Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Isabella is an Ox (and so is mommy)

So I just found out baby BellaReese is an ox! In terms of the chinese horoscope/calendar and I am too!

Here are some fun stuff about her and I, it will be interesting to see if this is anywhere close to who she turns out to be. I will italicize things that I think are true about me or may be true about baby! Enjoy!

Chinese Horoscopes - The Ox

Those born under the influence of the Ox are fortunate to be stable and persevering. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task or an objective. (just refer to this blog to see my drive to get things done). As we used this great creature long ago to plow the soil day after day, so do Ox people labor through their daily responsibilities either at work or at home without complaint or gripe. Oxen know they will succeed through hard work and sustained effort and find no truth or benefit in concocting get-rich-quick schemes.

Years of the Ox
Ox years are second in sequence and recur every twelve years. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Ox year actually begins.

THE SIGN OF THE OX
Pragmatic and down-to-earth, Ox people are motivated to work hard and have no respect for lazy or careless people. (Not completely true, I can be lazy...just don't be lazy when things HAVE to get done). Although they can be easily trusted and find it easy to put trust in others, they are not dependent on friends and family and would rather find an answer or a solution themselves than to ask these people for help or guidance. However, others can, without a doubt rely on Oxen, who are always honest and meticulous about their responsibilities. While they do not feel the need for many distant or acquaintance-oriented friendships, they value the strong bonds they share with their partners and families, and make close friends that last a lifetime.
Though they are quite open-minded, once Ox people have made a decision about something, they rarely change it. This is a defining characteristic that can be seen as obstinacy, but it is actually the way an Ox learns to be strong, brave and straightforward. It is the way the Ox learned to take on tasks and responsibilities and how he learns to be reliable for others. Oxen are more comfortable with the well-known as opposed to the unfamiliar. Yet, beneath their unpretentious, tranquil exterior lies a heart of gold and a motivation to prosper.

OXEN FACTS:
People born in the Year of the Ox share certain characteristics. The Ox sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Ox.

CHARACTERISTICS
Obstinate, Pouty, Truthful, Motivated, Friendly, Apathetic, Genuine, Quick-tempered

IN YOUR ELEMENT
The characteristics of the Ox sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.
THE METAL OX, THE WATER OX, THE WOOD OX, THE FIRE OX, AND THE EARTH OX

I am the WOOD OX and Bella is an Earth OX

THE WOOD OX 192S AND 1985
Understanding and fair, these are the least unyielding of the Oxen and the most apt to change and accept new ideas. A more liberal attitude gives them the ability to appreciate the value of being a part of a team, and other members of the team respect the high principles of the Wood Ox. They are particularly self-confident giving them an air of unspoken authority. This characteristic means that Wood Oxen are often chosen as leaders or spokespeople. They also have a shorter fuse than other Ox people, and are more likely to be outspoken or to stand up in a crowd to be heard. These Oxen are quite devoted to those they love and make strong and affectionate friends and relations. (some of this is true, some is not, like I do not feel the need to be heard in a crowd... I enjoy watching the crowd)

THE EARTH OX 1949 AND 2009
The most reliable and diligent Oxen belong to this collection of Oxen. The Earth element balances many of their negative characteristics. These Oxen are show good judgement, a good characteristic for successful financial dealings. Other people tend to look up to Earth Oxen because of their reliability, sincerity and their modest ambitions. They are willing to tackle the workload when it become overbearing for others and are loyal and compassionate with family and friends.


HEALTH AND HOME

HEALTH
People born under the sign of the Ox usually have strong codes and work ethics. This can lead to a tendency to be a workaholic, and they should make an effort to relax more. Many Oxen work in relatively stationary occupations, and would benefit from squeezing a little exercise into their routines. They are prone to bone and joint problems - especially the knees (ha! I wish I would have read this before junior year of high school!) - and must pay special attention to these areas. However, Ox people are usually strong and robust, and, according to ancient wisdom, should be blessed with long lives.

AT HOME WITH THE OX
The Ox’s home is his castle, a place where he finds relaxation and peace from the everyday hustle and bustle of his career or responsibilities. This is where he spends time with his friends and loved ones. The Ox generally prefers to decorate his home with nature’s colors, i.e. golds, greens and oranges. However, since the Ox is associated with January, winter colors might be more appealing.

CAREER AND FINANCE

THE OX ON THE JOB
Able, ethical and aware, colleagues of the Ox will marvel at their methodical approach and will depend on their eyes for detail. Oxen are not phased by routines, probably because they are so well-organized. They are better-suited for specialized positions and prefer to work in large companies. They do, however, work best when they work alone since they can be unhappy when participating in a large group.

MONEY AND THE OX
Oxen believe in security, and thus don’t usually take wild risks or financial gambles. They are meticulous about spending money and work hard to ensure they will be able to retire comfortably.

