Saturday, June 2, 2012

Adventure Races

Hi Guys

So I am kind of excited to be doing some adventure races this year and early next year.  The first one on my agenda is 4 weeks away in Tough Bloke Challenge.  Don't let the name fool ya.  There is alot of tough chicks doing this one- me included- gonna get down and dirty in the mud :)


Check out the above video! This takes place on July 1st for me @ 11am.  I have to admit, I bit scared about the wall climbs and things, but I'm just gonna do what I can.  

The next one, I have enrolled to do is- Valley Stampede, which is in November- check it out


Then finally in Feb 2013.  I am taking on Warrior Dash- check it



What do you guys think?

Welcome Back

Hi Guys

Its been a while since I've posted on this blog.  Since I have re-started on my weight loss journey; following Propoints at home using the WW tracking app; I have been on quite a roll.  In the last 4 weeks.  I have lost 7.7kg.  Here's the breakdown

Weighed in at 140kg - this is not an acceptable weight and its something that I am now fixing and will never ever go back to this size again.  

Week 1 Weigh In- Lost 2.9kg- New weight- 137.1kg
Week 2 Weigh In- Lost 1.8kg- New weight 135.3kg
Week 3 Weigh In- Lost 2.1kg- New weight- 133.2kg
Week 4 Weigh In- Lost 0.9kg- New weight- 132.3kg

I had been avoiding stepping on the scales as I knew I would be completely upset with the results it showed me.  

I knew that I had gained alot of weight and that I was big, but I honestly never thought I would tip the scales at 140g, when I saw this it made me physically ill.  This weight is not something that can just be accepted.  It must be something that strikes a light bulb moment for us to do something about and this is exactly what has happened to me.  

I have been back on Propoints for 4 weeks and have been smashing through the weigh ins and the change in foods has been feeling so much fitter and healthier and even though I am sick and injured right now- chest infection and flu, and injured foot- it hasn't detered me.  In fact its made me watch my food wiser, make strong and positive decision with what I eat.  I find myself saying no, to unhealthy food that is being offered, where normally I wouldn't have blinked and eyelid, I would have ate that stack of pancakes or chips. 

I have sent a goal for myself to achieve and now that I have that goal to work towards nothing is getting in my way.  Now I know some of you will say that yes, I've heard this all before and how is this time any different?  I can tell you that I have never been more focused, I have short term and long term goals to achieve.  I want my life back.  Food will not rule my life anymore.  I eat to live and not live to eat.  

I am also cutting out any negative influences in my life, that could people who are having a negative impact on my life, even family, activities and just life in general.  I have no use for negative energies in my life.  I will only surround myself with positive people and people who can and are willing to assist me in where I need to get to.  

Some people talk about support systems and what they look for in a support system.  To me, my friends are my support system.  If I didn't have them supporting me then this journey would definately be alot harder.  
 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Back on Track and Loving It and Dealing with the Haters

Hey Guys

So the last few weeks I had been seriously off track with my weight loss and eating.  I just basically eating for the sake of eating, not really caring what I was eating....I was demolishing 2 blocks of chocolate in one seating and then chowing down on a 2L ice cream and was still hungry after this!!  It was nuts, I realise this now.  To be honest I don't know why I did it, and it really didn't give me any satisfaction other than the moment of eating it, thinking "Hey that tastes great", but even as quick as half an hour later I would be feeling quite unwell and bloated and just feeling down and depressed.  

I have been in a love-hate relationship with food for most of my life.  It had been there when other people hadn't, made me feel better when I was feeling down, it was just always there.  BUT NO MORE......  The last 2 weeks I have been back following the Weight Watchers Plan and have successfully lost 1.4kg, which I think is an awesome effort for 2 weeks.  Now I know some people would come along and say 1.4kg lost in 2 weeks - well that's a little pathetic isn't it- you should have lost 3kg or 4kg by now!!! Well you know what?  I really don't care about your opinion.  I'm happy that I have lost that in 2 weeks, I most certainly wouldn't like to have put that weight on in 2 weeks!!!

