Reading the Stars

I'm fond of reading horoscopes just for the simple fun of it. I love reading descriptions of my Aries/Monkey personality and learning who I'm compatible with. Like everyone else I guess, I like knowing what the future holds for me. I mean I don't consult it before I make any big decisions, I'm more of a 'selective' believer. I only believe it when it gives me good news. =)

So just for the heck of it, I'm posting here what will happen to me this year. Let's see if they will come true.

Here's what the Western horoscope has in store for me in 2011:

Year 2011 Overview
Out with the old matrix and in with something totally different -- with trailblazing Rams leading the way as usual. It's all about the new in 2011. Others will take their cues from you especially when Uranus follows Jupiter into Aries in March. You won't have a second to forget that you're the consummate pioneer of the zodiac. With Jupiter and Uranus tag teaming it in your constellation, much new ground needs breaking in 2011. You'll barely have a second to rest and process all the brand spanking newness that has become part and parcel of your everyday life. Long-distance travel, philosophy, higher learning and experimentation are all par for a very exciting course as this mighty year unfolds.

Expect a birthday season to remember with lucky Jupiter and life-changing Uranus working wonders in your fiery stars. Your innate go-getter instincts are off the charts. As the spring season gets underway, life hits maximum speed (sleep, what's that?) May Day alert: Circle May 1 on your calendar with a big red sharpie, Rams! An explosive amount of Aries planetary energy abounds as six -- count 'em, six -- planets traverse your incendiary corner of the zodiac simultaneously. This includes Moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus all rallying for your cause. Age of Aquarius themes pop up as Jupiter in fact does align with Mars on this very powerful day. Every second counts and actions speak infinitely larger than words.

Summertime brings Jupiter's jackpot in your money sector. Expect a nice fattening of the piggy between June and December with incredible opportunities to make the big bank. Love, pleasure and romance hit a high note in late September. Venus brings the beauty and love to your partnership sector while Mars simultaneously brings the sparks to your romance sector. Long-distance travel and adventures galore take precedence in November. While in December professional responsibilities will demand the majority of time and energy. But if you're willing to go the extra mile, your status could easily skyrocket.
And here's what the Chinese have to say:

Monkey Overview
If last year was a whirlwind, you might need to hang on for another wild ride. In the Year of the Metal Rabbit, things will probably ebb and flow without much warning. You'll have to buckle down and do some serious planning in order to get the most out of 2011, and you might be in for a challenge. You have plenty of ingenuity and flexibility, so call on those strengths when things get sticky. The Rabbit favors peace and order, which could clash with your love of fun and games. Use your favorable months to get ahead and lay low during the unfavorable ones. You might not have a blockbuster year, but there are lessons to be learned. Seek out the moral of the story and try to live by it.

Monkey Career
If other things are shaky this year, work might be a solid foundation to stand on. While I wouldn't recommend rocking the boat, stay proactive at the office and offer to take on more. You might have to put in overtime, but your dedication won't go unnoticed. Try to stay put for now, even if you're restless. Can you make your cubicle more entertaining? Bring some headphones to work and get inspired by some tunes. Buy donuts and bagels for your co-workers. Chummy up with your colleagues at office outings. Anything you can do to make work more fun will probably help you stay productive.

Monkey Relationships
The land of love may be rife with conflict this year. The Rabbit loves to be adored and indulged, while you think such things are a bit frivolous. Your partner might have a laundry list of demands that seem ridiculous. Are you just going through a rough patch or are your differences too much to handle? Consider compromise before you go making any rash decisions. It could be you need to be more sensitive this year. Your jokes and Monkey antics aren't understood by all. If you're single, someone might feel like getting serious with you. Are you ready? Make a pros and cons list before you go signing any marriage licenses or mortgage papers.

Monkey Health
Remember that children's song about monkeys jumping on the bed? You might be the first one to fall off this year, so make sure you don't bonk your head. Take care of your health so you don't end up missing out on play time. Are you putting off a doctor's visit? Do you need a teeth cleaning? Better to get it out of the way now rather than wait until it gets worse. The Rabbit's fondness for staying home might not sit well with your active nature. Make sure you get outdoors enough. Stale indoor air can be ridden with germs, so open plenty of windows and clean your surroundings with eco-friendly products. Take up tap dancing or salsa lessons to spice things up when you're in a funk.

