Year Of The Rat

子　

(ね・ねずみ) (ne/nezumi) is the chinese character for Rat/Mouse.

As the New Years rotate in a series of 12 animals, this one is special to me, as it's mine! On first thoughts, being a mouse doesn't sound so grand when compared to others (such as a dragon) and who wants to be known as "a rat", but it's not so bad on further investigation. From Wikipedia:

Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are perhaps the most organized and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They adapt to various environments easily. Rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way.

The most interesting part about typical professions: espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective, actor, and pathology. For all the jobs in the world that don't interest me, I'd be content with the majority of them!

The other point about being a rat is when considering the old Chinese fable about the race all twelve animals compete in. Although it may be small and fall behind, it slyly rides on the cow's head, to jump ahead at the last minute and win.

Apart from that, Disneylands all over are going to have a field day with the marketing on this one!