The day my dog looked homeless

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE :-D

(and bonne année to my francophone friends !)

It’s been awhile, I apologise (I promise to reply to all comments !). I’ve just been enjoying all the public holidays as I can. Work burns me out and I’m too young to be burnt out ! I was going to do the highs/lows of 2010 like darling Ailing, who sent me this very lovely, thoughtful & hilarious Christmas card <333333 (I REALLY LOVED IT, REALLY MADE MY DAY ;-D !), but right now I don’t feel like reflecting on the past. I want to think about the future. And very fast approaching future.

I got to remembering what the fung shui master told me. And yes, they do exist. You know HSBC ? They actually have a budget for fung shui. I’ve seen it ! Anyway, the fung shui master always consult my mum and my family each year and this year, the year of the Rabbit, he had a few interesting things to say for me — born in the year of the dragon ’88.

He said this year I have to watch out for my health and stay away from alcohol and coffee and be especially careful when driving. Study will be difficult (as always) and that I will pass everything but it will be a challenge (not surprising). It won’t be an easy year for me !

GREAT ! Wonderful insight to start my year. I think there was actually more but I’ve forgotten. Luckily I don’t really believe in fung shui and Chinese horoscopes (I tell myself), because he often brings bad news, but still, he does ! And my mum does ! And heaps of people in my family and culture do. Why ? I don’t know. But I was curious enough to pick up my mum’s giant red ‘Complete Chinese Horoscopes‘ by Kwok Man-Ho (^^ “man hoe”).

For those of you who aren’t acquainted with the 12 animal zodiac it goes: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Cock, Dog, and Pig. It’s basically based off the fable about the race with all the animals to be assigned as one of the 12 zodiac cycles so that they could be remembered more easily. It’s quite interesting actually and is what Fruits Basket manga is based off.

For dragons born in the year 88:

Born in the year Mou Ch’en, you belong to the Yielding Dragon. You have an accommodating, kind, agile and distinctive character. You are close to, and receive help from, well-disposed officials. You will not be lonely, although your relationship with your children is difficult. A woman born in either of these years is gentle and kind, but usually speaks without thinking carefully beforehand. She will have a good husband.

I thought the underlined part was funny ! X-D

Born on the 9th month (October):

You are a natural scholar gifted with a sharp intellect, boundless energy and abundant self-confidence. You have good powers of judgement and are full of practical commercial and financial ideas. Money will come easily to you, and when you learn to curb your extravagance you will be even wealthier. Use your good fortune to your own advantage and do not take risks with gambling or short-term investments which promise high yields. The yin and yang in your horoscope are well balanced; your thoughts and actions are in tadem

Born on the 7th, 16th or 25th:

You are an exhibitionist but when you show off nobody wants to listen to you or watch you. You enjoy an exciting life, but your head is in the clouds; you must learn to discipline yourself. You are suited to a job which allows you mobility, for example, a reporter, a traveller or an explorer. You do not want to earn a fortune and are quite content with your standard of living.

Born in Wu hours: 11AM – 1PM

You are active, clever, obstinate and extravagant. You prefer travelling to selling down to a job in your local area. A woman born in these hours is likely to have an unusual and fascinating character.

Your luck year by year:

Year of the rabbit: Three unlucky stars

You will be troubled by minor illnesses this year. You will leave your home to travel abroad and bring nothing but illnesses home.

Amusing enough. Seriously though, why do they have to be so blunt ? There are some years which predicts “one of your parents will die” >.< Anyway, just thought for the sake of new years and the approach of Chinese New Year that I would include this. Please don’t take it seriously, I don’t ! (I admit I find it highly entertaining though ;-P)

Story behind the title —

Dad’s at home taking his annual leave. I’m guessing he doesn’t have much to do because he decided to give Sayang (means ‘love’ in Malay !), our Australian silky terrier, a really really TERRIBLE hair cut ! It’s kind of reminiscent of the ones he used to give me during ages 0-12. >.<