THIS IS MY YEAR

12 January 2022

According to the Chinese calendar, I was born in the year of the goat....and 2022 is another year of the goat.

They say, "People born in a year of the Goat are generally believed to be gentle, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice.

"They have very delicate thoughts, strong creativity, and perseverance, and acquire professional skills well. Although they look gentle on the surface, they are tough on the inside, always insisting on their own opinions in their minds. They have strong inner resilience and excellent defensive instincts.

"Although they prefer to be in groups, they do not want to be the center of attention. They are reserved and quiet, most likely because they like spending a lot of time in their own thoughts."

I don't really pay much attention to astrology, but this description seems to fit me like a T.

There are also various types of goats -- wood, fire, earth, gold and water.  I'm a Water Goat, described as "Always ready to help others, and they can sacrifice their own interests for others."

Negatively, people born in the Year of the Goat are inclined to have changes in their jobs, feelings and marriage, and to suffer physical injuries as well as psychological problems in 2027. However, they can go out for a walk, donate blood, and clean their teeth to avert these issues. It's also highly recommended for them to carry embroidered purses to encourage good luck.

Continuing my investigation of Goats, I read this, which should cause lots of people to laugh a lot:  "Goats also love children, animals and nature. They’re very tidy and are often seen organizing the home."

So much for Goat signs!

Careers Fit for Goats

Goats love helping and taking care of others. Therefore, careers in the service industry would be a good fit. They are suitable as nurses, caretakers and other related jobs. They will take care of every small detail and put their entire heart into it.

Because they are intelligent and sensitive, Goats are also fit for the arts. They never lack creative inspiration. It also provides a more stable environment, which Goats need. In it, they can feel safe and secure.

Other routine and steady careers include typists and teachers. There aren’t many outside influences to worry over. This allows Goats to concentrate on performing the tasks well.

Because of this, Goats shouldn’t try competitive careers such as investment and media. The high intensity will throw them into confusion and anxiety. Goats should also remember to interact with everyone in the team, rather than just a select few.

Well, it seems that at least I managed to follow the appropriate goat careers throughout my working life!

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Boy, the pineapple is more special than I realized.  Not only does it help relieve me of pain, it's also the universal symbol of hospitality!

Coveted for centuries by kings for its scarcity and stately appearance, the pineapple became a symbol of wealth and a worldwide obsession at the beginning of the 16th century. In fact, a single George Washington-era pineapple could fetch as much as $8,000 in today’s dollars. Due to its association with warmth and friendliness, the pineapple soon became a symbol of hospitality in early America. A pineapple was often displayed outside the home as a greeting to visitors. Today, the pineapple remains a fitting symbol of hospitality throughout the world.