Monkey Wealth
Money matters might look brighter than other areas of your life in 2011. Your sign's element is Metal, which bodes well for you in a Metal year. There will be a lot of Triple Metal days to look forward to, which means the element of our year, month and day all align. Mark those on your calendar. While you might not see the tangible rewards yet, your efforts now will bear fruit later. Make sure you're saving a percentage of each paycheck. You could meet with some unexpected expenses this year. Try not to spend on frivolous things. Create a working budget and do your best to stick to it.

By the way, both were taken from the Yahoo! astrology page to get a good comparison. But it seems that the only common denominator is that I'll get loads of money in 2011. I can't complain to that. Bring it on! =)

Mind Your Manners

I'm sure most of us have known these things since we were little kids. But apparently, some people grew up in the jungle together with Tarzan, that they need to be taught these few basic rules:

1. When you cough, sneeze, or burp, please learn to say 'Excuse me' and always cover your mouth! It's bad enough that you're making those disgusting noises. Don't shower us with your germs, too.

2. Always say 'Thank you'. And this should be replied with, 'You're welcome'. Say 'I'm sorry' when you bump into someone or accidentally step on their foot. Don't pretend like nothing happened. 'Thank you', 'You're welcome', and 'I'm sorry' -- Learn these words by heart.

3. Don't talk when your mouth is full. No, that's not multi-tasking when you chew and speak at the same time. We really don't want to see how efficient your incisors and molars are in grinding food.

4. Don't be a litterbug. If you throw something on the street, a housekeeping fairy won't clean up after you and make your trash magically disappear. The world is not your own personal garbage can, so stop acting like it is.

5. Practice some elevator courtesy. Let those getting off the elevator (or lift, if you want to be all British) pass first before you go barging in. There's nothing scarier than being met by a mob in a tiny, enclosed space.

6. If you can help it, never be late for anything. Who wants to be a lady-in-waiting? No one.

That's all for now. But you bet I'll add more to this list in case I bump into those people who have either been raised by wolves or grew up in a bomb shelter.

And They're Back!

I have always been a Jamiroquai fan, from the moment I heard (and saw the MTV of) Virtual Insanity. Love Foolosophy, You Give Me Something and Alright are just some of my favorite songs of theirs. Their music is just so cool! You just can't help but groove to the beat.

And now, just a couple of hours ago, I read in the airline magazine that they've released a new album. Two of the songs are White Knuckle Ride and Blue Skies.

So I listened to White Knuckle Ride first, and I go 'Yup, this is them alright.' It's unmistakably Jamiroquai but a bit more mature. And it's a good thing, like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in a long time.



Then I listen to Blue Skies. Now, this one really surprised me because it sounded more pop and ballad. Ish. A little different than what we're used to hearing from them, but still very nice.



I'm just so happy they're back and hopefully they're here to stay.

01-01-11

As this is the first day of the year, I will start it right by writing my 2011 year-end goals:

1. Weighed X lbs lighter. It's a yearly promise but I intend to keep it this time as I'm not getting any younger or healthier.

2. Saved at least PhpX,000. This is for my future studies and European tour. Of course this would also mean I've already zeroed out any outstanding credit.

3. Read more. Books, magazines, newspapers- anything to prevent brain atrophy.

4. Wear more make-up. Or more specifically give more attention to my appearance. I've never been a girly girl or been really fussy about how I look, but I guess it's time that I start becoming one. I refuse to sport the 'Stressed Out Spinster' look this year. Or ever.

5. Be more adventurous. In my career and in love. I suppose I've always been a passive spectator to my own life, but not anymore. I need to grow up and take charge of my own life if I want anything great to happen this year.

That's all. I won't promise more than I can keep. I'll go back to this list at the end of the year and see if I was able to do all of them. =)

Hope this year brings everyone much love, peace and happiness that they deserve!