My Chinese Horoscope

Year of the Rat:
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The Rat may likely begin the year with a lot of momentum from the year of the Rat. Take an inventory for the next twelve months. Then, with some plans in mind, no matter what area of life, work purposefully towards obtaining those objectives. One pitfall to avoid in the year of the Ox is over-committing to engaging in too many activities at the same time. Self-discipline, careful planning, and applied effort are three wise methods that will lead to a successful year in 2009. For the persistent and conscientious Rat, the rewards of the year can prove substantial.

Rat Rating

56% (5 favorable, 5 neutral and 2 unfavorable months)

Rat Relationships

The closing stages of the Rat year will be a favorable time for the Rat both socially and domestically. Parties and functions may bring new acquaintances. If any problems or uncertainties that should arise in your relationship, do not hesitate to seek the advice of others. You have many acquaintances and close friends that are willing to assist you on your path. Romance is favored later in the year, around November and December. This is a good time to plan a wedding or make a proposal.

Rat Health

It may be a good idea for the Rat to integrate a regimen of physical activity, as this may have been neglected in the recent past. Even if it is a minor activity, such as walking it will be beneficial. Areas of interest may be cycling or swimming. Failure to do so may reveal certain health issues later in the year that could hinder your activities for a long time.

Super Bowl

This week is the beginning of amazingly awesome Super Bowl parties, and I'm trying to pencil them all in! ;) While some are far too expensive, some seem to be worth the cost of admission. I figure that it's just my responsibility as a twenty-four year old Tampa resident to fully enjoy all that crazy week has to offer. Last time the Super Bowl came to town, I was underage and unlicensed. The next time the Super Bowl comes to Tampa... I might not even live here anymore! I might spend obscene amounts of money this week, but I think it's all worth it!

Tenative plans include:
NFL Experience (Done & totally worth it!)
Pepsi Smash Concert with Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, & Lifehouse (Definitely getting in free...)
John Legend After Party
Snoop Dogg Concert
Lil Jon party at Skye
3 Doors Down Concert
Party at Mosi
Samantha Ronson at Green Iguana

And there's a million other things that I want to do, but there just aren't enough hours in the day!

It's going to memorable that's for sure.

It's Going to be Fine in 2009!

My lovely roommate Ashley and I are interested in trying out (or re-doing!) some activities this year. We created a list to help us on our journey, and I am going to try to document on my little space on the internet. It's not a completed list, but it definitely gives the idea of all the new things we are going to try this year.

• Roller skating
• Have a "passion party"
• Start a Wine Club
• Golf Lessons
• Go watch some Improv
• Wii parties
• Take Ashley's hip-hop class
• Local Winery/Brewery tours
• Laser tag
• Gun range
• Ashley's getting a tattoo
• Whitewater rafting
• Tubing at Rainbow River
• Canoe/Kayak
• Indoor rock climbing
• Hot yoga
• Attend the Florida State Fair and watch Ashley Latin dance
• Paintball
• Look into bowling leagues
• Dali Museum
• Aquarium trips
• Lots of baseball!
• Visit the Chimp Farm in Palm Harbor
• Camping
• Roadtrip
• "Chase daylight"

We have a lot cut out for us this year, but I think we can do it!

The Holidays

I somehow managed to have quite an enjoyable holiday this year! I felt very blessed and appreciated, and I tried to reciprocate with some interesting and hopefully fun gifts. I typically have a hard time shopping for gifts that people actually want, so I tried to give people a mix of things they need and want. Kris & Scott received helicopter alarm clocks. Ashley got a freeze pop maker. I helped Scott update his wardrobe with shoes, shirts, and boxers that featured drinking Mexican penguins. I also threw in gag gifts for everyone that ranged from Bibles, coloring books, and marshmallow guns. All in all, I would say that it was a successful holiday. I managed to walk away with enough jewelry to fill a jewelry box and enough body spray to last the upcoming year. I was deliriously happy this holiday season, and it was all topped off by a "surprise" visit from Santa on the 26th.

I continued to be lazy on my vacation, but I did apply for a few jobs here and there. New Year's Eve was a day that will long be remembered. We decided to try the "trolley trip" again. Basically, you just hop on the Suncoast Trolley bus somewhere in Clearwater Beach and take it up and down the Pinellas coast. For this trip, we decided to start take it down to The Pub--a cute little waterfront restaurant/bar somewhere on Madiera Beach. After the first frozen drink of the day, we headed to the beach to catch the last sunset of 2008. As if the view wasn't spectacular enough, there were a group of dolphins playing just off the coast. The water was cold, but I still got my feet wet. It was just a beautiful moment.


Daiquiri Deck was next on our list. A few mango-strawberry drinks later and we were ready to hit up our next spot. Mahuffer, located in Indian Shores, was next. It was somewhat quiet but it was cozy enough for a few drinks while we waited for the next trolley. We took the bus all the way back up to Kelly's on Clearwater Beach to ring in the New Year. While it was cold outside, it was gorgeous weather to light some fireworks off on the beach after the ball dropped. :)

It was a perfect night to cap off a pretty amazing year. I have a lot of hopes for 2009, but I think my main concern is graduating. I have a pesky thesis to begin and somehow complete. I would love a real job. I wouldn't mind health insurance. Using my gym membership is also high on my list of priorities. I guess only time will tell to see what I will accomplish, but I'm pretty excited about what lies ahead.