| Work Woes… Again |  |
Cinderella Play Review |
11:15 am
Chinese New Year: The Ox & The Other Animals
2009 is my year! And it’s proven. 2009 is the Year of the Ox and I’m an ox, specifically a wood ox. Wohoo!!
*You’re an ox? How? What? Who?!* Some might say. Well, here’s why.
The Chinese believe in the Zodiac system, consisting of 12 animals (Greeks came up with shapes in the stars, Chinese has the animals).
The animals consist of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. In that order. Why in that order?
“Well, according to one Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.
All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.”
To the traditional (& superstitious) Chinese, the Chinese Zodiac System is highly important in planning out the year. Dates of marriages and births are determined by which day is “luckiest” and most properous. Compatibility of couples are also influenced.
To me, while I don’t believe in the whole zodiac system of luck and prosperity and superstition, it is still fun to see how the “animal” in me is explained. Let’s compare shall we?
| Wood Ox | Me |
| Personality: - Dependable, Strong, Determined - Capable of trusting others and will listen to their opinions with an open mind |
Generally yes. But, factor in absent-mindedness and a dislike for people who try and push opinions on me aggressively. |
| Health: - Strong individuals who overall are healthy and live long, fulfilled lives. - Tend to work too much, rarely allowing themselves enough time to relax. |
Ha! You have got to be kidding me on this one. I have a slew of health issues since young (bronchitis, ear problems, leg problems, back problems, chronic gastritis, always having a cold every month…) |
| Career: - Prefer work that is routine. - Take a methodological approach to their tasks and excel in jobs that are specialized. - Possess a keen eye for detail and an admirable work ethic. - Work well as part of a team, but because of their work ethic, self-confidence and strong sense of morals, they’ll always perform better as the team’s leader. - Tendency to be quick-tempered and outspoken. |
Hm… I dislike routine work… boring! I am so not methodological and not detailed-orientated. I do have good work ethic, if I have work to do.
I like to work in productive and no-politics groups. Oh yes. totally Am quick-tempered and outspoken, sometimes I shoot myself in the foot. |
| Relationships: - Aren’t very sociable and rarely participate in group activities. - Abhor small talk and won’t waste their time flirting. - Will search long and hard for the perfect partner as change makes them uncomfortable. - Whether due to an ox’s tendency to be overbearing or tendency to place blame on others, relationships with Oxen don’t always work out. |
*Chuckle* I’m sociable, when I wanna be. I like group activities, if it’s with the right group. Small talk… I’m okay with it, as long as not utterly useless. Flirting… I think I flirt a bit. Just a tinnny bit. Perfect partner – No such thing. Overbearing-ness and blaming others: Unfortunately, a bit of truth in there. But not that extreme. |
To find out what animal you are and your “description”, go here. It’s purely just for fun! 
Related posts:
I’m a goat.
In my “Cooking Light” magazine this month, they had a special section on the Chinese New Year with a bunch of recipes usually made to celebrate it…they might have the featured article on their website, if you like cooking. It was fun to think of you as I read it.