Random meanderings down a long, long windy road.: June 2008

Years and the Five Elements
People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year Of The Tiger," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

8 February 1902 - 28 January 1903: Water Tiger
26 January 1914 - 13 February 1915: Wood Tiger
13 February 1926 - 1 February 1927: Fire Tiger
31 January 1938 - 18 February 1939: Earth Tiger
17 February 1950 - 5 February 1951: Metal Tiger
5 February 1962 - 24 January 1963: Water Tiger
23 January 1974 - 10 February 1975: Wood Tiger
9 February 1986 - 28 January 1987: Fire Tiger
28 January 1998 - 15 February 1999: Earth Tiger
15 February 2010 - 3 February 2011: Metal Tiger
2022 - 2023: Water Tiger

Attributes
Tiger people are difficult to resist, for they are magnetic characters and their natural air of authority confers a certain prestige on them. They are tempestuous yet calm, warm-hearted yet fearsome, courageous in the face of danger yet yielding, soft and mysterious in unexpected places. They enjoy a life full of challenges and unexpected events, like visiting unusual places and meeting interesting or outstanding people. Other people in their area are easily attracted by the tiger's enthusiasm and way of life. Tigers find pleasure in the unpredictable, and while other people would rather make a backward step, they are not afraid to explore the new and unusual. But it is not that simple to interest the Tiger. What they really need is first-hand experience. Usually open and frank, these people are likely to withdraw and can be aggressive when trapped. As soon as the Tiger has regained their sense of security their confidence also returns, enabling them to set out once more. These people usually tend to trust their instincts, though there is another side of their personality, which assesses situations thoughtfully before they launch any actions. Their friends usually secretly admire their determination and optimism, though sometimes may find it complicated to share the Tiger's enthusiasm and can be pushed away and left behind. Although Tigers can be courageous and generous friends, if they are not able to achieve what they want, they can be inflexible and self-centered. So if your friend was born in the year of the Tiger, there will be highs and lows in your friendship, but the friendship itself will remain firm.

Ideal jobs for tigers include entrepreneur, military officer, politician, musician, writer, poet, artist, theater director, biological and environmental engineer, stockbroker, athlete, film star, trade union leader, company director, stunt person, explorer, and lawyer.

Traditional Tiger Attributes/Associations
Attribute
Zodiac Location 3rd
Ruling hours 3am-5am
Direction Northeast
Season and month Winter, February
Lunar Month Dates February 4-March 5
Gemstone Sapphire
Colors Green
Roughly equivalent western sign Aquarius
Polarity Yang
Food Bread, poultry
Positive Traits Independent, brave, confident, dynamic, intense, energetic, sacrificing, faithful, Attractive
Negative Traits Moody, reckless, hot-headed, selfish, impatient, impulsive, opinionated, rebellious
Countries Russia, Romania, Spain, Turkey, El Salvador, North Korea

So I'm an Aquarius AND a Tiger! : )
I looked up wood too since it said I am a wood tiger.

Attributes
In Chinese thought, Wood attributes are considered to be strength and flexibility, as with bamboo. It is also associated with qualities of warmth, generosity, co-operation and idealism. The Wood person will be expansive, outgoing and socially conscious. The wood element is one that seeks always to grow and expand. Wood heralds the beginning of life, springtime and buds, sensuality and fecundity. Wood needs moisture to thrive.

In Chinese medicine, wood is associated with negative feelings of anger or depression, and positive feelings of patience and altruism. Organs associated with this element are the liver (yin) and the gall bladder (yang), the eyes and the tendons.

In Chinese astrology wood is included in the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements in their yin and yang forms), which combine with the 12 earthly branches (or Chinese signs of the zodiac), to form the 60 year cycle. Yang wood years end in 4 (eg 1974), while Yin years end in 5 (eg 1975). Wood governs the Chinese zodiac signs Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, and Dragon.

Although it traditionally is not included in the Western scheme of elements, some western astrologers have suggested that wood should be recognised as a 'combined element' or 'material' derived from Fire and Water; just as Jupiter rules the Fire sign of Sagittarius and the Water sign of Pisces.

Cycle of the elements
In the regenerative cycle of the elements, Water engenders Wood, as rain or dew makes plant life flourish; and Wood begets Fire as fire is generated by rubbing together two pieces of wood. In the conquest cycle, Wood overcomes Earth by binding it together with the roots of trees; and Metal overcomes Wood, as the metal axe can fell even the largest tree.

Uh oh... apparently Ox and Tiger are a bad match...
I may be doomed! ; )
But at least he's a WATER ox!

We are off on our Sweet Orb in the Sky!!
North Carolina, here we come!

And I didn't send off my camera just yet... I couldn't bear to be without it for the trip. I know, I know... I need to get it fixed. But a camera that works half the time is better than no camera.

Scarlett wrote about a company that makes fun, fashionable camera straps... I want one but I don't know which one to get. I kinda like the men's "Out of the Box". What do you guys think?
Which one should I get?

Back to NC stuff... we bought tickets to Biltmore and for a train tour on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. We're doing the Tuckasegee River Tour and we'll see where The Fugitive was filmed. The movie, not the tv show...
We also have some other stuff planned and lots of downtime too. I'll definitely post photos when we return!
Have a good week!!!!!
: )