Sunday, January 10, 2010

My year in fortune cookies

From 2009:

"You have a natural grace and great consideration for others."

Not so sure. Since I stopped taking dance lessons seven years ago I've started stumbling around and bumping into things a lot. I also have a big problem with interrupting people and talking too much. And as for being considerate of others, well, not exactly according to my most recent group of students. I can be tough, critical, abrasive. I let them know when they are wrong and say things in class like "where's the textual evidence for that claim?" I need to relax and be gentler with my kids in class. I think I should treat this fortune as something to work towards, not something that is already true.

"You find beauty in ordinary things, do not lose this ability."

Okay, I'll try not to. And I think this is probably true. Nothing thrills me more than a perfect fried egg staring up at me from a turquoise china plate. Or a simple lit window glimpsed from the dark street.

"Prepare yourself for a big change of events in your personal life."

Well, I guess it depends how one defines "personal life," but, yeah. There have been some big changes in 2009.

"Your name will be famous in the future."

But not in this life, apparently.

"Do not display your treasures or people will become envious."

Sound advice, and words I frequently need to hear. I get so excited about the things I love, I often forget that others have not been as fortunate, or might not see things from my perspective.

"Accept the next proposal that comes your way."

Okey-dokey. So long as it's something nice.

And the first one from 2010:

"You are working very hard."