the year of the...

Rat.

(I cringed a bit as my fingers tapped the keyboard to form the word.)

I'm not sure where my phobia of rodents stems from. I spectulate it could be a result of (unwanted) exposures when I was a wee tot. I don't remember too much about the incidents -- suppressed memories are wonderful things -- but, I am sure, that my cousin is willing to share the scary details if you ask.

I'm sure that my fear is more about the thought of these creatures rather than the actual sight of them. In grade 9, I had to read about Farley Mowat's adventures and I couldn't bear the thought of having to read the passages pertaining to his diet of choice (e.g. mice). So, in preparation for chapter quizzes, I made my sister read over the chapter and give me a brief synposis. Needless to say, I didn't do to well on that part of my English curriculum.

Another time -- not too long ago -- I was walking around the Lost Lagoon and I had asked my friend, who I was with, as to what this large-ish, dark-coloured, pointy-faced animal was sitting on the rock, no more than two feet away from us. We both sprinted in the opposite direction immediately after she informed me. To this date, we haven't been back there together.

As the rat is the animal for this lunar year, I, along with my husband, went in the other direction. Birmingham, to be exact, for some Chinese New Year festivities.

Although the celebrations were set for the next day, we weren't disappointed. We walked around the Chinese Quarter decorated with red paper lanterns and made sure we had our fill of dim sum and steamed baked goods.

The day was absolutely beautiful and took advantage of the early spring weather by walking along the city's network of canals.