Kung Hei Fat Choi!!
It’s the Chinese New Year and this is the start of the Year of the Monkey.
Living in a city with such a large Asian population, it is difficult to ignore the Chinese calendar and the celebration of the new year that seems to go on for a month.
… but I have mixed feelings about the Year of the Monkey.
I was born in a Monkey year, and based on my (admittedly limited) research, Monkey years are not necessarily kind to Monkeys. I just have to look back on the 2 most recent Monkey years – 2004 and 1992 – to realize how true that is.
They were both years of great turbulence in my life. There were significant upheavals in both my career and personal life. My self-confidence took a beating and more than a few tears were shed along the way. For every step I moved forward, it seemed I was pushed back three.
Even worse, 2004 was the year we almost lost our oldest son. While he bears the significant physical scars from that year, I still suffer from emotional scars that don’t seem to heal. Without question, 2004 was THE WORST year of my entire life.
That doesn’t exactly set the stage for feeling excited about another Monkey year … and I don’t seem to be the only one who feels that way.
In previous years, homes in my neighbourhood would be decorated with large red banners for the new year. This year, I’ve seen nothing. Could it be that everyone is reluctant to attract the attention of the mischievous anthropoid?
In 6 weeks I will be 5 Monkeys old and I’m trying to be brave about it, but I’m really hoping the 2016 Monkey is kinder and gentler than his predecessors. If not, I don’t intend to go down without a fight.
[…] February I wrote a post about 2016 being the Year of the Monkey, and although Monkeys are charming, creative people (ahem … comme moi, par exemple), Monkey […]
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Hello from a Wood Goat! I’ve just been reading up on this stuff and it’s very interesting. I must have another look in my two Feng Shui books. All the very best for you and your family for 2016. I’m off to print out my predictions for 2016 and track down a charm or two. 🙂
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Yay! Another Goat!!
Based on my reading, you’re the animal everyone loves 🙂
I love reading the predictions. They fall into 2 categories for me:
1) yay! I’m going to look forward to that
2) oh, I can’t possibly let that happen!
Good luck and Happy Lunar New Year 🙂
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It was interesting to see my love matches. I’m not a good judge, apparently. 🙂
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I should have known you were a monkey. (Just as it probably wouldn’t surprise you to know I’m a goat.) All that monkey business….
Here’s wishing you a Curious George year rather than a King Kong year.
[To all the pedants: Yes, I know King Kong is an ape not a monkey but if you can provide a murderous monkey alternative, I’ll gladly amend my comment.]
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No, I’m not surprised at all that you are a goat/sheep ❤
I like the idea of a Curious George year. It sounds like considerably more fun than a King Kong year!!
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I’ve never really liked using the Sheep version because they have that whole “following the crowd” vibe that doesn’t sit comfortably. Acting the goat, on the other hand….
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We are a family who LOVE goats. I could watch baby goat videos for hours 🙂
This one of a little goat named Buttermilk is our favourite. Son #1 is a human version of Buttermilk 😉
http://www.wimp.com/mischievousgoat/
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I’ve had kids in my class like that. Hur hur hur.
I think the black one needs some assertiveness training.
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bwahahahaha!! I hadn’t thought of it that way. I wondered why Buttermilk kept picking on the same little goat.
When Jordan was little, we would get regular phone calls from the school because he was disruptive. He wasn’t bad or mean – just excitable. Really, REALLY excitable.
Fun times
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I’m sorry your monkey years have been bad to you. 😦 I wonder if there’s any superstition attached to it. Fire horses (especially if they are women) are known for the worst luck on the calendar, as the symbol is seen as a calamity… I’ve heard of no tales related to the monkey, but I’m sure this year you’ll make your own luck. Or at least keep the troublemaker out of your life. 🙂
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I don’t know anything about horses – real or calender related. I hadn’t heard about Fire Horses, but I’m suddenly rather relieved I’m not one of them!
