Thursday, January 29, 2009

pillow talk

Phil's work has fun little things for the employees. They have turkey dinner for the ones who have to work Thanksgiving and other holidays. They have catered lunch once a month, they have great summer picnics, they bring in bagels. But it's not all about the food. They give out bonuses and he just got a raise. He's also scored a wireless mouse and a dvd player in the picnic drawings and I won a $25 gift certificate for my buckeyes in the dessert contest. It's a sweet little setup there in downtown Portland.

So today they had a little Chinese New Year celebration. Had some food. Had some decorations. Had a Chinese calendar hanging up.

He takes a look at it. Sees that he's a horse and I'm an ox. Also sees that this is the year of the ox.

Says to me tonight. . . "Babe, did you know on the Chinese calendar you're and ox and I'm a horse? And this is the year of the ox. Babe, it's your year."

Faithful readers, I have no idea what that means. BUT IT'S MY YEAR! And I am super psyched about that (hope you read that with exaggeration). Yeah for being born in 1973!!!

My friends at Wikipedia helped me out. . . and blew me away at the same time. Read on. . .

The Ox is thought to be the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. They're quite dependable and possess an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

My parents would tell you that I'm definitely the calm one of the three. I am also pretty darn patient. Not so sure about that enduring without complaint thing though.

Ox people, according to tradition, need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

So true, so true. That's why I like my classroom to be a quiet working environment. I especially like the part about being articulate and eloquent and having a tremendous imagination. And uh, don't try to convince me that your idea is better than mine. Because it's not.

Traditionally, people born under the influence of the Ox are thought to be kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.

Did you see that? A kind, caring soul with common sense and I'm highly intelligent. My sister always says I'm the "smart one." And surely Phil would vouge for the strong-minded/stubborn part too. But with my feet firmly planted to the ground, being an ox isn't so bad now, is it?

The Ox, it is thought, works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.

Oh, my mind is active. You all know that. And if for some reason you don't, just ask Phil. He's always wanting to know what I'm thinking. His favorite question is, "Whatcha thinkin'?"

The Ox, according to tradition, is not extravagant, and a modern interpretation of this is that the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.

I hate debt. I wish credit cards didn't exist. I don't do serious risks. I'm so not a risk taker. But then again, I once picked up a guy at the airport that I met on the internet. (Ended up marrying him too.)

Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome in small gatherings because of their humble composure and reverent nature towards the host. They are reputed to be the most beautiful of face in the zodiac. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. People born in the year of the Ox make wonderful parents and teachers of children.

I have more friends than I can count. I bought the first car I test drove. Twice. As for trying something new, once I was encouraged to order a burger off the menu at Red Robin instead of the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap. And I did. There it is, folks. We oxen make wonderful teachers. How cool is that?

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.

Yes, that would be me. Liking the security and always trying to figure out what to do. Let's hear it for all the oxen out there!!!


2 comments:

Kellie said...

Now that is funny... I was born in the year of the "boar" so I hope that doesn't mean I'm boring. ha!! I'll have to look that up on Wikipedia, too.

I enjoyed your 25 things as well... the part about the field trips.... I TOTALLY agree with you! They are not my favorite thing. Give me a normal day with a schedule and I am beyond happy.

And, yes, this NC reader hasn't met you but reads every day. lol

Sandra said...

Yeah! It's our year!! A toast (yes, I'm drinking a glass of diet coke at the moment) to all of us born in 1973. And I just love the music you have on your blog. Is that Chris Rice?