The Chinese Lunar New Year occurs every year on the New Moon of the first lunar month, which is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. The new lunar year begins on February 3, 2011, the year of the Rabbit. A year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. All signs will benefit by focusing on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

Here’s a look at each animal, their major personality traits and what the prospects are for 2011.

The Rat
1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Rats are charming, elegant and clever. They can be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. They’re also thrifty and very good with handling money. Family and close friends are exceptionally important to them as they will always stay loyal. The Rat is charming beyond words and throughout his undoubtedly long life he will always be popular and will have many friends. However, these individuals don’t always plan for the future.

The Rat will feel glad in a lot of ways to see the end of the Year of the Tiger! There were a lot of changes and the pace was fast–not something the Rat is entirely comfortable with. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit is the opposite–its tempo will be slow and steady, and the Rat must try to be patient and remain content with steady progress throughout 2011. Work will again be highlighted but this time the Rat’s experience and knowledge will be called upon, helping him to advance quite nicely in his career. April, October and November are well-starred for this. On the love and romance side of life, there could be cause for celebration during the year in the form of an engagement, wedding or birth. July, August and December and January will be particularly special months. An important aspect of 2011 for the Rat is time for personal growth, hobbies and developing skills that bring happiness. For any Rats that like to write, this year will see their creativity heightened and whether for pleasure or profit, writing is highlighted in a most positive way. Health-wise, the Rat will have felt burnt out sometimes during 2010 and in 2011 his vitality will be improved. He will feel stronger and will also be taking better care of himself, maintaining a good diet and steady exercise routine.

The Ox
1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense – that’s the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox’s priorities. A wonderful loyal friend, the Ox builds long-lasting friendships but not often flexible.

The Ox will have grown quite a bit during 2010. Its whirlwind moments and sudden challenges meant the Ox had to adjust his thinking and change direction on a dime! Some may feel a bit low about the way things went and it’s important to look forward to 2011 and put 2010 firmly behind them. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be encouraging for the Ox. For those who wish to change their career or at least change the direction of it, February, March and September will bring exciting offers and progress. Romance is highlighted in a very special way this year, with unattached Oxen finding themselves in exactly the right place at the right time to meet someone very special. For those in a relationship, this will strengthen and grow. June, July and October are wonderful months for love and romance. Friendship will be important during 2011. Whether the Ox is looking for new friends or drawing on friendships he already has, it’s important that he stays socially active. March, August and December will be particularly busy socially. The Ox should take time to ensure his diet is healthy and that he is taking time to exercise and spend time outdoors. Rest and relaxation will be vital for all Oxen during the Year of the Rabbit.

The Tiger
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Magnetic, passionate and grand! Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers. When the Tiger does anything, it’s noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean. They aren’t good at taking orders from others. It’s sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.

Most Tigers will be feeling quite pleased and energized at the end of their own year in 2010. The Year of the Rabbit will be another positive year for them. Romantic matters are particularly to the forefront, with many born under this sign deciding to get married or to take the relationship to the next level. Single Tigers will have many chances to meet a partner with June to September particularly well aspected. If they have faced recent personal trials and tribulations, 2011 will prove to be a much brighter year. Financially, the Tiger will most likely see an increase in income, either due to a pay rise or an unexpected windfall. With careful planning and budgeting, they can enjoy this monetary increase whilst easing financial burdens. Hobbies and outdoor pursuits will also interest the Tiger this year and will provide relaxation and a social setting, both of which will suit him just fine. Travel and spending holidays with friends will be a focus during late spring and also August and September. If there is a dream location he’s always wanted to visit, this is the perfect year to do so! A house purchase or change of home could very well feature on the cards also. This will be an exciting rather than overly stressful development and Tigers should thrive in their new environment.

