I am going to start with a disclaimer. I do not buy into zodiac, astrological signs, and horoscopes to grant me wisdom or discernment. I repeat. I do not buy into zodiac, astrological signs, and horoscopes to grant me wisdom or discernment. All references to such things in this post are purely for entertainment value.

Whew. I’m glad I got that out of the way.

So 2012 is the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese calendar. For reasons unbeknownst to me, my family has always had a Chinese calendar posted on the wall even though we’re not Chinese. I know-it’s confusing to me, too. Apparently, the year you are born somehow aligns with the stars to indicate what animal you represent. This is the Year of the Dragon, and this person is characterized by the following:

"The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with people."

Hello?? This is me. Conformity is a curse? Rules and regulations are made for other people? Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life? I am a Dragon!
But, no, based on my birth date, I was born the Year of the Sheep. More specifically, the Earth Sheep.

"Sheep simply want a bit of peace. They enjoy carrying on with life in their own quiet, individual way, content to be in the middle of it all rather than to be leading it. Sheep are quiet and calm people. They enjoy cultural things and focus much of their energy on artistic hobbies. Sheep are easygoing and relaxed, happy to be going with the flow.

The Earth element gives the Sheep a grounded effect. Although he struggles with a lack of self-confidence, this Sheep is a very stable person. They are independent and practical, leaning more towards conservancy than liberality. An Earth Sheep’s family is his most important asset and he spends his life working hard to provide for his loved ones. Earth Sheep are born with a joy for life that generally becomes infectious as you get to know him."

Me? Quiet? Content to be in the middle rather than leading? Calm? Easygoing and relaxed, happy to go with the flow?

Those of you who know me- have I ever been accused of being too calm and easygoing? It’s like the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine enters bizarro world. Me as a Earth Sheep is bizarro!
But, as I read it again, I can’t help but wish that I were a person who seeks peace and is relaxed and easygoing. That would certainly alter my state of being a neurotic, control freak who doesn’t know how to relax. Why would I want to be a Dragon? Historically, dragons are creatures that people despise and seek to destroy. Dragons also lead solitary lives and only have companions by kidnapping people.

No, I behave like a Dragon, but all of my dreams and aspirations are to be more like a Sheep.

Okay, I’ll give it a try. “Baaaa…baaa…(breathe fire)….baaa…baaaa…(breathe some more fire)…

So what’s your sign?