I have had a few people write to me saying that they don't approve of the way that I am dealing with my weight loss and the program that I am following.  When I saw this I was like WTF---- are you kidding me!!  Because you don't approve I should change my ways and follow a program that might work for you but it doesn't work for me.. No I am going to do a program that is proven to have worked for me and will continue to work for me in the future.  


This is one thing I don't like about the Crossfit community - is that some people are very set in their ways about following either "PALEO or ZONE" and that if you don't follow that mind set then sorry it must be wrong!  It's nuts there are other ways to train, and different ways to get fit depending on your sport, and different ways to eat.  We need to learn and respect these different ways and be tolerable to them.  If you don't want to eat or train a certain way that's your choice, but its not right to judge other people about their ways, especially if it works for them!  


RANT OVER!

Monday, January 9, 2012

New Year

Morning Guys

I have been a bit lazy of late when it comes to the blog and my eating, I've just been feeling a bit blah about everything, but that has gotta change- so from now, I am following the WW style of eating, but not going to meetings, just doing it by myself.  So start of the morning I am having

1 Piece of Abbott's Village Toast
1/2 Tomato
30g Mainland Light Cheese
1/2 punnet of strawberries

I'll post another blog about my return shortly! Have an awesome day guys!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Weigh In + Kung Fu Grading

So today Saturday, its been an awesome day and I'll tell you why

I had weigh in this morning and after being stuck at around the same weight for a good 5 weeks (well sometimes going up a little and then back down again) I had a huge loss of 1.6kg this morning at weigh in! So stoked! I had previously felt like I had lost my mojo and this week I definately found it again.  I tracked, made great food choices and walked 3 day- clocking up 13km, and trained Kung Fu for 2 days.  I am now weighing in at 113.2kg.  I have planned my meals for the week and training and I will make it another great week!!

This afternoon I had my grading for Kung Fu, I got to the Kwoon at around 1.45pm, thought I would get there nice and early and get warmed up and seemed like everyone else had the same idea!! I would say about 50% people were already there warming up, but I figured 45 minutes would give me plenty of time to warm up and run through a few things.  Then came 2.30pm and we were ready to go, Sihign Ben took us through a form of Tai Chi to calm us down and any nerves we had, then it was time to break off into our grading groups.  

Us white (now yellow sashes) went off with Sihign Ben for our grading and he was brutal to say the least!  We went through all the things we learnt in class, so lots of horse stance work, blocks, snap kicks, kick lunge punch, Wushu 1, self defence, and some sparring.  We got through all the horse stance work, kicks, blocks and Wushu 1.  Then it was time for sparring, now I've only had minimal exposure to sparring, being during class, so when I saw one of the other guys I was starting to grade with start sparring with Sifu I started to panic a little! I started to worry that I wouldn't be able to hold my own and I might fail, but both Sifu and the black sash's were great, they coached me through and gave me some tips for future competitions and gradings.  

I have to admit, I did screw a couple of things up, like defending on the kicks with Sihign Ben and screwing up my sparring a little, but otherwise I think I did okay.  Well I must have done well, because I past and left with my new yellow sash!  Awesome- can't wait til Tuesday now and learn some new things!

New Yellow Sash!
Now, just needing to recover.  I am feeling it my thighs- especially from the horse stance work.  Time for epsom salts, massage and rest

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

FOUND- MY MOJO

In the words made famous by Austin Powers - "I've found my mojo baby- yeah!!"

The last few weeks (well let's be honest about the last 6!) I have been plateauing big time, haven't really tracked, made not the best food choices, and hardly exercised - and have just been stuck on 115kg.  I went to my meeting and had a chat to my meeting leader - who to be honest wasn't all that helpful with this situation.  But after I got weighed in and lost 0.4kg, something clicked for me I don't know what and how, but I felt motivated to commit 100% to the journey. 