OX CAREERS
Those born in the Year of the Ox share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Ox are listed below:
OX MAKE EXCELLENT:
Painters (like grandpa jim)
Interior designers (like grandma kelly)
Carpenters
Mechanics
Horticulturists
Engineers (like great grandpa Alton)
Draftsmen
Architects
Army Officers
Managers (kind of like papa george)
Quarry Workers
Academics (like grandma Marcie or grandpa jim or great grandma trudy)
Archeologists
Osteopaths
Physioherapists
Bankers
Investment brokers (like grandpa mike)
Real estate agents (like dad or grandpa mike)


Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES
The Ox is a lover of stability, a great traditionalist and a homemaker. Rarely would you expect an Ox person to be an extrovert pleasure-seeker. They are happiest in the peace of their own home territory.
Oxen Like:
Color Preference: Violet
Gems and Stones: Jade, Emerald, Moss-Agate, Lapis-Lazuli
Suitable Gifts: Kitchen accessories, gardening and planting books, cookbooks, bonsai trees
Hobbies and Pastimes: Body-Building, Baking, Gardening, Listening to music, Sewing
Oxen Dislike: Making small talk, foolish games, feeling insecure


THE OX VACATION
Actually, Oxen are homebodies, preferring the lure of the sofa or the garden to extravagant vacations far away from home (not true! Europe, here I come!). They are very happy just staying at home, spending their summer vacations catching up with the hobbies and pastimes that their workloads have prevented them from taking on previously. (that being said, I would love to just spend days sewing and scrapbooking and painting) Whether they are planting flower beds, or enjoying a sunset on their newly-built front porch, it is all quite satisfying to them. If they do decide to take a trip, you can bet they’ll head for the hills to do some hiking or rock climbing (or camping or fishing).

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES (very true for me...should be interesting to see how Bella fits in since Brian is just the opposite, for the most part)
Oxen are not the most sociable people and tend not to mix easily in social gatherings (depends on if I know people or not, when I don't know people, I feel awkward). Instead, they would rather be at home, enjoying their privacy and anonymity. Unlike the Rat, the Monkey, or the Rooster, the Oxen tend not to have a little black book, preferring a few very loyal friends to a large network of acquaintances. Oxen do know how to shine at social occasions, but more often than not they dislike small talk. These are wary people, unlikely to ignite friendships on the spur of the moment. They like to take their time and get to know people before disclosing themselves fully. A happy, solid relationship with their partner and children is the most satisfying goal they could accomplish.


OX PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Oxen make very protective parents (I am protective of my dog!). People born under this sign will unselfishly work their fingers to the bone to provide a thriving, happy and secure home where their children feel safe. In return, however, the Ox mother and father demand that their youngsters be courteous, respectful and polite. In comparison to other parents, Oxen can seem a bit authoritarian but they are conventional and believe in instilling within their children a belief system. A good education is especially important and by utilizing their educational opportunities, Oxen children can make their lives and relationships with their parents a lot easier. Ox parents expect their children to listen, behave and be attentive while they are at school. Showing rebellion is the fastest way to be punished in the Oxen household.
Oxen, especially female Oxen, tend to start their families early on and completely immerse themselves in caring for and parenting their children. This can lead to dependent children and can pose a problem for parents who are trying to teach their children to become self-reliant.

THE OX INFANT AND CHILD
Children born under the sign of the Ox are quiet and amenable. They develop into solid, independent, resourceful children, and are happiest when left to entertain themselves. If interrupted, provoked or forced to do something against their will, they are likely to pout or show themselves, despite their audience. Generally, Ox-born children are shy, and for many, childhood is quite lonely partly due to them liking to be alone and partly because their siblings are usually much older or younger than they. At school, subjects with a constructive appeal will be of the most interest to them. They like art and music as well. They are creative children who enjoy sports too. (GOD I HOPE SO!!!) They are respectful, polite, hard-working, children…something their parents take very seriously.

OXEN PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS
Some parents click immediately with their children and some find they will never have a close relationship no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Oxen parents and their children.

Lovers and spouses
THE OX LOVER
Oxen dislike chit-chat. They don't have fun at parties and as aforementioned, don’t have a ton of friends. They are not very sociable and would rather be spending their time at home with their families. When the Ox is in love, he does not confirm his feelings verbally, preferring to show you how he feels rather than tell you. An Ox will take a long time to decide if you are the right match for him because Oxen hate change, and want to find someone who is ready to embark upon a stable marriage. Oxen never rush into anything and are not flirtatious people. Once they have committed to you they will usually be faithful and expect reciprocation of their honorable actions.

MARRIAGE
Unfortunately, many Ox marriages do fall apart after a couple of years, possibly because the Ox is too dominant or inflexible. (ba humbug to this!) But if an Ox fortunate, and has chosen wisely, the couple can build and maintain a close-knit family to which the Ox will completely devote himself.

THE OX LOVE PARTNER
Oxen are strong, silent, reliable people who sometimes take for granted that their relationship is a partnership and that they make not always be the dominant figure. Other Animals may find them quite stubborn and overbearing. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how an Ox will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

EAST MEETS WEST

LEONINE OX (if she is born before her due date)
This combination produces leaders who feel the need to be in control. They also take themselves seriously and throw themselves into any project they under take. They are happiest with an adoring partner who will love them completely.

or Isabella could be a

VIRGO OX (if she is born on or after)
These individuals are practical but they can lose sight of what’s important and can fuss over small details. Unmatched in honesty and ethics, they are responsible and respected.
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Overall, there are some resounding truths, and some not so true for me. I think it should be interesting to see how Isabella comes out, because where I am somewhat anti-social, Brian is very social. I think she will pick up on that from him. I have a feeling she will be one social butterfly!

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