2008 Year of the Rat

I don’t care much about Christmas. I only like it because it makes children happy.

I look forward more to the Chinese New Year! Its more exciting I guess when predictions and forecasts are being made by astrologers, psychics, geomancers and other occult readers.

The coming year is the year of the rat. My cubicle neighbor has been rattling all year-round that this is going to be my year. I was born in the year of the rat and so she has been saying that the coming year would be something to watch out for for me. Ala Pascal’s Wager, it is better to believe.

Much has been written about the ‘rat’ person. Below is just a taste:

Rat people are born under the sign of charm and aggressiveness. They are expressive and can be talkative sometimes. They like to go to parties and spend quiet times chatting with their friends. Although the Rat can be quiet sometimes, it is rare to catch a Rat sitting quietly.

Rat people usually have more acquaintances than real friends and they revere and cherish those close to them. Once you become their real friends, they will treat you as their family. Rats are self-contained and keep problems to themselves. And even though they can be talkative sometimes, they never confide in anyone. Sometimes mean, narrow-minded and suburban in outlook, Rat people are nevertheless honest. They can always make a success of their lives as long as they manage to master their perpetual discontent and their insistence on living for the present moment.

The Rat is quick-witted. Most rats get more accomplished in 24 hours than the rest of us do in as many days. They are confident and usually have good instinct. Stubborn as they are, they prefer to live by their own rules rather others. It won’t be an easy task to work with Rat people, why? Simple, because they are also 100% perfectionists.

They are very organized and talented, perhaps that is why the Rat makes a good businessman or politician. Unfortunately, as soon as the Rat earns money, he spends it. Maybe that explains why the Rat is so careful when he lends money to others. If you ever borrow money from the Rat, don’t be surprised by the high-interests (not true for me at all, hahahaha).

The Rat is not romantic, but he is sensual and loving. Rat people could be hard to see through at first glance, because they are also very protective, but even though they are not easy, they are worth it – ask anyone who has a Rat for a lover, parent, child or friend. They are very loyal and devoted to their families. 

The Chinese astrological cycle begins with the year of the Rat; consequently those born within this category like to be first, pioneers, at the forefront of the action. Because of this, they tend to see themselves as a cut above the others. Restless and inquisitive, those born under the influence of the Rat are active, both physically and mentally, and tend to lead busy lives.

Challenge is essential to them for they love the thrill of living dangerously. With clairvoyance, intuition, perspicacity and an eye for detail, Rats are formidable problem solvers, finding workable solutions to the knottiest problems. Travelling is one of their favorite pastimes.

The Rat possesses attributes ranging from charming and humorous to honest and meticulous. The Chinese say those born in these years make good and wise advisors, yet they can never decide for themselves and change direction constantly. Wohoo!

Rats are best known for their charm. Blessed with a sharp wit, they possess a marvelous sense of humor, which makes them stimulating and amusing company to have around. Generally extroverted, they may well be described as opportunists for they prefer to live off their wits rather than labor long and hard to earn their daily bread.

Rats should have a happy childhood and a carefree youth.  However, the second part of their lives may be stormy and problematical. They may be prone to lose money in a bad business deal or their happiness in an unfortunate love affair. The third part of their lives will be comfortable, and their old age as peaceful as could be wished. It is important to note whether the Rat was born in the summer or the winter of the year. In summer the lofts and granaries are full, but in winter the Rat will be obliged to go out and forage for food, and must watch out for the traps set along the way. In human terms, this could mean the risk of prison or an accidental death.

The Passionate Rat

Rats are able to control their feelings and will generally present a cool facade to the outside world, regardless of whatever volcanic emotions they may be feeling inside. But these are passionate creatures whose feelings can be deeply stirred and though able to control them as a rule, when the volcano does erupt, watch out! Perhaps one of their faults is their inability to actually talk about their feelings to those they love, and consequently they tend to repress them — thus adding to the volcanic pressure. As well as being deeply passionate they are sensual creatures who simply exude sexuality and who greatly enjoy all forms of physical stimulation.   

