Happy 4712

Well, here it is coming up on the next holiday we celebrate here in West Virginia — Chinese New Year. We always celebrate the new year by doing something special — even if it’s just going out to eat. A lot of people, even those in the restaurants we visit, just don’t seem to get the significance of it — in fact most of them don’t even realize what day it is….
I personally think it’s a pretty cool holiday. It always comes along about a month or so after our New Year and if you’re about month into the year and not doing so well with those resolutions you made, Chinese New Year is kind of like a do-over.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Turns out that twelve animals showed up and Buddha named a year after each one. He then proclaimed that the people born in each animal’s year would have some that animal’s personality. This will be the Chinese year 4712 — the year of the Horse. Those born in the year of the Horse are cheerful, hard-working, but impatient. They are also independent and intelligent.

I wasn’t born in the year of the Horse — I was born in the year of the Tiger. According to the Chinese horoscopes, 4712, or 2014 if you prefer, is going to shape up like this for me:
“This should be a good year for Tigers. It could bring luck, joy, romance, spirituality and learning opportunities.” Specifically….
Work: You should do well in businesses that have to do with blood, such as surgery and the army, as well as teaching and philosophy. If you are self employed, expand your business.
Wealth: This should be a year of stability for your money.
Relationships: Romance is in the stars. If the opportunity is there, consider marriage. If you’re married, watch out for temptations from extramarital affairs.
Health: Watch out for sharp objects, and be careful of accidents and bleeding.

The comments above are interesting, because on my list of my occupational goals, right after being a pirate, brain surgery was the next on the list. So I’m thinking maybe I should pursue that a bit this year.
As far as wealth, looks like I probably won’t be destitute  — especially if the brain surgery initiative takes off….
Romance looks pretty good for me — of course my first wife Claire should probably be on her toes…
In the health department, I’ll probably have to be extra careful during surgery, I don’t want to stick myself.

The Chinese have many New Year’s traditions, but don’t traditionally make New Year’s Resolutions like we do. But for people like me, this is a good time to reflect on the goals I set about a month ago and if necessary get a do-over.

So Happy Chinese New Year — hope it’s a good year. If for some reason it’s not, maybe the last fortune cookie I had was right: The fortune you seek is in another cookie.
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