Kung Hee Fat Choy

February 7th marks the beginning of a new Lunar year and the Year of the Rat.

In the Chinese tradition, a "Rat year" is a time of hard effort, productivity and new beginnings -- a great way to start an election year! People born under the Year of the Rat are considered to be clever and bright, sociable and family-minded.

I was born in 1963, which is the "Year of the Rabbit." It is considered to be the luckiest of the 12 animal signs. According to "The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes," the rabbit is a symbol for "mercy and amiability." It says people born under this sign are kind and loving, and are often reserved with a love of arts and a strong sense of justice. I think that describes me. They also say that people born under this sign "understand what life really means." For me, that means family, community and giving back to the next generation.

May your family be blessed with happiness and prosperity during this time of new beginnings.

Stacy Higa