Change in Fortune
By Elaine Viets
I don't believe fortune cookies. I know they have nothing to do with luck.
Besides, they're about as Chinese as I am.
The best guess is that fortune cookies are Japanese and were first made in San Francisco.
The Japanese senbei were made with miso and sesame rather than the fortune cookie's vanilla and butter.
Fortune cookies are "introduced by the Japanese, popularized by the Chinese and consumed by Americans."
Americans had to open the first fortune cookie factory in China by Wonton Food of Brooklyn. Alas, the business quickly crumbled. Wonton's vice president said, "It seemed like a good idea at the time, but it just didn't pan out. Fortune cookies are too American."
Back in Brooklyn, Wonton makes 4.5 million fortune cookies a day, mostly for Americans. So why do I always get dull, earnest fortunes?
No mysterious strangers or unexpected riches await me. I am exhorted to keep plodding.
Here's what I mean: "Luck happens when hard work meets opportunity."
If fortune cookies came in flavors, mine would be oatmeal-raisin with lots of fiber. Moral fiber.
This cookie urged me to be a good sport: "Your smile is a curve that can get a lot of things straight."
This fortune patted me on the head like a faithful, slightly stupid pet: "Everyone around you is rooting for you. Don't give up."
Another cookie seemed to blame me if things weren't going my way: "Today, opportunities will present, if you're keen enough to see them."
And if you don't see them, you blind twit, you'll be chomping the cheap half-order of chicken with vegetables for the rest of your days.
A friend told me about the fortune cookie game, where you add "in bed" to your fortune. Even that was discouraging:
"Never give up – in bed" seemed rather desperate.
But recently, my fortune cookies took a turn for the better. Now they no longer tell me to work hard and wait. They promise adventure.
"Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid," said one.
It worked, too. I carried a forbidden third item right past the nose of the gate agent on a recent flight, and a handsome stranger helped jam my suitcase into the overhead compartment.
My next fortune was even better: "May successes will accompany you this year," it said.
That's when I found out "Murder Between the Covers," my second Dead-End Job Mystery, was named one of the 100 Best Mysteries of All Time. Check out the list here. http://tinyurl.com/3rpok9h.
Encouraged by this good news, I ordered more Chinese takeout. This time, my fortune said, "Your wisdom will influence others."
I'm sure that's why you're reading this blog. 
