I am behind the times. (sorry this got really long)

Luckily, Chinese New Year's last 15 days.

It's been crazy. And I have sorta been self absorbed, so #1 reminded me yesterday that I didn't give them their New Year wishes. Now, if you don't really know me..and only know via the world wide web, then you have no idea that I am from Hawaii and have been blessed to be a mix of different nationalities. I love it. And growing up, never really thought anyone was one thing. The charm of Hawaii is that everyone is a "mixed plate" of things. I happen to be Hawaiian (Native), Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and White. Okay, English. But brought up in a primarily an Asian house. Chinese and Japanese customs and traditions where always observed in our house. And in Hawaii, schools celebrate every holiday under the sun. Just in case someone is something.

Okay...so every year at this time my children pull out the Chinese Astrology book and try and see what their predictions for the year. Now, Chinese are extremely traditional. There are a list of a million things that you are and aren't suppose to do during the New Year Eve and Day and this 15 day period.

How Your House Should Be Cleaned

The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.

Of course this didn't happen at my house. I did..not clean on Chinese New Year. But mostly just an excuse not to clean!!!

Each one of my children did receive their Lai See. Which is red envelopes with crisp dollar bills inside. This is a tradition my children NEVER forget. Oh and lucky candy. But Lai See is for children and unmarried people that come to your house to celebrate. It is suppose to symbolize you being blessed with money through out the year. It is the one tradition that every Chinese child LIVES for!

For me, it's always been Gau. Which is a dessert. And I can make myself sick on it.

Anyway..so back to my children...so in order..

#1 is a Pig or Boar. Depending where you read it. Because she is born in year of the pig, I have always called her my piglet.

According to Chinese astrology, someone born in the year of the Boar is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, they are often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of the Boar having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in Boars; they won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.

It's scary how much this is #1. Not that we ever really believe in these things. Because we are Christians and have no belief in the stars and tea leaves. But it is always fun!!!

My hope for her this year is that she finds something she is totally passionate about and just pursue it!

#2 Was born in the year of the horse. And she is absolutely a horse!

The horse personality is often willing to give as well as expect a lot of liberty. These people are extremely independent and confident. The horse person is very quick-witted, inquisitive and determined. They are very good at recognizing patterns: she or he is on to the thought in your mind even before you've expressed it. In general, these people are gifted.They adore being the center of everyone's attention, but they prefer to be recognized for their skills and are easily flattered. On the other hand these people have an honesty and genuine warmth which attracts lots of people and helps them make new friends. People as a rule confide in a horse person because he/she is sincerely interested in their thoughts and feelings and is able to help with both wise words and an action, but there is a small problem about it - the horse person is so excited by new discoveries that it is difficult for them to keep a secret. This is not something that arises out of malice or revenge - sometimes they just cannot help themselves.

The Sheep, Goat, or Ram, is thought to be the most artistic or creative sign of the zodiac. The Sheep is artistically talented and has a great sense of fashion. Chances are that this type will prefer to be a designer or painter, or go into the kind of profession where he/she can make the most of his/her gift for creating beautiful things.

These people are extremely beautiful creatures - they think before acting, and try not to hurt anyone's feelings. If it ever happens that the Sheep person causes unforeseen problems, it is very likely that he/she will step forward to rectify the situation. This side of their character helps them maintain a healthy social life as well as enabling them to deal with life's ups and downs.

My hopes for my children....

#1 that she finds something she is so passionate about this year. whatever it is, and I know I should be careful of what I ask for...but I really just want her to fall in love with something and do it!!

#2 that she starts to take the time to just be 6..well almost 7. She always wants to be older then she is!!!

#3 that she starts to stay a little more focused and find a way to focus all of her healthy energy!

Sorry this was such a killer post!

xoxo

ronee