I agree with you about creating our own luck. From what I understand, this is a yang year – go out and get what you want. Risks are rewarded. I like to live my life with that kind of philosophy, so I’m glad it’s being encouraged this year 🙂
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Oh yeah, it’s so bad that women actually try to avoid getting pregnant in the year of the fire horse. For a lot of superstitious areas, that’s enough of a brand to not get married to that person!
But I agree. Go out and take some risks! I’ll be joining you with a huge cannonball! 🙂
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I’m a dragon and I’m going to breathe a whole lot of fire and blaze a happy trail ahead for you in 2016 xxx
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oooo – Monkeys and Dragons are very good friends 🙂 I’m very appreciative of having a dragon in my corner helping to blaze trails ❤
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My family say that Dragon suits me. I’m not surprised that Monkeys and Dragons are good friends 🙂
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I know very little about Chinese astrology, Joanne, so no monkey survival advice is forthcoming from this quarter. I think I’m a dog or a pig – I can’t keep it straight. Ha ha. Maybe that makes me immune to the influence. I hope this year of the monkey is an improvement over the last ones. 🙂
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You know what they say about “being forewarned is being forearmed”. That’s how I feel right now 🙂
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It embarrasses me to admit I know as much as I do about Chinese astrology (:-)) but here’s what I can tell you. Each astrological sign is impacted differently by the sign of the year – in this case monkey. What sign is oldest son born under? Find out, then look up how that sign (in that specific year; because different years in the same sign have different good luck/bad luck implications within the year of the monkey), and look up his outlook. There could be recommendation on things to do / avoid to counterbalance the monkey’s shenanigans. Also, (and I haven’t done this myself ….YET), you can get Chinese charms from temples (or in your case, likely at the Pacific Mall :)) which, apparently, also ward off some of the bad juju. Good luck!
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Thanks Nancy. I always joke that I’m the Placebo Queen. Maybe it’s time to brave the Pacific Mall again and re-enforce my life with some good luck charms 🙂
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Couldn’t hurt!
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It would seem that after five, you’re entitled to a good one. I hope you have a great year.
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Thanks Dan. I hope it’s a great one for everyone 🙂
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You were born in a monkey year. I bet a lot of people think that’s special. I know I enjoy reading your stuff. And how was 68 and 80? My son was born and conceived in 92. We nearly lost him in pregnancy and birth. But he’s tough as; I think like you. You’ ll have a great year.
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Thanks Mick 🙂
So your son is also a tough little monkey! Interestingly, my mom told me I nearly died at birth as well. I was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck.
I hope we all have a great year – especially your not-so-little monkey 🙂
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Hi Joanne – I’m a rat … I think I’ll leave it at that. Perhaps correctly defined re my blog – constantly scurrying and investigating … just noticed that Marissa is too … cheers Hilary
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Rats are also very resourceful which means they usually enjoy great success 🙂
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No monkey business this year…it is going to be a great year for you and your loved ones, because I said so. 🙂
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Thank you. Hopefully your stern talking-to has the bad monkey hiding in the corner 😉
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The can be nothing scarier than the thought of something happening to our children. I think 2016 is going to be a very exciting year for you Joanne, with your amazing trip ahead of you! Monkeys, be damned!
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It’s so true. It’s one thing to mess with me, but mess with my kids, and the gloves come off 😉
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Wishing you a happy, healthy year ahead. To the best year yet, Monkey! From your Rat friend,Colby. 🙂
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ooo -Monkeys and Rats are very good friends! Wishing you lots of fun and prosperity in the Monkey year 🙂
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Really?!?! I love it! Ditto!
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Goodness, I hope you get through this monkey year without mishap! Wishing you all the best!
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Monkey years are supposed to be very good for innovation and creativity. I just hope we all get through it healthy and undamaged 🙂
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Here’s to innovation and creativity! 🙂
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Joanne I am so sorry to hear about your son. I can not imagine the stress of what such a journey brings. I’m sending hugs at the thought of it.
