Ahhrghhh! Here I was promising myself that I would present one animal in the Chinese zodiac per day until Chinese New Year started on Tuesday, but do you think I did? No.
Friday I had a salmon soup emergency and a sick dog, yesterday was another big march for the freedom to choose what experimental drug is injected into one's children. These things take all day, especially when one also must earn a living.
Fortunately my living is earned by doing all the things I love, so that's okay. Still, it all takes up the hours. In addition I had to cut off the writing time on Friday so I could organise a better quiz night with Palan on Skype, so today I have to do three animals in one go.
We start off with the Monkey; people born in 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956 and presumably 1944 although Chinese Highlights hadn't bothered with that year:
People born in a year of the Monkey have magnetic personalities and are witty and intelligent. Personality traits like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness make them very naughty.
Monkeys are masters of practical jokes, because they like playing most of the time. Although they don't have bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurt other people's feelings.
Monkeys are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, others don't trust their sly, restless, and inquisitive nature.
Although they are clever and creative, Monkeys can't always exhibit their talents properly. They like to accept challenges and prefer urban life to rural life.
Don't we all! I mean now. My village in Hong Kong (where Ann also lived) was so rural. In the beginning it was great because it was easy to meet people there and I felt part of the community, but after a few, er, decades, I got sick of taking transport to do anything other than dog walking and go to the local pub. Because I worked in the city when other people had time off, I never got home before 10:30pm. Including waiting 15 minutes for the bus, it took an hour and ten minutes to get home. Nightmare! Or what is now known as First world problem.
Next up is the Rooster as westerners insist on calling it, but which is just called Chicken in Chinese:
People born in a year of the Rooster are very observant. Hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and talented, Roosters are very confident in themselves.
Roosters are always active, amusing, and popular within a crowd. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful.
Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm on any occasion.
Finally, as the second to last animal of the Chinese zodiac, we have the Dog:
Dogs are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Due to having a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, Dogs will do everything for the person who they think is most important.
As Dogs are not good at communication, it is difficult for them to convey their thoughts to others. Therefore, Dogs tend to leave others with the impression that they have a stubborn personality.
When thrown into doubt, Dogs think the world is evil and complicated. Then they criticize sharply when making comments, and infer that all things are according to their pessimistic point of view.
Awwww! So true.
All right. Tomorrow is the last day of the Year of the Ox, and I think a lot of people will say 'Good riddance.' Not me! I had a good time.
Today's Cantonese: 猴年 Hau lin, Monkey year 雞年 Gai Lin, Chicken year 狗年 Gau lin, Dog year
