself with Greatness." I'd much rather involve myself with those souls who brighten a room when they enter or can be the life of the party without seeking such attention, or even those whose testimony of life can be felt just being with them.

Seriously, look at all the amazing people in your life. Count them as you would and should count your blessings. I honestly cannot claim any accomplishment in my life (large or small) as purely my own. First and foremost, all I have and all I am is a literal reflection of God's love for me and includes the liberating power of the atonement. Secondly, I have been pushed, motivated, promoted, encouraged, carried, lifted, raised, and in some cases, kicked in the butt by those who care most for me, by those who love me, and by those who see the potential within me. I have hopefully learned from them and used this knowledge, strength, and power to be and live better.

Now then, if so many have been a boost in my life and if I can have any positive influence in the life of another . . . well how cool is that? It is not a reflection of me however. Note that. It is continued evidence of God's love for us all. We are but tools in His divine mission of love. Mere vehicles to bless the lives of those around us. That is not to say you aren't great. You are! But a humble you is always a greater you.

There is a common sentiment shared by many outdoor enthusiasts to leave your campground better than when you found it. As we come and go, as we enter and reenter the lives of many, could this notion also not apply? Should we not leave all we encounter better than when we found them . . . regardless who they are or how they've impacted our lives? Perhaps your meeting will be brief or maybe it will last a lifetime, but your influence during that period of time can leave a lasting impression, one that may be the source of hope they were looking for. As you go throughout your days, look for opportunities to serve. Seek moments where others can be edified by you. You may never know the affect you may leave on someone. Why risk leaving a negative one?

Through you God may help a lost and troubled soul see what they can't, do what they won't, and become whom they should.




Fortune Cookie Fortune #1: http://chinesefortunecookies1.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-must-learn-to-broaden-your-horizons.html

Fortune Cookie No. 1 - You Must Learn to Broaden Your Horizons, Day by Day

"You Must Learn to Broaden Your Horizons, Day by Day"

Like most fortune cookie fortunes, this one was open to personal interpretation and introspection, but it also had me slightly on the defensive. On the surface I felt the fortune cookie was being a bit accusatory, insinuating that I am somehow closed-minded and lacking adventure. Of course I then realized that that's nuts. After all we're merely talking about a printed slip of paper, stuffed inside a non-Chinese invented, vanilla-flavored cookie, from Rosemead, California-based Panda Express. Instead I chose to see it as just good general advice to any and everyone . . . after all the cookie and fortune don't know me. Or do they? So what then am I to gleam from this most recent cookie encounter?

Well, I learned that, day by day, as we consider our horizons, we must learn to broaden them. Well said sir! You should write fortune cookie sayings. A bit wordy though, but not bad.

OK, so more specifically, while I feel quite confident in myself and the goals I set out to accomplish, many aren't as fortunate. For whatever reason, they lack the courage and faith to see more, do more, and be more. They strive only for the obvious. They attempt only that which already has safely been completed. These souls find themselves in an unending wander, stuck in the safe, but falsely (un)rewarding comfort zones of life. Quite a few are too prideful in their views to recognize that others can teach them a thing or two. They fail to recognize that while their way might be sufficient and convenient, there may be a better, more efficient approach.

We must of course keep our eye on the target and live in the now. But in order to be ever moving forward, always growing, we must be willing to expand our horizons (kind of like what the cookie says). We need to visualize what it is we need and want. And we must then have or develop the courage to take worthwhile chances.

So what keeps us from expanding our horizons? What prevents us from becoming great? What limits our willingness to even try? Fear! Fear of the unknown. Fear of being vulnerable. Fear of failure. Even fear of succeeding.

          But expanding our horizons doesn't automatically result in any vulnerability we can't overcome. Fear is conquerable; always has been. And failure is only a chance to prove to ourselves that we CAN . . . even if have have to try again! Those enslaved to fear may avoid the risk of getting hurt, but more so, they eliminate the opportunity or risk that leads to success, deep personal growth, and increased strength. Sure, as with most things worth achieving, receiving, and becoming, there is a risk. But in all cases of personal advancement, the rewards far outweigh the risks. These same souls say "no" when saying "yes" is best for them.

