Gong Xi Fat Choy!

The Chinese lunar new year begins today, and with it comes the year of the Ox. Those born in the year of the Ox are dependable and hard working (which is good, since Obama the Ox has a lot of work ahead of him), but stubborn and hate to be opposed.

The Ox people I know tend to be more the later, but this is coming from a Goat; and anyone who knows the Chinese zodiac will know that Goats and Oxen just don't get on.

I've always been very sceptical of zodiacs, the stars, and anything slightly cosmic. If you say something generic enough then of course people can relate to it in any way they choose to interpret. Mystic Meg always nailed that one in the coffin for me - "The winner of the lottery will pick 6 numbers between 1 and 49, and will be male... or female..."

I guess the issue I have is not liking the idea that I fit into some pre-defined mould. It's a control thing and I think that most people like to feel a little unique. But despite this, I do admit to seeing strong Goat traits in me, even though I've always struggled to see how everyone born in the same year (and 12 years apart) can be the same. After all, I can't remember everyone in my year at school being the next Tony Hart (who, as it turns out, was also an Ox).

The Goat (also known as a Sheep or Ram)
The Goat is thought to be the most artistic and creative signs of the zodiac. They are artistically talented and have a great sense of fashion. Chances are that this type will prefer to be a designer or painter, or go into the kind of profession where they can make the most of their gift for creating beautiful things.

These people are extremely beautiful creatures - they think before acting, and try not to hurt anyone's feelings. If it ever happens that the Goat person causes unforeseen problems, it is very likely that they will step forward to rectify the situation. This side of their character helps them maintain a healthy social life as well as enabling them to deal with life's ups and downs.

Another year, another balls up

Snow fell on Portland over Christmas. It was predicted weeks in advance and hit a few days later than forecast. Despite this, do you think anyone had arranged for gritters to be out on the roads in preparation? Course not. Cue 2 weeks of total mayhem and cabin fever. People stuck inside meant lots of snow days off work, chaos at the airports and the worst Christmas sales since the beginning of time. Some poor souls also lost electricity. No turkey this year, even if they did manage to get out to buy one!

This was the first year we never had a Christmas tree to put our presents under, because we couldn't get out to the local tree farm, or even to the local Target. I was a bit sad about that. Turns out - and I was told this by friends on New Years Day - that there was a shop across the road selling trees... DOH!

It's amazing how a few inches of snow can bring a city to a complete stand still. And yes, that was "inches", not "feet" - not like the good old days when we wouldn't blink an eye at a sprinkling of a foot or two. We may be getting more advanced as time moves on, but we're definitely getting soft in the process.