I know myself pretty well and I know that before I had lost my MOJO for 6 weeks I would have gone backwards and come off track and probably gained around 7-10kg, but this time I actually managed to maintain and have come back to commit to the program and commit to myself to making a happy and healthier life for myself

I went home, planned meals for this week, did a big healthy shop of lean meats, cheese and salads and I have trained everyday since Sunday and have clocked up 13.74km in 3 days, which I'm happy with due to injury and also focusing on the Kung Fu as I have a full stripe grading on Saturday.  

Now I will remain focused for the rest of the week and track all my food and exercise and actually look forward to weigh on Saturday and then my Kung Fu grading on Saturday afternoon!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Caramelised Pears

Baked Vanilla Cheesecake with Caramelised Pears

7PP per serve- Serves: 8- Prep: 20 minutes- Cooking: 50 minutes + 30 min refrigeration + 1 hour cooling

Ingredients
150g light pecan and caramel flavored biscuits
60g Weight Watchers Canola Spread
250g light cream cheese
250g Weight Watchers Cottage Cheese
1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
4 (600g) Corella Pears, thinly sliced

1.  Preheat oven to 180 degrees or 160 fan forced.  Lightly spray a 20cm round springform tin with oil.  Line base with baking paper.  Place biscuits in a food processor and process to form crumbs.  Melt 50g canola spread in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Remove from heat, then add biscuits and stir until combined.  Press biscuit mixture evenly over base of prepared tin and right up to the edges.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  

2.  Place cream cheese, Weight Watchers cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of the sugar and vanilla extract in a food process and process until smooth.  Add eggs and process until combined.  Pour mixture over prepared base, then bake for 50 minutes.  The cheese should still be wobbly in the centre.  Turn off the oven and leave cheesecake to cool inside, with oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour.  Place cake on a wire rack to cool completely.  

3.  Meanwhile melt remaining canola spread in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add pears and remaining sugar and cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until golden and softened.  Serve cheesecake topped with sliced caramelised pears.  

White Chocolate Rocky Road

2PP per piece- Makes 20 pieces- Prep: 15 minutes + 20 minutes refrigeration- Cooking: 5 minutes

Ingredients

150g marshmellows, quartered
2 tbs flaked almonds, toasted
1/4 cup (35g) dried, sweetened cranberries, chopped
1 tsp icing sugar
180g white chocolate melted

1.  Draw a 20cm x 30cm rectangle on a large sheet of baking paper, then place paper marked side down onto a large baking tray.

2.  Combine marshmellows, almonds, cranberries and sugar in a medium bowl.  Reserving 1 tablespoon melted chocolate, spread remainder over prepared baking paper.  Sprinkle over marshmellow mixure and gently press into chocolate.  Drizzle reserved melted chocolate over rocky road.  Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until chocolate has set.  Using a sharp knife cut rocky road into 20 even pieces.

Tip- When cutting marshmellows, dip kitchen scissors into icing sugar to prevent sticking.  To toast almonds preheat oven to 200 degrees C or 180 degrees fan forced.  Spread almonds evenly on baking tray, then bake for 3-5 minutes or until golden.  To melt chocolate, break up into squares, place in a microwave safe bowl and cook on high for 20 seconds or until completely smooth when stirred.  

 

Lamb and Feta Meatballs

Lamb and Feta Meatballs

1PP per meatball- Makes 30 meatballs- Prep: 15 minutes- Cooking: 10 minutes + 5 minutes standing

Ingredients
1 x 35g wholemeal bread, crust removed, chopped
1 medium brown onion, grated
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
500g extra lean lamb mince
100g reduced fat feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup (260g) arrabbiata pasta sauce

1.  Place bread in a large bowl.  Add 2 tablespoons of water and stand for 5 minutes or until bread has softened.  Squeeze out excess water with hands, then combine bread, onion, herbs, mince and feta in a large bowl.  Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.  Shape mixture into 30 even meatballs, using 1 level tablespoon for each ball.  