To view the background to this blog, please view this link: https://chinesefortunecookies1.blogspot.com/2013/04/i-like-chinese-food.html

I like Chinese food. Of course I also like Italian food, Mexican, Polynesian, French, Swiss, Argentine, Thai curry, foo foo from Ghana, and if Antarctica has a dish, I'm sure there would be something appealing about it too. OK, so I like food in general. But I also enjoy the ubiquitous fortune cookies accompanying said Chinese food. These insightful, tasty little treats are basic in their design, but carry a simple, satisfying flavor. And they come with a prize...of sorts. 

Although this perfect marriage of simple snack and printed prophesying paper is quite appealing, I've yet to be recipient of their promised cache of worldly riches, experienced any predestined romantic adventure, or received that big raise at work after eating the cookies and reading the promise. Boiled down these fortunes merely introduce some form of vague personal instruction or guided suggestion. And at best, any good sound advice offered by the fortune is often just that - good, sound advice. In many cases, the reality of the fortune is dependent upon the consumer taking action. 

Despite these verities, I've decided to write a blog entry each time I enjoy one of these treats, using the fortune as the post's theme.

I'm going to save giving the history of the fortune cookie for later. But as many already know, fortune cookies are not a Chinese creation, nor do they eat them with their Chinese food (also known as just food to the Chinese).

As this is the first in a series I have a few important questions:

1. Must the fortune cookie be consumed to fully realize any and all promises? 
2. Does eating a second, third, or fourth cookie, or in rare cases, one eats the entire table's haul of cookies during one meal negate any fortune associated with the first and only cookie assigned to a consumer? 
3. What if one eats a rogue fortune cookie from an earlier meal of Chinese food? In other words, must the fortune be opened at the time of the meal's original eating? 
4. Is a fortune voided if one eats the cookie and reads the fortune but the partaker was not present during the meal in which the cookie belonged? Again said another way, Purchase or no purchase necessary? 
5. Is there a statute of limitations on the fortune's efficacy? 
6. Are the family members of fortune cookie factory workers prohibited from participating?
7. What if the cookie is broken upon receipt?
8. Are fortunes transferable? 
9. Is there a cash value to a fortune; aside from any potential monetary fortune promise?
10. Is a fortune void if two or more in a party enjoying Chinese food receive the same fortune? Or are they cosmically tied to one another pending the fortune's outcome?
11. If the fortune speaks of love, fortune, or fame, are two unrelated parties bound by the promise? So is there a matching recipient somewhere in the world and somehow the two must somehow meet in order for the fortune to come true?
12. Despite the cookie's American or Japanese origin, does the greater the authenticity of the Chinese food increase the likelihood of the fortune occurring? Said differently, does a fortune from a grocery store take-out Chinese restaurant in Cheyenne, Wyoming have as much sway as a nice, formal, sit down Chinese restaurant in New York?
13. Does the value or worth of the fortune increase if we leave the cookie and fortune in their original packing, never knowing what the fortune says, like a limited edition collectible? 
14. And couldn't they make, oh I don't know, maybe an Oreo-flavored fortune cookie? Or a Fig Newton enhanced cookie? They might even want to take inspiration from the Girl Scout's Thin Mints. I'm just saying. I suppose that was more a suggestion as it was a question, but there is so much untapped opportunity in the fortune cookie arena. 
15. And yes, if you fail to tack on the ever popular, ". . . in bed" at the end of a fortune cookie reading, do you receive the combined sum total of bad luck occurring due to breaking a mirror, spilling salt, walking under a ladder, witnessing a black cat cross your path, and saying Beetlejuice three times?

Is it me or is that a lot of fortune cookie questions? Well my inquiring mind wants to know the answers to these important inquiries. Ultimately of course, the reality of the fortune coming to fruition is entirely dependent upon our willingness to act, to try, to have a positive attitude, and sure a little luck never hurts.

PS-And because these are Chinese Fortune Cookies, here is the same fortune translated in Chinese: "你必须学会​​扩大你的视野"
PSS-The total calorie content in one fortune cookie is 30.