Rain in the beginning of Ox year.. may bring good fortune this year, I hope.. ^^

Preparations for the Chinese New Year of Ox, 2009 will begin months in advance so that the celebrations be observed in the highest magnitude and splendor. As the different years of the 12 year cycle are characterized by different animals, people born on the different years also feature different traits and characters and most often then not, they are believed to be influenced and inspired by the animals of the particular year they are born in. With this article on Chinese New Year of Ox, 2009 we strive to hold forth the interesting characteristics and features of the Ox and how babies born in this year can be expected to display similar traits.

All years ending in an odd number are Yin and the ones with an even number ending are considered to be the Yang forms according to the Chinese methods of the calender cycle. Therefore the Ox year 2009 will have Yin forms along with the character of the Ox. Ox characterizes a dependable, patient, methodical and calm, hardworking, materialistic as well as an ambitious character. The Ox years so far have been 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and now 2009 followed by 2021 (according to the 12 year cycle).

People born in the Chinese New Year of Ox, 2009 will preponderantly have the below mentioned traits in their character: Leadership qualities, dependable, great organizers, loyal, patient as well as strong and responsible. They are also some of the best people one can have as colleagues in the work place as they are believed to posses strong work ethics and display their creative side as well, especially when it comes to decorating their home.

Since the people born in the Ox year are also trusted to be reliable and logical, people generally turn towards them for suggestions and guidance. Their honesty and eye for details also helps them to prove their worth both in the workplace as well as in their personal lives.

However there are a few negative traits associated with the character of the Ox that also is reflected through the people born in the ox years. Attributes like being narrow minded, stubborn, with low public relations skills and also very far from being emotional are generally associated with people born in this year.

So, Gong Xi Fa Cai... Happy Chinese Nu Year 2009..
May it bring for you good luck, good fortune and good times.. ^^

Gyoza or usually we known as Wotie..  is originated in China, and it's said to have been introduced to Japan in late 17th century.

Gyoza is cooked in various ways: deep-fried, boiled, steamed, or pan-fried. Boiled gyoza (sui-gyoza) is very soft and can be eaten hot or cold. Steamed gyoza (mushi-gyoza) is also soft and is eaten hot. Deep-fried gyoza (age-gyoza) can be finger food, so it's suitable for a potluck dish. The most common way to cook gyoza is pan-fried. Bottoms of gyoza dumplings should be brown and crunchy.

Fillings for gyoza are also various. Different kinds of vegetables and meat can be used for fillings. The most popular fillings are ground pork, cabbage, and nira chives. Also, using mashed shrimp makes tasty gyoza called ebi-gyoza. You can even make vegetable gyoza without meat.

Gyoza wrappers are slightly thicker than wonton wrappers, and they are round in contrast that wonton wrappers are square.

Gyoza dumplings are served with dipping sauce. To make gyoza dipping sauce, mix 2 tbsps of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of vinegar, and 1 tsp of hot pepper oil.

Hmmm.. make me want to eat wotie in Kedoya Food Court... hohoho... nyamm...

This is an old song.. But like it so much.. ^^

Selamanya Cinta
By. d'Cinnamons

Di, kala hati resah,
s'ribu ragu datang, memaksa ku
Rin-du s’makin menyerang

Kalaulah ku dapat,
membaca pikiran mu,
dengan sayap dan,
harapan ku,
ingin terbang jauh

[#:]
Biar, awanpun gelisah,
daun daun jatuh, berguguran
Namun cinta mu kasih,
terbit laksana bintang,
yang bersinar,
cerah menerangi jiwa ku

[Reff:]
Andaikan ku dapat,
mengungkapkan,
perasaan ku,
hingga membuat,
kau percaya
Akan ku berikan,
seutuhnya,
rasa cinta ku

~ selamanya, selamanya

[#]  ~~  [Reff]
~ rasa cinta yang tulus,
dari dasar,
lubuk hati ku

Tuhan,
jalinkanlah cinta,
bersama,
s'lamanya…

[Interlude]

[Reff]
~ selamanya (x4)