For those who want to know more about the coming year and about the Rat person in general, here are some related links:

1) http://www.fengshuiweb.co.uk/advice/chineseanimalpredictions2008.htm 

(this site contains all predictions for all animals in the zodiac: Ox, Tiger, Rabbit/Hare, Snake, Dragon, Horse, Goat/Ram/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar/Pig)

2) http://www.springsgreetingcards.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=232024 

3) http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rat.htm

4)  http://www.chineseastrologyonline.com/2008.htm 

5) http://www.raymond-lo.com/ver2/aboutmasterlo/articles.asp

6) http://www.panasianbiz.com/2007/12/2008_chinese_year_of_the_rat_5.html 

so who is happy?

Supposed to be, this is a simple question answerable without so much thoughts. But when one comes to think hard about it, the answer is not as simple as it first appeared.

• Is happiness being young? Middle-aged? Newly Retired?
• Does happiness vary by Race? by Culture?
• Does money buy happiness?

If happiness is similarly available to people of any race, culture, and to those of differing income levels, who then is happiest?

The questions above prompted David Myers and Ed Diener to make a  study on who is happy. They published their findings in the journal, Psychological Science, vol 6, no 1, Jan 1995 .  Their conclusions are these:

“Knowing a person’s age, sex, race, and income (assuming the person has enough to afford life’s necessities) hardly gives a clue. Better clues come from a person’s traits, whether a person enjoys a supportive network of close relationships , whether the person’s culture offers positive interpretations of most daily events, whether the person is engaged by work or leisure, and whether the person has a faith that entails social support, purpose and hope.”

Happiness is personal. I think only the person can tell whether or not he/she is happy. Sometimes people don’t even know whether they are happy or not or in between. Sometimes thinking about the answer is even disturbing and so some people never bother reflecting on or looking for the answer. They just are happy or whatever state of being they are in. No questions, no answers.

Anyway, Prof. Myers has the following suggestions for a happier life. You can read it, heed it or just leave it. Anything goes.

1.      Realize that enduring happiness doesn’t come from success. People adapt to changing circumstances—even to wealth or a disability. Thus wealth is like health: its utter absence breeds misery, but having it (or any circumstance we long for) doesn’t guarantee happiness.

2.      Take control of your time. Happy people feel in control of their lives, often aided by mastering their use of time. It helps to set goals and break them into daily aims. Although we often overestimate how much we will accomplish in any given day (leaving us frustrated), we generally underestimate how much we can accomplish in a year, given just a little progress every day.

3.      Act happy. We can sometimes act ourselves into a frame of mind. Manipulated into a smiling expression, people feel better; when they scowl, the whole world seems to scowl back. So put on a happy face. Talk as if you feel positive self-esteem, are optimistic, and are outgoing. Going through the motions can trigger the emotions.

4.      Seek work and leisure that engages your skills. Happy people often are in a zone called “flow”—absorbed in a task that challenges them without overwhelming them. The most expensive forms of leisure (sitting on a yacht) often provide less flow experience than gardening, socializing, or craft work.

5.      Join the “movement” movement. An avalanche of research reveals that aerobic exercise not only promotes health and energy, it also is an antidote for mild depression and anxiety. Sound minds reside in sound bodies. Off your duffs, couch potatoes.

6.      Give your body the sleep it wants. Happy people live active vigorous lives yet reserve time for renewing sleep and solitude. Many people suffer from a sleep debt, with resulting fatigue, diminished alertness, and gloomy moods.

7.      Give priority to close relationships. Intimate friendships with those who care deeply about you can help you weather difficult times. Confiding is good for soul and body. Resolve to nurture your closest relationships: to not take those closest to you for granted, to display to them the sort of kindness that you display to others, to affirm them, to play together and share together. To rejuvenate your affections, resolve in such ways to act lovingly.

