The Year of the Ox

Chinese New Year came quickly this year. It's always a hectic time in January as we say good bye to the Christmas season and I finish up the semester and exam time begins - there's barely time to take a breath before the beginning of February rolls around, and it starts all over again for the second semester. But that's what's great about a new semester - it's new start. And we also get a new start with Chinese New Year!

We sadly missed out celebrating with our China mom group a few weeks ago, so Julia and I began our celebration on Sunday with some crafting of new year treats.

Julia and I continued our tradition of sending hong bao to school - this year a bit easier as she's at school full-time so there wasn't a second batch to do for day care.

We got a bit creative this year in what we would send to school. Usually we send the foil wrapped chocolate coins, but with the melamine scare in the fall which also included chocolate money, I decided to stay clear. We went with a shiny quarter in the red envelopes and a fortune cookie theme. I know fortune cookies aren't really Chinese, but Julia loves them, and I thought the kids in her class would enjoy getting one to eat and one with a fortune for all those born in 2003 - the year of the horse.

We did some research on the characteristics of one born in the year of the horse - Julia decided which traits we'd include and this is what we came up with:

If you were born in 2002, you are a horse like me. We are energetic and exciting, the life of the party. We are bursting with energy, always looking for the next place to kick up our heels. We can entertain friends and family with our humour. We are strong in mind and body. Since we are trustworthy, we are good friends to have and are always honest with you.


Julia stamped her new year greetings with the chops I got for her in China. Chops are specially carved stamps which the Chinese use almost as a signature. Julia's chops has a carved horse on the top and her name Julia in Chinese characters.

Julia decided to wear one of her Chinese jackets with her jeans - this is the last of three outfits that I bought in Anhui province six years ago when we were there. At the time, I couldn't imagine a girl big enough to wear even the smallest outfit I bought, let alone this one. She looked lovely in the lucky red.

Here she is with her hong bao from me and performing her own lion dance with the puppet we got last year at the Pacific Mall.

I read in the Toronto Star that things aren't looking so good for this year of the Ox -- and that gave me an onimous feeling as I am an Ox. Here's what my forecast is for the year:

You are in some kind of conflict, Your money and health signs tend to be weaker. You may be attracted to arts, but should refrain from gambling. Invest in real estate for the long term. Try to be more creative in your business, possibly through work connected with arts and design (hmmm - Purple Pages??) Your regular income should be stable. In romance, you tend to enjoy seclusion and spirituality. (what does that mean?) Pay attention to your spleen, stomach and liver. Rest well and don't overwork yourself. For those born in 1961 - (Obama and I ) - You may get lucky. Both your work and finances appear stable. Watch out for problems with relations.

I also read that Horses and Oxen are conflicting signs -- hmmmm -- that would explain a few things in our house sometimes. Anyway....

Here is Julia's new year greeting for you all -- Xin Nain Kuai Le -- Happy New Year in Mandarin. She was good enough to endulge me this performance - sorry it's sideways and the picture isn't so good, but I love to hear her sing in Mandarin.