Welcoming the Year of the Ox with hope and patience

The year 2009 is the Year of the Ox. According to the Chinese zodiac, those who are born in the Year of the Ox are "patient, speak little and inspire confidence in others".

Influenced by the Ox, these people usually exhibit extraordinary tolerance, endurance and perseverance. As someone born in the Year of the Ox myself, I am flattered to hear that statement, for I have always admired these virtues. In reality, however, I am often impatient, speak too much and thus lose confidence and respect.

The Zodiac interpretation continues: "They tend, however, to be eccentric and bigoted, and they anger easily." Ah! That's more like it, for my wife constantly chews on my ear that I have a horrendous temper like a raging bull.