The Rat

But first, a word about Job #1: As the young people say, "Craptastic"! I found out yesterday that my right hand man at Job #1, Bob, is leaving us and his last day is in fact, next Friday. This means the workload is going to pile on even more UNLESS we can get that new librarian as fully trained as possible by next week! But I won't be in for the rest of the week starting tomorrow so it's up to the other 2 librarians to do so. We'll just see. But I am a little distressed, since Bob and his technical expertise was invaluable to my hated electronic kiosk project that I've had to oversee lo these many years. Before he leaves he's going to have to teach me how it all works.

It's going to be weird to go on vacation on Thursday since I haven't had one in so long. I always scoff and sneer internally at those losers who take work with them on vacation or check email or what have you. Yet, now that I have more responsibilities I can see how it's going to be a little--not hard--but strange to leave it all behind. Oh well, I'm sure the sun on South Padre will bake my brain into oblivion!

"So little to do and plenty of time to do it in!", as Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka would say. "Wait, scratch that--reverse it." Since tomorrow is my b-day and we'll be busy sleeping in, having lunch, possibly going to the gym for one last bathing suit workout (and I've been mostly good lately! Mano came over last night and brought pizza and I had NONE of it!), picking up my b-day cake, having the b-day dinner with friends and family, I've got a lot to do before we actually leave Thursday morning: get to the library and stock up on books, DVD's and CD's if they got any good ones, get to the store to buy drinks and snacks for the drive and our hotel room, and pack, which I am way out of practice on. My goal is to leave Thursday morning by 9am since it's a 6-hour drive down to Padre.

Ok, so this is Year of the Rat which is my actual Chinese zodiac sign. Here is what they say about the Rat, with comments from me (Interesting Trivia Note: my mom is one, too!):

"Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. [I'll buy that.] They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. [Hell yeah, all of the above!] Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. [I concur.] 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. [Hee hee, 'tis so true.] They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. [All the time.] 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. [Yes, but I actually have lots of close friends, all of whom were still chosen extremely exclusively and most of whom I trust.]

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. [Unfortunately, yes.] 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. [Actually, I have little control over my temper in lots of situations.] Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. [Yes, S calls me the Master Shit Talker and my filthy mouth has been known to astonish many.] Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. [Most definitely.] Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection. [Well, yeah!!! I'm a librarian, musician, AND a cop! What choice do I have!]

A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and to avoid forcing their ideas onto others. [Yes, at times I have worried that I've got a little too much sociopath in me thanks to my father's genetics.] 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. [It's true that I always try to be fair no matter what.] 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. [I'm really looking forward to this.] 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. [I don't know about this one. Guilt, after all, is petty bourgeois crap.] 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. [Perhaps. I was born in the afternoon and thank God when things seem to turn out easy for me.] Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism and nostalgia, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives. [Yes! Lord knows I've been tempted a time or two. Except for the gambling and drugs. I hate gambling.]

Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Dragons, and Oxen. [S is none of these but that doesn't concern me.]

Professions include espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective work, acting, and pathology." [All the above sounds awesome to me except for the engineering and maybe the accounting.]

So there it is! I better enjoy my year b/c it only happens every 12 years!