新年快乐
Happy New Year! We just entered the Year of the TIGER! Woooo-hoooo
That prompted me to look into the Chinese calendar again and once I was there I couldn't help myself... I had to look up some info on my sign. I knew I was a GOAT but pretty much that was all. Well, apparently goat is the 8th sign in the Lunar calendar and for them 8 is the luckiest number! :)
己未 - I am also Yin Earth, my fixed element is Water
子 - Rat by birth month and date, which "fine tunes" one's character
寅 - TIGER by birth hour! - which should add the "final touch" to one's character
Here is the description for the goat, rat and tiger; I find most of it pretty accurate... :)
Occupying the 8th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat symbolizes such character traits as creativity, intelligence, dependability, and calmness. Comfortable being alone to ponder the workings of their inner minds, Goats enjoy being part of a group, but prefer the sidelines rather than the center. Their nurturing personality makes Goats excellent care-givers. They’re reserved because they spend much time absorbed in their thoughts.
Home and alone is where Goats feel most comfortable. There they can express themselves artistically, whether it’s by painting, photography, cooking or participating in whatever artistic endeavors they enjoy. Goats prefer the couch because there they can relax and explore their minds. They don’t need elaborate furnishings; only items reflecting their desire for art.
When traveling or seeking entertainment, Goats prefer groups or venues that hold many people. Goats spend money on fashions that give them a first class appearance. Although Goats enjoy spending money on the finer things in life, they are not snobbish.
Perhaps because Goats are basically serene, they tend to have fewer health problems. Their fragile exterior hides the fact they’re typically very healthy. When they’re happy, they’re healthy. When Goats become unhappy, especially as a result of romance, they quickly become sick.
Goats tend to be private, so it can take effort to get to know one. The Goat is the one who will decide when and with whom it will share its personal life. As a result, most Goats have few “close” friends, yet they’ll work hard for those they love.
Goats at work prefer being part of a flock. Power and status aren’t important. Goats will only assume leadership roles when asked directly. They’ll never volunteer. Good career choices for Goats include: florist, interior designer, daycare teacher, pediatrician, actor, editor, hair stylist, illustrator, musician, and art history teacher.
Goats are compatible with Rabbits and Pigs and incompatible with the Rat and Ox.
Earth Goats – Years 1919 and 1979
Stable with feet firmly planted in the ground, Earth Goats are conservative, independent and practical, but not very confident in themselves. Most important in life is the people they chose to be around them and they truly enjoy all that life has to offer.
Rat:
Occupying the 1st and most prominent position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as wit, imagination and curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills they’re able to deduce much about other people and other situations. Overall, Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive. Rats are full of good advice but they will never share their troubles with others. They are honest individuals and they enjoy living for the moment. They’re also capable of surviving any situation.
Tiger:
symbolizes such character traits as bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor. They don’t worry about the outcome because they know they’ll always land on their feet. Don’t let their calm appearance fool you though; Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary.
When I first heard of these 2 guys I was a bit skeptical. I was even more taken aback when they told me the traditional Portuguese dish they want to prepare and teach to the class wold be Cod fish with Potatoes. I had to laugh - you cannot get any more NORWEGIAN food than this! 
They were quick to explain that there is a book called "1001 ways to prepare cod" and that their mashed potatoes will be just perfect.
I am not a big fan of fish so I was pushing for a nice dessert - it came in the forms of a lovely orange cake, a courtesy of Antonio's mum. Still... I had my reservations. Then we went shopping for the ingredients. It turned out to be so much fun that both Sharon and I started to believe that the cooking party will be fun, too. Potato hunting, fighting with green vegetables, running away from stinky fish...etc. :)
As Sharon pointed it out on facebook, she and I have so many hats to wear during these parties. I ended up doing the registration, check-in, talk, be in charge of the salad and do quality control, now that was something I didn't complain about. I had to make sure the mixture was perfect. :)
Pedro and his people were peeling potatoes and preparing the fish. (The dry cod was in fresh water for 3 days to get most of the salt out.)
Antonio got his people to make sure both cakes were coming nicely. I was running around answering questions, Sharon did pretty much the same, but she had a camera, too.
Here are some pictures so you would get the feeling. Needless to say, the food was excellent. 
What a better compliment than me eating fish with a smile on my face...
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