The Rabbit
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Cuddly, warm and affectionate are the attributes of the Rabbit. Mysterious and a great party-giver and host, the Rabbit enjoys being the center of attention once in a while. The Rabbit is occasionally over cautious and can be a bit boring. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times but only because they don’t like conflict. The Rabbit is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart.

The Rabbit will have found the momentum during 2010 quite unsettling, not realizing that his accomplishments during the year will set him up beautifully for his own year in 2011. This will be a stunning and most favorable year for him, especially in regard to work and career. His ability to interact with others will put him in the lead for any promotions at work. Also, if the Rabbit is considering a completely different career, this is the perfect time to explore his options. Not only will the change energize him but he will feel happier than he has done in some time. March to May and October to November will be important times for career developments. Finances during the Rabbit’s own year are buzzing, with his luck running high! He may see a salary increase, receive a gift or make extra money from a hobby or entrepreneurial idea. Socially, August, September and December will be hectic! Single Rabbits could meet their significant other this year and the relationship could move very fast. Those with partners will find their relationship becomes more serious and important. Stress and worry over decisions may drain the Rabbit’s vitality during 2011 and it’s very important he gets enough rest and relaxation. He must also remember to call on friends and loved ones for support and advice during any challenging times.

The Dragon
1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Assertive, energetic and talented are all words to describe the Dragon personality. On the other hand, the Dragon has a tendency to be condescending and tactless without realizing it. They generally enjoy robust health and tend to be very successful in anything they turn their hand to. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.

The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be a more balanced and secure year than 2010 for all Dragons. They will have loved the exciting nature of the Tiger year, but now it’s time to take it down a notch or two! Many of them will have had changes in their job and the steadier tempo of 2011 will help them to settle in and possibly even go for promotions. July, September and November will give Dragons a chance to reassess what they’re doing and what direction they now want to go in. The opportunity to retrain or take night classes should be considered seriously. The foundations they now lay will greatly enhance their prospects in 2012–their own year. Romance is beautifully starred with opportunities to meet new people all through the year but particularly during April, June, September and December. On the whole, this will be a positive and happy year for Dragons. The monetary situation will improve for most and their eye for a bargain will be particularly keen. Travel is also highlighted during the Rabbit year and time spent with friends and loved ones will be especially valued. Breaks during April and May or September will prove to be memorable. Hobbies and talents should be pursued and enjoyed as they will provide great pleasure and relaxation during 2011 and could lead to other interesting opportunities.

The Snake
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Intelligent and highly intuitive are two of the Snake’s many fine qualities. He makes an amusing and romantic friend with a definite flirtatious streak. When challenged or criticized he can be a sore loser. The Snake is very lucky with money and is fond of the odd bet or two. He is quick-witted and enjoys reading, music and occasionally the finer things in life.

Snakes like to have plans and follow their itinerary in an orderly fashion–2010 threw all this out the window! The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be a much more appealing year to the Snake and he will feel back on track, albeit still busy and full of activity. The focus of 2011 for the Snake will be to make sure he is doing something he likes, something that allows him to express his creativity and talents and something that he excels at. February, March and October will provide windows of opportunities in his career to achieve this. However, he must put in the effort and make his intentions known, or the windows may close again. Financially, things are looking much brighter for the Snake and with planning and saving, this will be an excellent year. Home decorating and refurbishments are highlighted this year and time at home with family and friends will be treasured. Romance and friendship will be superb in 2011 and he will get much enjoyment from social gatherings, especially ones connected with work. A word of warning for all Snakes, there is the possibility of a lapse in judgment or a piece of harmful gossip–this could lead to awkwardness. Tread carefully! Health-wise, Snakes should take care to have a balanced lifestyle or their energy could suffer.

The Horse
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Fun, charming and attractive sums up the Horse’s traits perfectly. They love parties and crowds and being the center of attention. They can also be egotistical, hotheaded and impatient. The Horse is a considerate and protective friend and partner and when in his company, there will always be excitement around the next corner. The Horse is hardworking and independent; however, these individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others.