8.      Focus beyond the self. Reach out to those in need. Happiness increases helpfulness (those who feel good do good). But doing good also makes one feel good.

9.      Keep a gratitude journal. Those who pause each day to reflect on some positive aspect of their lives (their health, friends, family, freedom, education, senses, natural surroundings, and so on) experience heightened well-being.

10.  Nurture your spiritual self. For many people, faith provides a support community, a reason to focus beyond self, and a sense of purpose and hope. Study after study finds that actively religious people are happier and that they cope better with crises. Digested from David G. Myers, The Pursuit of Happiness (Avon Books, 1993)  

This is where I belong

This Is Where I Belong

I hear the wind across the plain
A sound so strong – that calls my name
It’s wild like the river – it’s warm like the sun
Yeah it’s here – this is where I belong

Under the starry skies – where eagles have flown
This place is paradise – it’s the place I call home
The moon on the mountains
The whisper through the trees
The waves on the water
Let nothing come between this and me

’cause everything I want – is everything that’s here
And when we’re all together – there’s nothing to fear
And wherever I wander – the one thing I’ve learned
It’s to here – I will always….always return

The picture above was taken the same month last year when my sister and my friend Rey joined a trek to Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales. The activity was planned a month before but on the actual day, a typhoon was raised in the northern part of the Philippines. Zambales was one of the affected provinces. Because of the typhoon we were prevented by the armed forces operating in the area to go near the crater. We just therefore contented ourselves roaming the nearby places. Lake Tambo was a place we we’re able to see.  The Lake was formed during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1990.

I was reviewing my activities the same week last year and saw the picture that was taken in Zambales. When I saw it, I remembered the song i heard in the movie i watched last Monday. The lyric in green text above is from the soundtrack of the cartoon movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.  Jimwell, Ayn, Bea, Xi (my little nephews and nieces) and I watched the movie at home.

I am putting the picture and the lyric together here. The scene in the movie is the wild west with the horse named, Spirit, taking the lead role. In here however, you will see a carabao travelling with an Aeta family. The Aeta ethnic group is one of the indigenous tribal community in the Zambales Province, Philippines. With the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, a lot of them were displaced.

Anyway, I am writing about this because, when I heard the music while watching the film with the kids, I feel like it is the song I should always remember. I would like to believe that the Philippines is where I belong. And no matter how many overseas jobs are offered and the promises of making it bigger somewhere, I hope I would always stay in my country.  That there are just priceless things in life that money cannot buy; like going home to the ‘ninety and nine’ whenever I have the opportunity.

Aside:

Needless to say, I went home last Friday (November 30, 2007, a non-working holiday in the Philippines) and stayed there till Monday. Last Friday, my sister and friend Rey was supposed to be travelling as group to the Biliran Islands in the Visayas. The trip didn’t pushed for the following reasons: (1)  a 12MN to 5AM curfew was imposed by an overacting (OA!!!) government due to the Manila Peninsula siege. The ‘coup’ was lead by Sen. Trillanes and Gen. Lim  last Thursday, November 29, 2007. (2) a day or two before the supposed trip, an earthquake happened that shook Northern Luzon, Philippines (3) Typhoons Lando, Mina and Nonoy were racing to give their piece of existence. Lastly, and as Rey hinted, there seemed to be a jinx when the three of us are present in a group. Admittedly, my decision to cancel was partly superstitious. I don’t know, over the years I have trusted what my intuition tells me. In this instance, it compelled me not to go and therefore at the last minute I backed-out because a strong feeling is saying we should not proceed as planned. I would feel responsible and may forever blame myself if something untoward happened along the way. I am not a person inclined to base judgement on whims or on rare instances. Statistics would say that those circumstances are random events and no matter how rare they are and how little the chance of their occurence in combination, sometimes gut feel does saves. It does pay when you don’t tempt fate also. Arrggghhh, what am I saying here? Stop me! :)