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I didn’t grow up in the Chinese culture celebrating Lunar New Year, but I have enough friends who had the red enevelopes of money that made me jealous enough. But, now I’m just glad I get to celebrate with friends over Dim Sum and Hot Pot. I was reminded of the fact that today marks the beginning of the Year of the Rat, which is my Zodiac sign. Since the zodiac repeats every 12 years, I guess 24 is going to be a pretty awesome - I mean otherwise I have to wait another 12 years. At age 12, I was in like 7th grade or something. Random middle school memories include:

• Running for 6th grade student council treasurer, winning, and then getting the money box stolen under my nose during a fundraiser
• Winning the school spelling bee, and the getting out in the first round at district (no, I will not embarrass myself and tell you which word I lost on). Alas that Microsoft Word and autocomplete have rendered my spelling skills mediocre at best.
• Using AOL back when it was pay-by-hour and getting grounded by my dad for running up a $100+ bill one month.

If you went to school with me back then, feel free to jog my memory on anything else notable. At age 36, I wonder what crazy things I’ll remember from when I was 24…

Back to the Chinese Zodiac, I found this from Wikipedia, so take note, my fellow rats (I know there are a bunch of you): 

Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat’s natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.

Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.

So basically, I guess we’re passionate, ambitious, vengeful, selectively altruistic and love Las Vegas. Sweet. What do you think the year of the Rat is going to be like?