The spotlight will have been on the Horse for much of 2010 with his sparkling company and friendship being frequently in demand. In 2011, the focus for the Horse will be on his career, with unexpected developments and promotional opportunities on the cards. He should watch events carefully, for when an opening occurs he will need to act fast and be alert. April, May and October and November will be encouraging months for moving ahead in work or indeed finding a new job altogether. Health and well-being will be on the minds of many Horses in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and it’s a perfect time to re-think fitness routines and diet. Socially, as always, the Horse will be busy, with May to September and December being full of fun opportunities with friends. Attached Horses will fare better than single ones in 2011. If a new romance is on horizon, the Horse would be well advised to relax and let the relationship develop slowly and without rushing. March, September and October are prime months for finding someone special. The Horse is an adventurous soul by nature and may do some traveling to far-flung places in the Year of Rabbit. Financially there is a definite chance for the Horse to increase his earnings over the year and he should make every effort to manage his money carefully.

The Goat
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Graceful and optimistic, kind and easy going, would describe a Goat’s personality. They can also be petulant and discontented, likely to throw the towel in at the beginning of a problem. They can be charming without revealing their true feelings. The Goat is very talented and imaginative and can turn his hand to most creative pursuits. Goats are peace lovers who don’t like disagreements; however, these people can let others take advantage of them too easily.

The Year of the Rabbit starts off brilliantly for those Goats seeking employment or wanting a career change. By networking and keeping his ear to the ground, some exciting possibilities will come up. March, April and September are well-starred for work advancement and positive changes. The past couple of years have been challenging for the Goat and 2011 will be much more upbeat, positive and happy. There will be many chances over the year to make new friends and attend social outings–just what the Goat needs. The support and friendship of others will be very important to him this year and give him the encouragement and confidence he needs. The single Goat will find 2011 an excellent and thrilling year for romance and those who already have a partner may be thinking of taking it to a more serious level. February, August and September will most likely present opportunities for romantic encounters, but the whole year will bring happy social occasions. The Goat must look after his own health this year, ensuring that he is getting enough rest and relaxation. It’s going to be a busy year, in the nicest possible way, but it could also be a bit draining on his vitality. Financially, things are looking much brighter than in previous years and many Goats will have fun buying bits and pieces for their home or taking short trips.

The Monkey
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

The Monkey is playful, lively, fun and a quick thinker. They are popular people but these individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief. Monkeys get bored very easily and find it hard to settle down to doing any one thing. They can also be vain and offhand. Monkeys are ambitious and usually very good with investing money. With their quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, they are a great party guest. The Monkey’s life will never be dull and predictable!

The Monkey will find 2011 very much to his liking with plans and goals moving ahead smoothly and as anticipated. For Monkeys involved in creative work such as writing or art, this will be a particularly inspirational year and their work will be highly regarded. The Chinese Rabbit Year will offer some brilliant promotion opportunities and by being proactive and alert, the Monkey will reap the benefits. For those seeking work, attention to detail when applying for jobs will open up significant windows of opportunity. February, September and November should be outstanding months for their career. Friends and family will provide many happy and memorable occasions during 2011 and there may be one or two special celebrations. March to May and December will be very active socially for most Monkeys. For single Monkeys, there should be quite a few opportunities to meet someone special through outings with friends or at work. In addition, trips to art exhibitions, museums or other cultural venues will prove delightful for many Monkeys. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit would be an auspicious year for him to follow up on self improvement ideas he may have been considering for awhile. A fresh look at his fitness routine, diet and how he unwinds, could do him the world of good. 2011 will be the year for the Monkey to move forward, leaving any disappointments and regrets behind. It can be a most satisfying and enjoyable year for him.

The Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

The Rooster is always popular, extravagant and creative. They can be brutally honest and generally like being showered with attention. They are wonderfully loyal friends and also give advice freely – whether they are asked for it or not! Family means the world to the Rooster and they are fiercely loyal to those they care about. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers but are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized.

