Rat-Scallion

Welcome to the Year of the Rat!

The Rat (鼠) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with aggression, wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Rat is associated with the earthly branch symbol 子.

OK, you caught me.... it's actually rapscallion .... not Ratscallion... but as is the words definition... I am a rascal! HA HA HA HA HA

I was just reading the news in the world. Lots of blood, unmeasurable pain and sadness. So, after reading about all of the assassinations in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the riots in Africa, the terror bombs in India, the failed hostage release from the FARC, I'm glad to be who I am, where I am, I'm glad the blood in my life is limited to cuts and scratches from my growing children, the riots are over unshared toys and the only bombs in my house are limited to the lavatory... (Of course, Rosie the Wonder dog is in charge of the hostages... And although she is very good about releasing.... the hostages do not usually come through unscathed)

And so without further adeu, I urge you to enjoy your life! Your Year! Your Family! Your Dog! Your House! Your Apartment! Your Job! Your Neighbor (but not too much if he/she is married)! Your co-workers! Your Coffee!

Here's some things to look forward to...

1. Spring is only 12 weeks away! (starts 3/20/08)
2. This year is a LEAP YEAR! (Good news for all of those February 29th babies)
3. First day of Summery June 21st, is only 20 weeks away!
4. If you lose 2 pounds a week, from now until June 21st, you will have lost 40 pounds
5. Likewise, if you lose 1 pound a week from now until June 21st... duh.... that's 20 pounds
6. Here's a link to see what 200 calories looks like: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-200-calories-look-like.htm

Here are some interesting facts...

1. Mosquito repellents don't repel. They hide you. The spray blocks the mosquito's sensors so they don't know you're there
2. Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes
3. No piece of paper can be folded in half more than 7 times.
4. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.
5. Turtles can breathe through their butts
6. No word in the English language rhymes with 'MONTH.'
7. The electric chair was invented by a dentist
8. A University of Arizona study of public restrooms found that the stall closest to the door was consistently the least used and therefore the lowest levels of bacteria
9. If you put a raisin in a glass of champagne, it will keep floating to the top and sinking to the bottom.
10. Nondairy creamer is flammable

Here are some great words to try to work into your everyday conversation...

1. Radscallion - rascal
2. Ruffian - bully
3. Balderdash - Nonsence
4. Outlandish - bizarre
5. Lamebrain - fool
6. Reckless - unthinking boldness
7. Hankering - craving
8. Gangling - awkward
9. Sojourn - visit
10. Bedfellow - friend
11. Humdinger - funny

Life is good! Have a humdinger of a day!