I am a Rat

In the Chinese Horoscope I am a Rat!
Not just any Rat, but an Earth Rat!

It is the first sign of the twelve and there is an interesting story how it became the first sign.

This is just one of many.

The jade Emperor was having a feast and decided to invite some animal friends.
He said that he was going to name a sign after them in the zodiac and it was first come first served.
Well, the animals where all lined up at the gate waiting for the door to be opened so they could be first in.
The mighty Ox was first in line at the gates and the Rat was behind him.
But the Rat is a cagey animal and just as the gate was opened the Rat jumped onto the Ox's back, ran down his nose and made it across the gate in first place.
It is said the Ox has never quite forgiven the Rat for this.

Some of the Good Traits of Rats

Adaptable, smart, cautious, acute, alert, positive, flexible, outgoing, cheerful, Forthright, charismatic, meticulous, intelligent, sociable, quick-witted, popular.

Bad Traits of the Rat

Timid, unstable, stubborn, picky, lack of persistence, querulous, Manipulative, selfish, calculated, secretive, intolerant, greedy, acquisitive.

When I was a young lad I took the good traits of the Rat as true.
The bad traits are the ones I worked on so I could become a better Rat!
I think I have succeeded in eliminating most of the bad traits. I am still a bit stubborn at times!

The Rat's Personality

Alert, funny, and social, Rats enjoy dressing up and going to parties. They are endlessly curious. They will have the support and admiration of a circle of dear friends.

Rats' lives can be complicated by a tendency to become deeply involved in the personal trials and dramas of those they care about. Deeply sentimental, Rats have difficultly surrendering any emotional attachments, including old sweethearts.

Rats are natural entrepreneurs, with a love of money, a concern for employees, and sound judgment overall. Thrifty Rats naturally recycle and chase a bargain. They are generous only to those they love. They can spend irrationally on their children.
The Rat person is a master at research and finding out other people's secrets. Rats are not hesitant to use any information they discover to their advantage. They can be terrible gossips.

Rats often appear rather reserved. They tend to hide strong emotions. When upset they can appear nervous, critical, or make cutting remarks. Rats hate lateness, unnecessary waste, laziness, and people who do not keep their word.

Now I am old and a little worn out.

But I am still as curious as ever!

What is your sign?