You will find recognition for what you do.

That will be a change. But what do I really do?

Ooooh, now I am scared.

It is a good time to finish up old tasks

Old tasks.... old tasks..... I got them! This week's goal:

Write the "Ns" paper. (need one week)

Finish data analysis on FQ measurements (at least 3 days)

Finish the FFT analysis on TQ noise measurements (3-5 days?)

Finish the application documents for the HDR. (2 weeks?)

But .... what about New but pressing tasks???? Must do list:

Finish the PM analysis? (must be done before Wed.)

Start calibrating electrodes (must start before the end of the week)

Finish translation (THIS MORNING)

Go to the bank (can only do it on Wed.)

Take kids to the dentist (appt on Wed.)

Submit the evaluation form (TODAY)

Spend time with kids (everyday between 5pm-9pm)

There's just not enough time when you become a parent.

Any rough times are behind you.

Oh, how I don't believe you.

There was another big earthquake near Sendai today.

I almost weeped, but stopped short and just yelped.

In the wake of March 11th, I have joined the mass Japanese oversea population searching for a way to take part in the disaster .... or more like a series of disasters. Some have organized charity bazaar, some charity concerts, some donation rally, and we have also attended these events. In many ways, we all wanted to suffer, somehow believing that by sharing pain, we can somehow alleviate the pain of those direct victims who lost their homes, families, friends, etc. I hoped to make a difference, by doing something that others cannot do. I volunteered to translate the technical documents dealing with radiation fallout simulations for a national institute here in France. I am trying to quantify the internal irradiation hazard from contaminated food consumption following several scenarios. But am I really contributing by doing any of these things? I don't know. Perhaps not. Am I conceited to think that there's something I can do that others cannot? Well, I probably am. Now I can only hope that my act of arrogance and self-satisfying acts can benefit the Japanese public.

An important person will offer you support.

Oh yes. Who? When? Why?
I hope he/she is very (or at least semi) important to many people, too!
Could it be whom I am thinking of??? Should I make a call now??

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

This is not really a secret. It'd be really helpful if my little fortune cookie can tell me how to get started. But that'll be too easy, won't it?

The smart thing is to prepare for the unexpected.

But if you prepare for it... then it is no longer unexpected.
Or perhaps that is precisely the point.

A goal is a dream with a deadline

Nicely put. That reminds me. What is my goal? If I don't have one, I guess I have to make one and set a deadline. But then what's the difference between a task and a goal?

This is what I read in my dream last night/early this morning.

...And that was the last time I saw her (my mother's) teeth, feeble, missing, peeking out of her mucous mouth. She wrapped her balding scalp with a piece of dirty gauze, looked as if she had pasta piled up on her head. She stopped caring how she looked a long ago. Became a mother of a great dane at the age of 25, she has led a relatively uneventful life. Ever unnerved and humorous, she feared that the pain and nausea will alter her personality. That would have been a huge set back.......

Nearly a word to word recount of the text from the book I was reading in my dream this morning. Except for the word "mucous". I had trouble understanding the word which was spelled (in my dream book) "mucuitous" or "mucalius" or something similar to these. then as I struggled to make sense, the word somehow transformed itself to "mucous". Dreams are great that way. Presumably a chapter from D. Sedari's "Me talk pretty one day". I am guessing because of the mentioning of a great dane.

Your home is the center of great love.

2010 was the year of turning the page. A long long long page that contained 25 years of my life, just about. Accepting that Paris is where I belong... or must belong was a strange concept even after living here for nearly (or over?) 10 years.

I am once again, ready to open these virtual fortune cookies. With a transformed motive. No more seeking a sign that will guide me back to my non-existent home. Just a little fun to perk me up, a little something to think about.

But this one is lame.

Your home is the center of great love. zzzzzzzzz.