Happy New Year!

It's The Year of the RAT!!!

In honor of the New Year, might I suggest viewing one of the following movies:

Charlotte's Web
The Secret of Nimh
Ratatouille
Willard (this is for you scary movie fans)
Flushed Away
Dr. Doolittle (the Eddie Murphy one)
Babe (okay, so they're mice, but pretty close)


The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac 12 year cycle. Mythology has it that the Emperor told the animals that there would be a race to his palace to see who would be honored with a place in the zodiac. Both the cat and the rat, being poor swimmers (though in fact, rats are quite good swimmers) hitched a ride on the back of the ox/water buffalo to cross the river. The Rat knew he had to do something to increase his advantage, so he shoved the cat into the water. When they reached the other side, the rat hopped off the ox and ran to the palace, claiming first place. The cat ended up making it to the palace in 13th place, too late to secure a year in the calendar. And that's why cats hate both rats and the water.

I was born in the Year of the Horse, as was Noodle.

HORSE
People born in the Year of the Horse are very popular. They like to be entertained and like being around large crowds. They are wise, talented, and very good with their hands. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk way too much for their own good. They are very independent and don’t listen to others advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.

I especially like the part about not listening to others' advice. It's good to be me.

Look up your Chinese Zodiac Sign here

P.S. The Rat in the photo is my boy Finny. Happily, he's still with us.