2.  Lightly spray a large non stick frying pan with oil and heat over medium - high heat.  Cook meatballs for 3-5 minutes or until browned all over.  Add pasta sauce to pan and simmer, turning meatballs occasionally, for 3 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.  Serve lamb and fetaballs with toothpicks and cocktail napkins

Thursday, November 10, 2011

3rd Stripe Tonight!

Tuesdays and Thursdays - my 2 favorite days of the week (and of course Fridays!) but why you ask?  Because its Kung Fu days!!  

Since I started at Emerald Dragon Martial Arts I have been training and working hard to pass all my stripe grades in preparation for my grading to the next colour sash - Yellow - next Saturday the 19th of November.  

I was lucky enough to earn my 3rd and final sash for this grade making me eligiable to grade next week- now to just keep on practising!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Beef, Red Wine and Mushroom Pies

Beef, Red Wine and Mushroom Pies

11 Propoints, Serves: 4, Prep: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes + 10 minutes cooling, Suitable to freeze

Ingredients

500g lean beef chuck steak fat trimmed, cut into 2cm pieces
2 tbs plain flour
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbs olive oil
1 large brown onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
250g button mushrooms, quartered
2 tbs tomato paste
1/2 cup (125ml) dry red wine
1/2 cup (125ml) beef stock
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sheet frozen reduced fat puff pastry

1.  Toss beef in combined flour and paprika to coat.  Heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil in a  large saucepan over medium high heat .  Cook beef in batches for 2-3 minutes or until browned then transfer to a plate.  

2.  Heat remaining oil in same pan over medium heat.  Cook onion, stirring for 3-5 minutes or until softened.  Add garlic and mushrooms and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until softened.  Add paste, wine and stock and bring to the boil.  Return beef to pan, add fresh rosemary, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for 1 hour.  Uncover and simmer for a further 20 minutes or until beef is tender and sauce is thickened slightly.  Cool for 10 minutes, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.  

3.  Preheat oven to 200 degrees or 180 degrees fan forced.  Lightly spray four 1 cup (250ml) capacity oven proof dishes.  Spoon beef mix into prepared dishes.  Cut pastry into 4 squares.Top each dish with pastry and trim edges.  Press edges to seal, cut 2 slits in pastry tops, then bake for 12-15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden.  Serve

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Stripe Grade for Kung Fu

It has been a while since I posted, but here goes!!

This week at Kung Fu, we knew we had a stripe grade upcoming, so I get to the Kwoon about minutes to stretch out, run through some grading work, and catch up with everyone.  So we work through some Tiger claws and palms, then suddenly Sifu says "grade work" and normally we'd just be working on things to be graded on- but not for us 3 white sashes- including Keiren, Colleen and myself, was so nervous, got a few things mixed up on the blocks, but overall went pretty- well we must have because we all passed.  I know have 2 stripes on my sash, we need 3 to be eligiable to grade, but talking to Sifu recently he advises that we should be right to grade when the time comes.  Here's the certificate photo and will post a photo on the 2 stripes on the sash tomorrow when I iron it on!

Still lots of things to work on and perfect, now just need to do the personal self defence and T-stance work- just need to work hard and stay focused!


Certificate strip grade 2!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

OX and Chinese Culture

Because of my horiscope and with Chinese Zodiac and the years it comes with and am born in September 1985 according to the Chinese Zodiac I was born in the year of the OX which has OX People as:

"Your sign comes once every 12 years according to Chinese Astrology"

The loyal Ox is patient, uncomplaining and courageous
They are calm and methodical with a logical mind
They work hard and have little patience with those that don't
Ox are creative and very capable
Public opinion means little to the Ox.  They are fond of solitude
The Ox's weakness can be resistance to change and can bear grudges
Peace and Happiness

I agree with most of this, but when one of my friends read this he was like this is nothing like you!!   I found on the net a more in depth anaylsis of the OX Zodiac


Personality
Occupying the 2nd position on the Chinese Zodiac, Oxen possess such character traits as dependability, strength and determination. Oxen are tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and scrupulous behavior; they don’t believe in taking shortcuts. They characterize those who don’t work hard as lazy individuals not worthy of respect.
Oxen are capable of trusting others and will listen to their opinions with an open mind. However, Oxen prefer making decisions that are based on their own research. Oxen favor strong, life-long alliances to casual acquaintances.

