From time to time, when a "fortune" in a fortune cookie entertains me, I keep the little slip of paper, although I don't always keep track of it after that. Years ago, I was in the habit of taping strange or funny fortunes to postcards and mailing them to friends, but that was back when I sent real mail and had stamps lying around on a regular basis.
Recently, I was looking for something and sort of tidying my office at the same time -- not in a particularly effectual way, but it does look a bit better when the piles of desk-stuff are neater, if not fewer or smaller -- and I found a cache of fortunes that had somehow collected in an office-eddy. I am not entirely sure I meant to keep each of these, but together they represent some important advice about Life and Other Things. If I followed the advice on these little slips of paper, I would be a better person, and I would have more fun.
The fortunes can be divided into categories:
ADVICE: HOW TO BE A BETTER PERSON (or professor)
Your message must focus on the receiver. Ignore yourself.
I remember getting this fortune while I was working on a grant proposal; I think that is why I kept it. Substitute "reviewer" for "receiver".
Slaying the dragon of delay is no sport for the short-winded.
In fact, I regularly slay the dragon of delay, but some people I work with
Recently, I was looking for something and sort of tidying my office at the same time -- not in a particularly effectual way, but it does look a bit better when the piles of desk-stuff are neater, if not fewer or smaller -- and I found a cache of fortunes that had somehow collected in an office-eddy. I am not entirely sure I meant to keep each of these, but together they represent some important advice about Life and Other Things. If I followed the advice on these little slips of paper, I would be a better person, and I would have more fun.
The fortunes can be divided into categories:
ADVICE: HOW TO BE A BETTER PERSON (or professor)
Your message must focus on the receiver. Ignore yourself.
I remember getting this fortune while I was working on a grant proposal; I think that is why I kept it. Substitute "reviewer" for "receiver".
Slaying the dragon of delay is no sport for the short-winded.
In fact, I regularly slay the dragon of delay, but some people I work with
are really really good friends with this dragon and keep it as sort of a pet (you know who you are).
Your wit is sharp and quick. Avoid using sarcasm on an unsuspecting victim.
..... [<-- note that I am taking this fortune to heart right here, right now]
I SEE TRAVEL IN YOUR FUTURE
Ancient sites beckon you to hit the road soon. You will soon be crossing great ocean waters for an incredibly rewarding experience.
I love to travel, I love ancient sites. They beckon.
.. AND GRANTS
Your original ideas will get you well-deserved recognition.
I was writing a grant proposal when I got that fortune as well. I just don't remember if I got that particular grant. I should be more scientific about this. Do I get more grants after getting fortunes like that one, or do I eat more Chinese food when I am working on a proposal?
BUT SOMETIMES I GET A FORTUNE INTENDED FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Your sparkling eyes shed a healing light on those you meet.
You will advance socially without effort on your part.
ha ha ha ha ha ha
Happy Friday the 13th.
Your wit is sharp and quick. Avoid using sarcasm on an unsuspecting victim.
..... [<-- note that I am taking this fortune to heart right here, right now]
I SEE TRAVEL IN YOUR FUTURE
Ancient sites beckon you to hit the road soon. You will soon be crossing great ocean waters for an incredibly rewarding experience.
I love to travel, I love ancient sites. They beckon.
.. AND GRANTS
Your original ideas will get you well-deserved recognition.
I was writing a grant proposal when I got that fortune as well. I just don't remember if I got that particular grant. I should be more scientific about this. Do I get more grants after getting fortunes like that one, or do I eat more Chinese food when I am working on a proposal?
BUT SOMETIMES I GET A FORTUNE INTENDED FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Your sparkling eyes shed a healing light on those you meet.
You will advance socially without effort on your part.
ha ha ha ha ha ha
Happy Friday the 13th.