Gung Hay Fat Choy! 恭喜發財

That's Happy Chinese New Year to yas. It's the Year of the Rat. According to everyone's favorite bargain-basement encyclopedia, those born in the Year of the Rat are:

"leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. ...

Rats tend to have immense control of their emotions, ...Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.

According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives."

Traditionally, Red Packets containing money are given out to loved ones and friends. I've never gotten a red packet, well, at least not one with actual money in it, but I'm not bitter. Ehem, Baby G...