I have a feeling this year is going to be a fabulous one for you. An amazing trip in the fall and you are going to be so strong for it!
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Thanks so much for the hugs. Thankfully he’s a strong and healthy man today and I hope he stays that way for a very long time!!
… and you also have a huge adventure ahead of you, Sue! It can’t be very long now until you leave for Australia.
In case your suitcase feels a little heavier than it should, it’s because I’m stowed away in an inside pocket 😉
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Thank goodness his health is great now Joanne. Sending good wishes for a long life of that!
I wondered why my carry on felt so heavy. It’s all right. Anything for you. 🙂 Less than two weeks to go.
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Sorry – I put on a bit of weight. I’ll somehow make it up to you 😉
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Oh you are hilarious!
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It sucks when you get bad fortunes…it’s like trying to change the ending of a bad dream. Well, You certainly have developed a toughness over the years. Keep that same attitude you had last year and that bad monkey wont have a chance.
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Thanks Mrs. P. I’m hoping for a good, well-behaved monkey this year.
I’m also aware that a lot of good came out of those very rough years.
I hope the year is very kind and generous to you 🙂
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Hmm – seems I was born in the year of the horse and for my 5th year of the horse I became my horse Romy’s owner – kinda neat! I hope you get that monkey off your back and have a wonderful year.
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That is so cool!! It seems so appropriate 🙂
Let’s just say that I’m on my guard this time and this monkey isn’t taking me down without a fight 😉
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I know who I’ll be backing😊
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I recommend you buy a monkey and treat it well during the year. This will bring you good luck. Either that or you’ll be completely miserable trying to take care of a monkey.
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Maybe I’ll just go to the zoo and visit the monkeys. I prefer to keep the little rascals a respectable distance away from me 😉
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That’s it, Joanne. Put on your boxing gloves and smack that damn monkey. This will be a great year for you and your family. Keep going forward!
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I’m strong and determined … a powerful combination. I’m going to knock the snot out of this year 🙂
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Hopefully this monkey year is different. Did you go to any of the festivities yesterday?
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I’m really hoping this is a kind and generous Monkey year for everyone. Unfortunately, I didn’t get out at all on the weekend so I missed any celebrations.
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You got this….ain’t no monkey that can whoop you!! 🙂
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Yay! I have you in my corner 🙂
I’m planning to bring my A-game to this year 😉
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I’m a water snake and I am supposedly ‘Clever, creative, lively, and communicative, but sentimental’. Mmm.. dunno about that sentimental bit, I think the OH might disagree. I do have one wood monkey granddaughter ‘Always ready to help others. Compassionate, strong self-esteem but stubborn‘ – she is very helpful and also very argumentative, we often clash, but I think I am rather stubborn myself. Anyway, I hope you (and she) have a lovely year monkeying around (sorry, couldn’t help myself) she will be 12 this year and already acts like she is 18!
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Darn – wish I had thought of the monkeying around 😉
Wish you grand-daughter a great Monkey year from me!
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😀
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Hi there, and a very happy Monkey year to you! I have heard about all this — didn’t Canada Post put out stamps when it was the year of the Pig?! That’s about as far as my knowledge goes. Just found out I was born in the years of the Sheep. That feels good … I like sheep. Also noticed that last years was a Sheep year, and I didn’t even know. It was an okay year though.
So sorry to hear about your son. I hope those emotional scars will be covered with really thick scar tissue, with time.
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Thank you 🙂
I don’t remember any pig stamps, but it sounds cute.
I’m hoping we get to the end of this Monkey year with plenty of fun stories and adventures 🙂
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Sorry about your son in that monkey year.
We’ll all help you celebrate your 50th and I’m sure is there is any monkey business this year, we’ll scare him away. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Oh Tess, I wish it was my 50th! It’s actually my 60th 🙂
I’m hoping for lots of fun monkey business and none of the nasty shenanigans … but I’m ready for whatever life throws at me 🙂
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We have no choice, do we. *sigh*
I hope this is a fantastic year for you.
