After a week that involved a colonoscopy and the horror of a president aiding and abetting destruction in the nation’s capital, what could I possibly write about? In anticipation of my medical procedure, a friend encouraged me to write a humor piece about that, but now that it’s over, humor fails me, as does finding anything funny about the rampage in Washington DC.
Time to look ahead, not back, I said, then turned to the Chinese Zodiac for help. Suddenly, everything made sense: 2020 was the Year of the Rat. We don’t need the Zodiac guide to understand rats. Think bubonic plaque.
The new year won’t start in some countries until February 12, and it won’t start here until January 20. With one big rat gone, what might we expect from 2021? The Ox.
This is good news. Oxen, the real ones, are hard workers and they have a calm temperament. They’re accustomed to team work.
Zodiac oxen “are strong, reliable, fair and conscientious, inspiring confidence in others. They are also patient, methodical and can be trusted. “They are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. Rarely losing [their] temper, they think logically and make great leaders.” Having an honest nature, oxen are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination.”
And although our next president was not born an Ox, here’s hoping he’s enough like those who plow our fields and those who were born in an ox year to bring their qualities to his new job.
The prediction for 2021 is that it will be a “year without catastrophic events.” Good. We’ve had enough of the current plague.
Still Life 
Well stated, Ann.
Yay!
Thanks, Marilyn.
We can hope.
I hope the Ox is right.
Well said, Ann—I like the positive spin with this being the Year of the 🐂. While this past week was full of angst, it actually has made my stomach churn. Perhaps Biden and company can begin some infrastructure projects putting people back to work and begin some healing. These hate groups are so out of touch —racism abounds—sad state of affairs. But again, here’s hoping, the Year of the Ox shall prevail.
I can’t say as I’m that optimistic, but I had to find something positive to say. It was a miserable week.
Absolutely fabulous blog. Wish I had written it. My recommendation: Send it to the New York Times or Washington Post. Maybe Time, too. The Year of the Rat would be a great front page title or Frontline ad…
I agree with Eleanor!
Thanks Ann, I like your explanation. It truly was the year of the rat.
Thanks, Ann, that sounds encouraging and hopeful! And it seems we can all do with some encouragement and hope! Over here the virus is not under control yet, so we’re having a very strict lockdown against the British covid mutation. After Brexit, this!
So once we get rid of the rat, a very warm welcome to the oxen 🐂!