It’s been busy during these past two weeks. I have acquired two new clients and one that I decided to pro bono. Mr. O has a few more potential clients. We are trying to do our best to keep afloat with our individual consulting businesses.
Anyway…
We celebrated Mr. O’s 54th birthday last Saturday and continued to celebrate today.
It’s been 21 years since we have known each other. 21 years — Almost half of my lived life!
And do you want to see the boys?
All the rizz!!
This year, without my Mom staying with us, I have no inspiration and motivation to do any Tết decoration or food prep for the Lunar New Year. It’s the same old internal battle of “should I or shouldn’t I” when marrying a spouse who does not share the same cultural traditions. I cannot make thịt kho or bánh tét. And celebrating or eating Tết food alone just makes it a soulless celebration for me.
Uninspired. Unmotivated.
Mom called earlier to show me the big spread of food on the ceremonial table. My second brother is hosting the Tết ceremony at this house this year, and Mom stayed over a few days to prepare all kinds of my Tết favorite. She asked if I wanted bánh tét so she could ship a few for me. I told her I am too lonely to eat them by myself, so she should save my portion and gift them to someone else in MN. I am sure some family friends would love that.
I asked Mom and my brother to light up a few sticks of incense, offering my prayer along with my inquiries for the ancestors’ blessing. I am turning 48 this year, and according the to zodiac, this is my năm tuổi, or my age year. The implication of năm tuổi is that I might have a far greater chance of having life obstacles and challenges this year than in the non-age year. That means I have to be more keenly aware of my safety, decision-making, and placing my happiness in the right space to divert the potential harm or bad luck that might come my way.
I am skeptical about this năm tuổi superstition concept. But Mom said there is no harm in being more consciously accepting of its curse, rather than ignoring it entirely. It’s like having that invisible shield on the surface as it wraps my positive aura within and keeps the negative vibes on the outside far out of my reach.
I quickly sought out my fortune with Mr. Google, the Fortune Teller. This is what I found.
Nữ Bính Thìn sinh vào khoảng thời gian từ ngày 31/01/1976 đến ngày 17/02/1977 (Dương lịch), mệnh Thổ, và cầm tinh con Rồng. Theo tử vi, nữ Bính Thìn mệnh Thổ sẽ có mối quan hệ tương sinh với mệnh Hoả của năm Giáp Thìn. Thiên Can Bính kết hợp với Địa Chi Thìn mang ý nghĩa Thiên Thượng Chi Long, có nghĩa là Rồng trên trời. Điều này cho thấy năm 2024 sẽ là một năm may mắn, bình an và giàu có cho bạn.
Về mặt tình cảm và gia đạo, mệnh chủ không cần lo lắng trong năm nay. Cuộc sống tinh thần của bạn sẽ được nghỉ ngơi và yên bình, thoải mái khi bạn biết cách tạo niềm vui cho chính mình trong cuộc sống hàng ngày. Tuy nhiên, mệnh chủ cần đặc biệt chú ý đến sức khỏe khi cơ thể dần bắt đầu có dấu hiệu lão hóa theo tuổi tác.
Về công việc sẽ tiếp tục duy trì sự ổn định nhờ vào kinh nghiệm làm việc lâu dài của nữ mạng Bính Thìn. Trong khoảng thời gian này, mệnh chủ không nên quá áp lực trong việc kiếm tiền. Thay vào đó, hãy dành thời gian cho bản thân, chú trọng hơn đến việc cải thiện sức khỏe và cuộc sống tinh thần của mình.
Tuvi.vn
Translation…
Female Bính Thìn individuals are born between January 31, 1976, and February 17, 1977 (Gregorian calendar), with an Earth fate and the Dragon as their astrological sign. According to astrology, a female Bính Thìn with an Earth fate will have a harmonious relationship with the Fire fate of the year Giáp Thìn. The Heavenly Stem Bính combined with the Earthly Branch Thìn symbolizes the Celestial Dragon, indicating a fortunate, peaceful, and prosperous year for you in 2024.
Regarding emotional and familial matters, there’s no need for concern this year. Your spiritual life will be restful and tranquil, allowing you to find joy in your daily life. However, pay special attention to your health as signs of aging may begin to appear.
In terms of career, stability will continue due to the extensive work experience of female Bính Thìn individuals. During this period, avoid excessive financial pressure and instead focus on self-care, prioritizing both physical and mental well-being.
ChatGPT
A little bit more…
Xuất hành: Ngày Mồng Một Tết Nguyên Đán năm 2024 là thời điểm tốt để người nữ mạng xuất hành, bắt đầu một kế hoạch mới.
Giờ tốt nhất để xuất hành: 3-5h, 7-9h, 9-11h, 15-17h và 17-19h.
Hướng xuất hành: hướng Đông Nam sẽ được sự bảo trợ từ Tài Thần.
Màu sắc hợp mệnh: Đỏ, hồng, cam, tím.
It suggests that I should travel on the first day of the Lunar New Year 2024, which is an auspicious time for me to embark on a journey and begin a new plan. I am taking the boys and their friends to the Tết Festival in Orange County tomorrow.
The best hours for traveling are from 3-5 am, 7-9 am, 9-11 am, 3-5 pm, and 5-7 pm. Oh, we are leaving around 9 a.m.!
The best direction for traveling is the southeast direction, from which I will receive protection from the Wealth Deity. I think we are heading northwest. Perhaps I should make a little detour to the southeast first?
The colors that suit my fate are red, pink, orange, and purple. I do have these colors but I don’t think they match very well with me.
Anyway, it sounds like the năm tuổi for this celestial Dragon woman is not as bad as I expected. I am on the right path…
Finally, the rain stopped for a few hours this morning. The sun pierced through the gray and dark sky to cast a warm glow. It was still cold when we went for a walk — 40F at noon time. I took my winter coat out of the closet for the first time in two years.
We took the route around the neighborhood because the trails were muddy after all the rainfall we received. We caught up with the domestic and global news, we talked about the boys, and what’s for lunch or dinner. Our mundane couple talks. We walked for almost two miles, making a big loop.
Then we stopped by the side road with blooming lavenders and rosemary. I asked him to take photos for me because I needed some bright colors to pair well with the sunlight.
Then we celebrated our small moments. We returned back to our home right before the rain came down again.
Yesterday, after getting home from our lunch date and grocery shopping, Mr. O received two requests for services from two potential clients. He has been waiting for months to get the first client and then received two inquiries in one day. Then this morning, he received another one. Yes! Three potential clients. He is excited. I am relieved.
NG is spending the day at Disney Land with his Student Council/Leadership class until 9 p.m. tonight. He asked to borrow one of my cameras. I packed him a bag of chips, a slice of banana bread, and a Honey Glazed turkey sandwich in a brioche bun. He didn’t want to bring any along, but I told him he needed it when hungry and to avoid the long line getting food. I texted him this morning wishing him a splendid day. It’s his first time at Disney Land!
Now the rain is back at it again!
I finished some work, too. Building and revising the counseling curriculum, creating worksheets, and putting together a digital flyer for marketing purposes. Then emailed a few potential clients to follow up with their plans. It’s part of my goal this year to hone my marketing and customer acquisition skills.
Slightly Imperfect 