Happy Chinese New Year

I'm aware that 2008 is the year of the Rat. But all these years I've been under the mistaken impression that I was born in the year of the Rat. You see, 1972 is also a Rat year.

However, I didn't take into consideration that since I have a February birthday, I actually needed to look at what date the new year started. In 1972, it started on February 15th. I just missed the cut with a February 13th birthday. So what to my surprise!
I'm really a Pig.

Now I realize that all those smart asses who called me a "Pig" when I worked in uniform were actually right. Go figure. (That's a cop reference for those who don't get my very funny little joke.)

Of course, I had to look up the personality traits for a Pig. I mean, since I've been trying all these years to identify with the Rat. Only to find that I was wrong. This is what I found.

"Contrary to its rather negative reputation in the West, the Pig of Chinese Astrology may be the most generous and honorable Sign of the Zodiac. Pigs are nice to a fault and possess impeccable manners and taste. They have so much of the perfectionist in them that others may be inclined to perceive them as snobs, but this is a misconception. Pigs are simply possessed of a truly luxurious nature, one that delights in finery and riches (in surroundings, food, lovemaking and otherwise). This Sign believes in the best qualities of mankind and certainly doesn't consider itself to be superior. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig, who feels best when everyone else is smiling."

Yep. All that's true. That sounds like me. And please don't think I'm a snob. Obviously that's a misconception, you see. And I swear I didn't make that part up about lovemaking. It really did say that.

"A Pig with no one around to appreciate its giving nature is a sad sight. Pigs are so magnanimous they can appear almost saintly; this can lead some less-than-well-intentioned souls to stomp all over this Sign, and the bad news is, the Pig will take the blows! Pigs make great companions in part because of their refusal to see the more negative or base qualities in a partner, but that rose-colored view can lead to this Sign's allowing itself to be taken advantage of. Contrary to their seemingly benign dispositions, however, Pigs can be quite venomous in response to being crossed by a lover, friend or business partner."

Saintly, huh? Wow. But I have to disagree with the part about taking the blows. I much better relate to that venomous when crossed stuff. Although, I do have to admit to wearing some terribly unfashionable rose colored glasses from time to time.

"Pigs are highly intelligent creatures, forever studying, playing and probing in their quest for greater knowledge. They can be misinterpreted as being lazy, however, due to their love of reveling in the good stuff; this Sign could happily spend hours on end making love, napping, taking a long bubble bath or dallying over an incredible spread of rich foods.

Oh yes... highly intelligent. "Reveling in the good stuff"...that does sound much better than just saying "lazy", doesn't it? LOL!

"Pigs tend to make wonderful life partners due to their hearts of gold and their love of family. Even so, Pigs can be rather exclusive, choosing to spend time with those who will appreciate them most and ignore the rest of the populace. Pigs would do well to realize that there's more to life than being needed. When they open up their world to a diverse group of people, they will truly bloom."

Okay I'll try to work on not ignoring the rest of you little people.
After I finish my long bubble bath.....