Happy new year to everyone near and far

At the end of a beautiful New Year's dinner last night we were trying to figure out if we were now in the year of the ox or the rooster or the pig or some other equally fascinating animal on the Chinese calendar. And what was 2005, the year when our baby was born? Is our baby destined to be quirky, intelligent, fierce, eccentric, stalwart? We couldn't decide and finally laughed, hugged, and went to sleep, dreaming about a new year when we would finally be parents. I was still thinking about it this morning, and looked up the Chinese calendar to see what it said. Here's the scoop: Funshine (2005) Year of the Rooster People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people's emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon. TubaDad and I (1968) Year of the Monkey People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat. All very interesting. But I still think Colleen put it best today when she talked about the new year. Instead of calling 2006 the year of the rooster or dog or monkey, she called it "The year of our daughters!" Wow. Gave me chills. Happy New Year everyone!