Home is where Oxen go to seek comfort, occasionally watching television or reading. They prefer the rural outdoors and spend the majority of their “home” time working in the garden or caring for the yard.

Health

Oxen are strong individuals who overall are healthy and live long, fulfilled lives. However, they tend to work too much, rarely allowing themselves enough time to relax. Oxen could benefit from incorporating more non-work-related activity into their lives.

Career

Oxen prefer work that is routine. They take a methodological approach to their tasks and excel in jobs that are specialized. Oxen possess a keen eye for detail and an admirable work ethic. They are more productive when allowed to work alone. Good career choices for oxen include: interior designer, painter, carpenter, quarry worker, archeologist, horticulturist, mechanic, engineer, draftsman, banker, broker, real estate agent and army officer.

Relationships

Oxen aren’t very sociable and rarely participate in group activities. They abhor small talk and won’t waste their time flirting. They will search long and hard for the perfect partner as change makes them uncomfortable. Whether due to an ox’s tendency to be overbearing or tendency to place blame on others, relationships with Oxen don’t always work out. When Oxen realize that partnerships involve two people and two points of view, satisfying matches are possible.

Oxen and the 5 elements

Metal Ox – Years 1901 and 1961

Like metal, these Oxen are amazingly strong. They’re extremely hard-working individuals who will do whatever is necessary to achieve their goals. They’re trustworthy, dependable individuals who are not likely to show emotion. They have difficulty interpreting the feelings of others. 

Water Ox – Years 1913 and 1973

Water Oxen are much more flexible, and because of this quality, they’re better able to understand what others are thinking and feeling. They’re sincere, patient, quick-thinking and others enjoy being around them.

Wood Ox – Years 1925 and 1985

Wood Oxen work well as part of a team, but because of their work ethic, self-confidence and strong sense of morals, they’ll always perform better as the team’s leader. They do have a tendency to be quick-tempered and outspoken.

Fire Ox – Years 1937 and 1997

Fire Oxen are natural born leaders. In fact, they’ll often hold positions of importance at work and in the community. They have short fuses and tend to react impulsively instead of considering the opinion of others.

Earth Ox – Years 1949 and 2009

Earth Oxen are successful individuals, probably because they are diligent rather than impulsive. A more modest approach combined with their reliability and sincerity makes them more likeable.

Now this anaylsis sounds a little more like me!

Then he recommended this horescope - although he doesn't think this me- well actually part of it- but most of it it's not- I disagree but I'm not going to argue with him over it- tell me what you think

The Ox
Those born under the influence of the Ox are fortunate to be stable and persevering. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task or an objective. As we used this great creature long ago to plow the soil day after day, so do Ox people labor through their daily responsibilities either at work or at home without complaint or gripe. Oxen know they will succeed through hard work and sustained effort and find no truth or benefit in concocting get-rich-quick schemes.
Years of the Ox
Ox years are second in sequence and recur every twelve years. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Ox year actually begins.
THE SIGN OF THE OX
Pragmatic and down-to-earth, Ox people are motivated to work hard and have no respect for lazy or careless people. Although they can be easily trusted and find it easy to put trust in others, they are not dependent on friends and family and would rather find an answer or a solution themselves than to ask these people for help or guidance. However, others can, without a doubt rely on Oxen, who are always honest and meticulous about their responsibilities. While they do not feel the need for many distant or acquaintance-oriented friendships, they value the strong bonds they share with their partners and families, and make close friends that last a lifetime.
Though they are quite open-minded, once Ox people have made a decision about something, they rarely change it. This is a defining characteristic that can be seen as obstinacy, but it is actually the way an Ox learns to be strong, brave and straightforward. It is the way the Ox learned to take on tasks and responsibilities and how he learns to be reliable for others. Oxen are more comfortable with the well-known as opposed to the unfamiliar. Yet, beneath their unpretentious, tranquil exterior lies a heart of gold and a motivation to prosper.
OXEN FACTS:
People born in the Year of the Ox share certain characteristics. The Ox sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Ox.
Second in order, Chinese name—NIU, sign of industry
Hour—1am-2:59am Month—January
Western Counterpart—Capricorn
CHARACTERISTICS
Obstinate, Pouty, Truthful, Motivated, Friendly, Apathetic, Genuine, Quick-tempered

