better late than never...

Happy Chinese New Year (Yesterday)!

2009 is the year of the Ox.

Ox personality traits:

Still waters run deep, as anyone who has observed an Ox will tell you.

People born in the Year of the Ox are the supremely self-assured, and as a result are noted for inspiring confidence in others. Generally patient and thoughtful, they measure their words, and will speak clearly and concisely often when it matters most.

Born to lead, Ox people can be quite stubborn — but also stubbornly loyal to those they love. However, when opposed, their fierce tempers are legendary. So always follow this very wise advice : never cross an Ox!

Generally placid and easy-going on the outside, the Ox can be very dogmatic. There are no gray areas evident within their narrow scope of vision, and they often only see things as good or bad. Therefore, they are never easily persuaded by a clever argument. Possessing an excellent memory, the Ox can often recall verbatim a conversation weeks or months after it has occured.

Their physical stamina combined with their mental alertness is a distinct advantage when it comes to completing any task at hand. In fact, Oxen can often be seen patiently working away ... long after everyone else has dropped from sheer exhaustion!

Ox people are also generally good with their hands, and together with sterling leadership abilities are often successful as doctors or surgeons, construction managers, army generals or business leaders.

Oxen are most compatible with : Rat, Snake, Rooster

Famous people born in the Year of the Ox : Johann Sebastian Bach, Napoleon Bonaparte, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Walt Disney, Anton Dvorak, Clark Gable, George Frideric Handel, Oscar De La Hoya, Richard Nixon, Barack Obama, Aishwarya Rai, Wayne Rooney, Vincent Van Gogh

The hubby and I went to my parents for dinner on Chinese New Years Eve. We ate the traditional New Years foods for good luck for the upcoming year (the hubby even tried everything surprisingly). This was our first New Years as a married couple so this was our first year to give out "lucky money". It is a tradition that adults give red envelopes with money to the children, since we're married we're now considered "adults".

Normally when you get married you get red envelopes and gifts for your wedding, then poof...no more. You're an adult and you don't get anything again until you have children. We are very spoiled however and still get lucky money.

Our Wedding lucky money and gifts

On actual New Years Day you're supposed to wear new clothes, have a clean house, not spend money, not eat meat etc. My mother being so concerned about us, sent us back with vegetarian meals for the day. What she doesn't know is my house looks like it always does, I didn't wear new clothes and I definitely spent money today. But hey, I ate her vegetarian dinner...that's gotta count for something right?

My Parents at Our Wedding Tea Ceremony

After my dad wishing us well...

I love our traditions, and I hope to pass them along to our children one day.