Food for Thought?

With the new year's celebrations already under my belt it's time to focus on the next big event. Yes, that's right...the birthday. Not a big one, just another year older and wiser I suppose. But still, be it a traditional big one or not I'm pretty partial to my birthday as it gives me the excuse to treat myself well and enjoy a little pampering.

And the good folks from the Astrocenter Team at msn astrology wrote up a little something special for the big day! How thoughtful! Some helpful hints and tips to get me, the beloved capricorn through the next year. Isn't astrology just fabulous!

Dos and Don'ts: Capricorn

As a Capricorn you tend to be a very hard worker, and you probably have a very high level of business sense. You're also very family-oriented, loyal, and will stand by those whom you believe in to the bitter end. Yet Capricorns can also be somewhat stiff and formal, and don't always succeed in hiding their feelings for people whom they don't approve of. Even the youngest of Capricorns just might cling to the standards and mores of a generation long past – and thus might be viewed as "weird" by their contemporaries. Yet in their lighter moods, Capricorns can be quite entertaining. As a native of Capricorn, you tend to crack jokes and keep such a straight face that your listeners don't know whether you're joking or not until they see you laughing at them! You tend to be fascinated by the past, and can be very entertaining when you talk about it – provided that it isn't YOUR past. You can talk about ancient Sumer or the Middle Ages or the early 20th Century and make it all sound wonderful – but when asked about your own history, you clam up.

WHEN MEETING NEW PEOPLE:
DO: Quickly find some common ground between you and your new acquaintances. Then make the most of it. Whether it's a current event you both heard about, or an interest you have in common, it could bring you a new friendship.
DON'T: Go over the top talking about your business. Even if your new acquaintance works in the same field as you, don't talk shop. It's important to show a different side of yourself. This will arouse interest in you – not your job.

WHEN DATING:
DO: Make use of your innate sense of style. Nothing catches the eye of a new potential partner more than looking smart and spiffy. You don't need to look like you just stepped out of VOGUE or GQ. Just look your best.
DON'T: Bend your date's ear by going into the intricate details of your latest business enterprise. It's important to remember to show an interest in your partner!

IN FASHION:
DO: Purchase the highest quality clothes you can find at the lowest possible prices. You like to dress in the latest styles, but you aren't all that keen on designer prices. The right store for you is out there. Find it!
DON'T: Buy nothing but business suits. You do have a life outside the workplace – at least, you should. Go ahead and be a little frivolous. You've earned the right!

WHEN STARTING A NEW WORKOUT PROGRAM:
DO: Pick a regimen that appeals to you. You're not the type to abandon anything, so it is best you find a program that you like.
DON'T: Get so caught up in a routine that you get bored with it. Change your routine every once in awhile. Try different exercises that bring the same results occasionally. That way it won't become a chore.

WHEN CLIMBING THE CAREER LADDER:
DO: Continue just as you're doing: Be nice but firm with everybody, and go right on doing business the way you always have.
DON'T: Expect all your colleagues and subordinates to be just as efficient and business-savvy as you are. We can't all be Capricorns!

WHEN DOING HOUSEHOLD CHORES:
DO: Hire a cleaning service. You may be great at business, but household chores just aren't your thing.
DON'T: Stand over the cleaners and look stern. Let them do their job. You'll want them to come back, after all.

WHEN COOKING:
DO: Go for elegance. You enjoy a cozy, semiformal atmosphere, and if you have guests for dinner, so will they. Spoil yourself a little.
DON'T: Stick with the same few favorite foods you always prepare. Try some new recipes from time to time. If you don't like them, you never have to eat them again.

WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY:
DO: Avoid rush hour traffic whenever it's humanly possible. Your days are stressful enough without it.
DON'T: Drive too slow. Caution is good, but slowing traffic down can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. Go with the traffic.