IN YOUR ELEMENT
The characteristics of the Ox sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.
THE METAL OX 1901 AND 1961
Metal Ox people work harder and more scrupulously than most people, including other Oxen. They always show a boldness and drive and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Like all Oxen, they are completely trustworthy and dependable, but they are not ones to display their emotions freely or openly. These Oxen have the strength of steel, with a will to match. Often, this strength and ruthless will make it difficult for them to identify with the feelings of others around them. However, an Ox is always willing to defend what he knows to be true and won’t give up until he has proven what he knows to be true.
THE WATER OX 1913 AND 1973
The Water element gives the Ox a flexibility and liberty. Water Oxen are as hard-working as anyone, and particularly systematic, and are probably the quickest-thinking of the other elemental Oxen. They are much more prepared than the other Oxen to recognize the pints of view of others and to think about their ideas and suggestions, making them easy to work with in a business environment. They generally consider the feelings of others which makes them good roommates or partners. In addition, their sincerity and patience ensures their popularity with friends, peers and family.
THE WOOD OX 192S AND 1985
Understanding and fair, these are the least unyielding of the Oxen and the most apt to change and accept new ideas. A more liberal attitude gives them the ability to appreciate the value of being a part of a team, and other members of the team respect the high principles of the Wood Ox. They are particularly self-confident giving them an air of unspoken authority. This characteristic means that Wood Oxen are often chosen as leaders or spokespeople. They also have a shorter fuse than other Ox people, and are more likely to be outspoken or to stand up in a crowd to be heard. These Oxen are quite devoted to those they love and make strong and affectionate friends and relations.
THE FIRE OX 1937 AND 1997
Being born under the fire sign gives these Oxen dynamic qualities. Their leadership capabilities are tremendous, and they have to desire to be in charge so they generally hold positions of status and importance at work and in the community. They are capable of being extremely objective, but these Oxen can display hot tempers, throw temper-tantrums or be unusually impulsive in their decision-making. This can be dangerous because it may cause them to brush aside valuable ideas, discarding them before actually considering the implications associated with doing so. Even so, they tend to be loyal people. Devoutly dedicated to their family.
THE EARTH OX 1949 AND 2009
The most reliable and diligent Oxen belong to this collection of Oxen. The Earth element balances many of their negative characteristics. These Oxen are show good judgement, a good characteristic for successful financial dealings. Other people tend to look up to Earth Oxen because of their reliability, sincerity and their modest ambitions. They are willing to tackle the workload when it become overbearing for others and are loyal and compassionate with family and friends.
HEALTH AND HOME
HEALTH
People born under the sign of the Ox usually have strong codes and work ethics. This can lead to a tendency to be a workaholic, and they should make an effort to relax more. Many Oxen work in relatively stationary occupations, and would benefit from squeezing a little exercise into their routines. They are prone to bone and joint problems - especially the knees - and must pay special attention to these areas. However, Ox people are usually strong and robust, and, according to ancient wisdom, should be blessed with long lives.
AT HOME WITH THE OX
The Ox’s home is his castle, a place where he finds relaxation and peace from the everyday hustle and bustle of his career or responsibilities. This is where he spends time with his friends and loved ones. The Ox person doesn’t put a lot of effort into making his house stylish, for he would much rather be comfortable while reading the newspaper or watching television. He doesn’t spend much time indoors anyway—he wants to be outside, smelling the air, planting gardens and trees, which will usually be evidenced by the botanical literature you will find on his bookshelf or on his coffee table. Ox people prefer to live in the country. The Ox generally prefers to decorate his home with nature’s colors, i.e. golds, greens and oranges. However, since the Ox is associated with January, winter colors might be more appealing.

