Predict the Future

Wondering about--and trying to predict--the future has been a human habit for several millennia now. In some ancient cultures, cubes of wood, metal, ivory or glass marked on their sides with numbers were used as a means of fortune-telling. If you've got some dice handy, you and your kids can try to ascertain what the 21st century will hold in store for you with this tongue-in-cheek activity.

WHAT YOU NEED: 3 dice, a cup, and a piece of tape.

WHAT YOU DO: First create a square playing area on the floor that's about 2 to 3 feet in size (we used colored masking tape, but you could also use a length of string or ribbon). Shake the three dice in the cup with your left hand and cast them into the square. Any dice that roll outside of the square are not considered. Add up the sum of the numbers on the dice that fall inside the square and match them to the chart below (which can be changed to your family's liking) to discover your fortune. For another great fortune-telling idea, see "Sweet Fortune."

WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN:

1 On your next journey, you will meet a special friend.
2 Good luck awaits you.
3 Your wish will be fulfilled.
4 You will try a new food in the coming year--and will find it delicious.
5 Someone as yet unknown to you will bring happiness.
6 You will lose a possession but gain in spirit.
7 You will master a skill that you have previously never tried.
8 You will need to share something of yours--and when you do, it will lead to good results.
9 A quarrel will be reconciled.
10 Great happiness will come to your family.
11 The Tooth Fairy will visit you before summer's end.
12 You will receive a letter that calls for a quick decision, but do not act without the advice of a friend.
13 A gift you make will bring great pleasure to others.
14 You will meet a new friend who will become dear to you.
15 Your conscience will guide you in making a big decision.
16 You are going to make a pleasant journey by automobile.
17 A friend will make a suggestion that leads to your success.
18 Great luck and happiness, wealth and prestige will arrive in the near future.

SWEET FORTUNE

It may not be scientifically proven, but the tastiest method of fortune-telling we know involves a big bowl of M&M's. Grab a small handful and interpret them according to the list below. The more of each color, the greater that particular influence in your life. If you don't like your fortune, eat up and try again!

RED: Self-confidence.
ORANGE: Love.
YELLOW: Geekiness (can be cancelled out if you also have red and blue)
GREEN: Wishes. For each one you get, you can make a wish that will come true.
BLUE: Wealth.
BROWN: Health.