The Year of the Rabbit will be a much quieter year than 2010 for the Rooster. However, the Rooster will have to curb his natural exuberance and enthusiasm just a bit in 2011 and practice some patience and common sense. On the work front, it will be vital for the Rooster to work closely with his colleagues and practice his networking skills. This will stand to him during the months of March, April, November and December when unexpected developments happen. All the work he does now on the career front will pay dividends in 2012, the Chinese Year of the Dragon. The Rooster should also consider any opportunities he may have to study or for training. This would go extremely well for him and again benefit him greatly later on in the year. On the social and romantic side of life, this will be a much more settled and quiet year, which will be to many a Rooster’s liking. March, July and August look to be the most active on the social scene. A word of warning though – the Rooster must take care to temper his words with friends and not be too harsh. A quarrel or end of a close relationship could result. Financially, the Rooster may have a few home-related expenses this year with repairs, decorating and renovations. It would be wise to manage any project sensibly and shop around for the best deal, as Chinese Rabbit years can be expensive for all signs. On the whole, 2011 looks like being a pleasurable and encouraging year for all Roosters.

The Dog
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

The Dog is wonderfully hard worker, a perfectionist and someone who loves the small details. He is also a bit anti-social, pessimistic and stubborn. They are one of the most honest and loyal signs of the Chinese zodiac and will always go to bat for a worthy cause. The Dog is a fantastic listener and his advice is usually very intuitive. These people don’t always forgive easily, especially those who cross them. But are always willing to listen to others’ problems, and to fight for a good cause.

The Chinese Year of the Rabbit has shining possibilities for all Dogs. The main emphasis will be on their personal life. If attached, the Dog will find their relationship grow and become much more meaningful on all levels. Single Dogs will be particularly lucky in finding someone very special. All social occasions will carry the possibility of meeting someone new, with April, June, August and December being the busiest months on their social calendar. Career-wise, the Dog will see the jobs expanding or promotional opportunities arising unexpectedly. It is crucial he discusses any worries or ideas with friends and family. Increased confidence and self-respect will garner the respect of work colleagues. The most favorable months on the work front are March and September to November. Seize the moment when it presents itself! Financially, the Dog can look forward to an improvement in his situation. This will allow him to indulge his hobbies and perhaps take a trip or two. In the Year of the Rabbit, the Dogs must guard against lost, delayed or incorrect documentation. Make sure everything is as it should be on all paperwork this year. The Dog will have a renewed interest in health, fitness and outdoor pursuits this year, which will greatly benefit his vitality and zest for life. If he can leave the past couple of challenging years behind him, 2011 will be a most gratifying and happy year.

The Pig
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The Pig is an innocent, sweet and lovable personality. They can also be quite melancholy and over-sensitive. These individuals have a problem saying “no” — to people, and to food! The Pig loves the company of others, and adores parties, gossip and chit chat. They are highly intelligent, but prefer to keep this side of their nature under wraps. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing. The Pig does not care that much for money, but is one of the zodiac signs that is very lucky.

The Pig loves to have fun and socialize with family and friends and on this front, the Year of the Rabbit will not disappoint him! He made not have been the life of the party recently, but in 2011 his social network will greatly increase with April, May, July and October being the most enjoyable months. Single Pigs could very well meet a romantic partner through a friend or at a family gathering. The Pig parties hard and works hard and in the Year of the Rabbit he will be bringing in the rewards for all his hard work. For any Pigs who wish to change jobs or who want to climb up the promotional ladder, there will be quite a few opportunities this year to do either. But they must act quickly, ensuring they have made all the right inquiries and connections. March, April and September will see work developments happen, but they must be ready to pounce at any time during the year. The Pig will be feeling good in 2011 and would like all manner of wonderful things to happen–all at once! He must learn to pace himself and go along with the more leisurely speed of the Rabbit year. Otherwise, he may burn himself out. Overall, 2011 will be a progressive and enjoyable time for all Pigs.