CAREER AND FINANCE
THE OX ON THE JOB
Able, ethical and aware, colleagues of the Ox will marvel at their methodical approach and will depend on their eyes for detail. Oxen are not phased by routines, probably because they are so well-organized. They are better-suited for specialized positions and prefer to work in large companies. They do, however, work best when they work alone since they can be unhappy when participating in a large group.
MONEY AND THE OX
Oxen believe in security, and thus don’t usually take wild risks or financial gambles. They are meticulous about spending money and work hard to ensure they will be able to retire comfortably.
OX CAREERS
Those born in the Year of the Ox share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Ox are listed below:
OX MAKE EXCELLENT:
Painters
Interior designers
Carpenters
Mechanics
Horticulturists
Engineers
Draftsmen
Architects
Army Officers
Managers
Quarry Workers
Academics
Archeologists
Osteopaths
Physioherapists
Bankers
Investment brokers
Real estate agents
CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS
Whether Oxen are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their business partners. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters of their business partners can also be very useful.
Rats Ruled By Benefit From Are Antagonistic to
Metal Earth Roosters Fire Tigers
Water Metal Rats Earth Horses
Wood Water Pigs Metal Sheep
Fire Wood Oxen Water Dogs
Earth Fire Snakes Wood Monkeys

Leisurely activities and pleasures
LIKES AND DISLIKES
The Ox is a lover of stability, a great traditionalist and a homemaker. Rarely would you expect an Ox person to be an extrovert pleasure-seeker. They are happiest in the peace of their own home territory.
Oxen Like:
Color Preference: Violet
Gems and Stones: Jade, Emerald, Moss-Agate, Lapis-Lazuli
Suitable Gifts: Kitchen accessories, gardening and planting books, cookbooks, bonsai trees
Hobbies and Pastimes: Body-Building, Baking, Gardening, Listening to music, Sewing
Oxen Dislike: Making small talk, foolish games, feeling insecure
THE OX VACATION
Actually, Oxen are homebodies, preferring the lure of the sofa or the garden to extravagant vacations far away from home. They are very happy just staying at home, spending their summer vacations catching up with the hobbies and pastimes that their workloads have prevented them from taking on previously. Whether they are planting flower beds, or enjoying a sunset on their newly-built front porch, it is all quite satisfying to them. If they do decide to take a trip, you can bet they’ll head for the hills to do some hiking or rock climbing.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
Oxen are not the most sociable people and tend not to mix easily in social gatherings. Instead, they would rather be at home, enjoying their privacy and anonymity. Unlike the Rat, the Monkey, or the Rooster, the Oxen tend not to have a little black book, preferring a few very loyal friends to a large network of acquaintances. Oxen do know how to shine at social occasions, but more often than not they dislike small talk. These are wary people, unlikely to ignite friendships on the spur of the moment. They like to take their time and get to know people before disclosing themselves fully. A happy, solid relationship with their partner and children is the most satisfying goal they could accomplish.
OX PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Oxen make very protective parents. People born under this sign will unselfishly work their fingers to the bone to provide a thriving, happy and secure home where their children feel safe. In return, however, the Ox mother and father demand that their youngsters be courteous, respectful and polite. In comparison to other parents, Oxen can seem a bit authoritarian but they are conventional and believe in instilling within their children a belief system. A good education is especially important and by utilizing their educational opportunities, Oxen children can make their lives and relationships with their parents a lot easier. Ox parents expect their children to listen, behave and be attentive while they are at school. Showing rebellion is the fastest way to be punished in the Oxen household.
Oxen, especially female Oxen, tend to start their families early on and completely immerse themselves in caring for and parenting their children. This can lead to dependent children and can pose a problem for parents who are trying to teach their children to become self-reliant.
THE OX INFANT AND CHILD