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… and you too 🙂
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Joanne, I am so excited because I was born in the Year of the Wood Sheep. Seriously never looked this up before and it mentions compassion as an important trait and that there are many professions wood sheep may follow. . . Smiles, Robin
Will your monkey and Marissa’s rat get along with my wood sheep? 😀
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ahh – the gentle and kind sheep. Not surprising that would be you 🙂
I don’t really know about the compatibility of the sheep but I’m going to guess yes!! 🙂
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Good to know should we meet up I will expect you to play pranks and create monkey business! 🙂
I like your being forewarned and I know this won’t stop your Big Plan!
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This was sad about your son, Joanne. I hope that this will be the best Year of the Monkey in your Life! You have a fantastic trip planned and great goals ahead to work on! Happy Chinese New Year to you, dear friend! I will have to look to see what animal 1955 was. . . will come back to tell you about my search! I mentioned the Chinese New Year but was more of a fantasy post! 🙂
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Thankfully my son recovered and is doing well now. It’s one of those things we – as a family – will never forget.
Monkeys are unpredictable so we’ll have to see what the year dishes out for us. Personally, I’m forewarned and on my guard!
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Living in Vancouver make me very aware of the Chinese New Years celebration. I have learned I am a fire sheep but I too am not sure what that means. I really hope this year bring better luck and experiences than the previous monkey years.
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Yes, in Vancouver you would definitely see a lot of the Chinese culture. Are you noticing the same thing there … that celebrations this year seem to be much more subdued than usual?
Happy New Year to you and yours 🙂
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Will this be your Jiazi birthday? I just had mine (I’m a goat/wood) and it’s apparently very, very special in Asian cultures (the word is different in Korean and Japanese, but it means the same)… and your children are supposed to put on quite a celebration for you. I hope your Monkey year is full of fun and adventure for you!
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Yes, it is my Jiazi birthday but I didn’t know Asian cultures consider it special. I wonder if my sons got the memo 😉
I certainly have a lot of adventure planned for the year, I hope it will also be fun!!
Best wishes that the Monkey is generous and kind to you and yours 🙂
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I’m not really a zodiac follower — Chinese or Western — (total Virgo trait, haha). I tend more to Charlie’s view, and reiterate his wishes for you, and indeed for all of us.
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Back at you Su. Hope the Monkey is a good year for you 🙂
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Thanks Joanne; it’s certainly shaping up to be a year of change.
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Oh yes!! 🙂
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Well, I don’t know what it all means, but I’m a sheep, so I’m hopeful that being a sheep is a good thing! Concerning past monkey years…..I’m hopeful that you’ve gotten the bad out of the way and are now on track to reap rewards….consider….this winter being as mild as it has been is a pretty good omen, yes?
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Let’s hope we all have a great year and come out the other end unscathed 🙂
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I was born in the year of the tiger and I can attest that tiger years have been years of change – often difficult for me. My son is a monkey and he’s a joy but we don’t always get along. He doesn’t like to get advice which I love to give (tiger mom). I hope the change this year will probably bring will be only good!
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hahaha – from what I understand, Tigers and Monkeys don’t always get along very well. Monkeys are too mischievous for the serious Tiger 🙂
I have my fingers crossed for good things happening this year.
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I don’t know much for sure, but I would say that life isn’t about what was, or could be, it is only about this single moment you occupy…I would hope for you in this new year that your path be sunny, and may you be fortunate enough to walk with those who make you happy, even if it is just for a few minutes.
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What a beautiful sentiment!! That would be my wish for everyone … that we may all be lucky enough to walk with those who make us happy!! ❤
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Wow, wishing you the best this year! I’m a rat myself.
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That explains why I love your blog so much! Rats and monkeys get along very well together 🙂
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Oh really? Never knew that but makes perfect sense!
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