To read more about Chinese astrology and Chinese new year, visit The Holiday Spot.

Check out last year’s post on Chinese New Years to look back on 2010 in retrospect.

Astrological signs were determined by the position of the sun relative to certain constellations on a person’s day of birth some 3,000 years ago. Since then, changes in the alignment of the Earth has caused the science behind our astrological signs to change, adding a 13th sign for those born after 2009 — Ophiuchus. Astronomer Parke Kunkle believes the gradual shift of the stars in the night sky has changed the horoscope signs by nearly a month.

Here is the new breakdown. Take a look and see where you fall now:

Capricorn January 20 – February 16
Aquarius February 16 – March 11
Pisces March 11 – April 18
Aries April 18 – May 13
Taurus May 13 – June 21
Gemini June 21 – July 20
Cancer July 20 – August 10
Leo August 10 – September 16
Virgo September 16 – October 30
Libra October 30 – November 23
Scorpio November 23 – November 29
Ophiuchus November 29 – December 17
Sagittarius December 17 – January 20

So what do you think? Should astrologers update the zodiac every 500 years to keep the sun in its rightful place? Personally, the positions of the sun, moon and planets have no bearing on either my personality or fate. Even if the astrological signs were stable, there’s no evidence the stars have anything to do with my day-to-day existence. For me, astrology is interesting and fun to read, and that’s that.

For more about the new change in the zodiac, check out Associated Content.

I read an article today about a man who found a 12-carat yellow diamond ring while vacationing in Colorado. And instead of keeping it for himself, he returned it to its rightful owner.

It reminded me of the time when my boyfriend lost his brand new Apple iPod a couple of years ago. It was a gift from his cousins from London and he wanted to take it to the mall to exchange it for a different color. He absentmindedly set his bag down on a counter to look at some watches and walked away without realizing where he had left it. I remembered it was a really busy afternoon and the mall was packed with Sunday shoppers so the chances of finding a lost iPod was slim.

It wasn’t until we finally checked with Macy’s lost-and-found that the lady behind the counter said someone found a blue iPod and left a phone number to claim the lost item. We called the number but there was no answer so we left a voicemail. And after about half an hour, we finally got a call back to reclaimed the iPod. The honest couple who found the iPod wasn’t interested in a reward, they simply wanted to make sure that it was going back to whomever it belonged to.

My friend also lost something valuable to her and a good samaritan went out of their way to send it back. She was shopping at IKEA, a furniture store that was a couple of hours out of town, and lost her phone in one of the display rooms. The woman who found her phone arranged for it to be mailed back to her and wanted nothing in return.

Sometimes, life is a matter of choices. Growing up, our teachers, parents and guardians teach us about morals and doing good deeds. But to witness it happen really makes me believe that there is a lot of goodness instilled in all us.

Kindness inspires kindness; Let’s keep passing it on.

My youngest sister is a huge fan of Britney Spears. So last Christmas, I made her a gift set that includes a compilation of her greatest hits from her first album, Baby One More Time, through her 2008 Circus album as well as two DVDs of all her music videos. It took me nearly three months to finish! The hardest part of it all was creating a collage cover art out of all her album covers. Can you tell which seven albums I used to make the final product?

For the Michael Jackson gift set, check out my last post on Remembering Michael Jackson.

This little green lacewing followed me home last night into my room and was fluttering around me while I was taking off my boots. I was completely fascinated by the color and detail of its wings — like it belonged in fairyland and danced its way into my room. After a few minutes of twirling around my bright lamp, it finally decided to rest on a pile of mail on my desk. I wanted to keep it because it was so pretty so I grabbed a empty glass next to me to trap it but it was no longer moving. I stared at it for a few minutes underneath the clear glass and realized it was already dead. Such a beautiful creature.