Happy Chinese New Year!

This year is the Year of the Pig (or Boar, if you want something that doesn't sound quite so...piggy)

It's supposed to be really cool to be born in a Pig Year as you get all of these great characteristics (thanks to everyone's favorite encyclopedia, wikipedia, for the following info):

The Boar type is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, they are often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in pig type; they won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.

It is important to remember that these people are not vengeful creatures. If someone tries to take advantage of them, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situations is a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too far from familiar surroundings, unless it is a trip to the countryside. They love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the city.

There is a tolerant and peaceful side to their character. Such people are never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression; they do not want to cause arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this option. They are not weak, however, and if the situation forces them to fight these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them. People of the Boar type are the most admired by others.

I, personally, was born in the Year of the Horse, which has sent ripples through my life in many unexpected ways. Long story short, the horse is my totem animal (or, more accurately, my spirit guide), and nothing on this Earth would make me happier than retiring from this hum drum work-a-day life and living on a couple of acres with a big farmhouse, some dogs, cats and horses.

Oh what dreamers we mortals be!