Children born under the sign of the Ox are quiet and amenable. They develop into solid, independent,
resourceful children, and are happiest when left to entertain themselves. If interrupted, provoked or forced
to do something against their will, they are likely to pout or show themselves, despite their audience.
Generally, Ox-born children are shy, and for many, childhood is quite lonely partly due to them liking to be
alone and partly because their siblings are usually much older or younger than they.
At school, subjects with a constructive appeal will be of the most interest to them. They like art and music as well. They are creative children who enjoy sports too. They are respectful, polite, hard-working, children…something their parents take very seriously.
OXEN PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS
Some parents click immediately with their children and some find they will never have a close relationship no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Oxen parents and their children.
Oxen with Under the same roof Compatibility Rating
Rat noble parent, respectable child ****
Ox pretty much equal ***
Tiger not much understanding *
Rabbit happy at home ***
Dragon some problems to sort out **
Snake on similar planes ***
Horse little compromise *
Sheep too sensitive *
Monkey a lot of fun together ****
Rooster solid relationship ****
Dog not much interaction *
Pig essentially harmonious ***
COMPATIBILITY RATINGS:
*uphill struggle **some complications ***easy bonding ****on the same wavelength
Lovers and spouses
THE OX LOVER
Oxen dislike chit-chat. They don't have fun at parties and as aforementioned, don’t have a ton of friends. They are not very sociable and would rather be spending their time at home with their families. When the Ox is in love, he does not confirm his feelings verbally, preferring to show you how he feels rather than tell you. An Ox will take a long time to decide if you are the right match for him because Oxen hate change, and want to find someone who is ready to embark upon a stable marriage. Oxen never rush into anything and are not flirtatious people. Once they have committed to you they will usually be faithful and expect reciprocation of their honorable actions.
MARRIAGE
Unfortunately, many Ox marriages do fall apart after a couple of years, possibly because the Ox is too dominant or inflexible. Perhaps it's because, Oxen tend to place blame on everyone but themselves. But if an Ox fortunate, and has chosen wisely, the couple can build and maintain a close-knit family to which the Ox will completely devote himself.
THE OX LOVE PARTNER
Oxen are strong, silent, reliable people who sometimes take for granted that their relationship is a partnership and that they make not always be the dominant figure. Other Animals may find them quite stubborn and overbearing. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how an Ox will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.
PARTNERS IN LOVE
Ox*Rat
Really good sex, but you’ll better serve each other as an affair. Marriage isn’t a good idea.
Ox*Ox
A solid partnership, but a wee bit boring.
Ox*Tiger
You are completely drawn to each other but headed for a dead end.
Ox*Rabbit
As lovers you’ll have a solid, content marriage.
Ox*Dragon
Give-and-take is not your forte and you are both more stubborn than the other.
Ox*Snake
You are headed for happiness!
Ox*Horse
Better in business than in bed.
Ox*Sheep
You may be phyiscally attracted to each other, but there’s not much substance here.
Ox*Monkey
If you can make it work, you’re destined for happiness and a lot of fun!
Ox*Rooster
Sexually stimulating, passionate and spontaneous…this should be a good fit.
Ox*Dog
You probably aren’t truly comfortable with each other…there’s a reason for that. Not much in common.
Ox*Pig
Passion and similar opinions destine you for a successful marriage.
Love Partners at a Glance
Oxen with Tips on Togetherness Compatibility
Rat similar appreciation ***
Ox strong, but apathetic **
Tiger completely different attitudes *
Rabbit delicate and loving ***
Dragon love at first sight, then stalemate *
Snake Majestic ****
Horse too argumentative *
Sheep No way *
Monkey okay, but no spark **
Rooster Wonderful ****
Dog Doubtful, but there’s hope **
Pig worth trying **
COMPATIBILITY RATINGS:
*dispute **keep working at it ***intense sexual attraction ****angelic
EAST MEETS WEST
VIRGO OX
These individuals are practical but they can lose sight of what’s important and can fuss over small details. Unmatched in honesty and ethics, they are responsible and respected.