Chinese Horoscope Essay

Isn’t it ironic how accurately the Chinese Horoscope portrays our
lives? Personally, the rat is a fairly accurate description of my life.
In contrast, many of the rat’s characteristics do not apply to my
personality at all. In addition, some parts of my horoscope need to be
changed or developed. Overall the Chinese horoscope is an appropriate
representation of my life.

Many of my traits are well represented by the rat in the Chinese
Horoscope. For example, I am bright as is the rat. I have shown this
trait by receiving straight A’s in school and by showing excellent
people skills. Furthermore, by always looking on the bright side of
events I have shown how I have an opportunistic attitude. I have also
portrayed this trait by not feeling negatively toward school
assignments and daily work. Lastly, I have proven than I am an adaptable
individual. For instance, when I first moved to Singapore I was quickly able to
adjust to the different cultural environment. Part of what helped me
develop this trait was my experience in different cultural atmospheres
around the world. As one can view, the rat accurately expresses many of
my personality traits in life.

Though many of my characteristics are like those of the rat, some of
them do not match up at all. For instance, I am not a great planner.
Instead of carefully planning things I like to let events develop on
there own. For example, sometimes I end up staying up late doing
homework because I don’t like planning and budgeting my time. In
addition, I do not show off and brag, in contrast to the rat. I don’t
like acting above other by boosting successes and achievements. Plus, I
also am not an erratic and unpredictable person. I stay in a habit
during the days and don’t like to change my behavior. Some of my
characteristics noticeably greatly differ from those of the rat.

Some of traits of the rat match my personality, and some don’t, but
there are definitely traits about myself I would like to change and
develop. For example, I would like to stop cutting corners. For
instance, sometimes in order to finish a ten point homework assignment
faster I would just do what required instead of putting in some effort.
In addition, I also cut corners when I have to clean my room, in order
to create more free time for myself. Plus, I would like to become more
sociable so I can meet new people. Sometimes I am very shy to greet
others. I would also like to become more outgoing. Too many times I
analyze and scrutinize a situation more then it should be. I think I
may be able to enjoy certain activities more if I just did them instead of
thinking about them. I envy the rat for some of his traits, but I think
the rat and myself would be better of without certain characteristics.

In general, the Chinese horoscope is a suitable representation of
my life. Many of my traits are well-portrayed by the rat. In contrast,
many of the rat’s characteristics do not suit me well. Furthermore,
there are some traits I need to change and develop. Understanding the
Chinese horoscope and how it applies to me will help me become a better
person in the future

Second Coming

Do you ever wonder how it would feel to have a majority of the world
know who you are? Well, Michael Jordan knows how it feels. Jordan has
dealt with many events in his career, from his one year playing
baseball in the minor leagues to the media frenzy surrounding him during his
thrilling return to the NBA. Major milestones in Jordan’s career also
include his fourth, fifth, and sixth championships with the Chicago
Bulls. In general, Michael Jordan has proven that when he puts his mind
to it he can accomplish anything, even a successful return to the game
of basketball.
About three months after his abrupt retirement from the NBA, on
October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced he was going to pursue a career in
professional baseball. After going through three weeks of spring
training with the Chicago White Sox, Michael was sent down to Minor
Leagues. Jordan was sent to play for the Birmingham Barons. Although
Michael wasn’t even playing in the majors, he didn’t mind. Through his
first season with the Barons, Michael ended up with a batting average
of .202, the worst in the league. He also compiled a total of 114
strikeouts and 11 errors. Even after having a sub par first season,
Jordan still felt enthusiastic about playing baseball. "I know people
don’t believe me when I say this, but I’m having the time of my life.
I’m getting the opportunity…to live out a boyhood dream," Jordan
exclaimed. After the Baron’s season the White Sox sent the former NBA
star to play for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League to
improve his skills. Soon after Michael reported to spring training,
rumors arose that minor league players may replace major league players
during baseball’s strike. Jordan didn’t want to be involved with any
problems baseball was having. Michael took a step away from the
diamond, ending his one year experience. However, it wouldn’t be long before
Jordan would be back in action, but this time it wouldn’t be on the
baseball field.
On March 18, 1995, Jordan voiced two words that would change
basketball forever: "I’m back". The scene outside the Bulls practice facility was
crazy. A mob of media were flocking to find out if the three time NBA
champion was indeed planning to return to the Chicago Bulls for the
last couple weeks of the season. A frenzy was going on around the city of
Chicago, with billboards reading "Welcome back Michael". In his first
game back after seventeen months away from the game Jordan scored a
respectable nineteen points. In his first home game after his
retirement, Michaelmania was in the air. Many fans sported Jordan
apparel, and had posters reading sayings like, "Welcome Back". Even
though the Bulls fell short of their goal of making it to the NBA
finals, many fans were satisfied with the fact that Jordan was back.
Many fans also remained confident that the next season Jordan would be
able to lead the Bulls back to their championship thrown.
Michael Jordan would not disappoint fans, however. Over the next three
years Jordan asserted the Bulls back to championship status. At the
start of the 1995-96 season the Bulls added some new players to their
roster to improve Jordan’s supporting cast. That year, Michael led the
Bulls to a NBA record seventy-two wins. He also led the Bulls past the
Seattle Supersonics in the finals, giving Chicago its fourth NBA title.
Jordan was honored by the league by receiving the regular season MVP,
all-star MVP, and finals MVP. Jordan also captured his eighth NBA
scoring title. The next season Jordan and the Bulls continued their
dominance of the NBA. Jordan led the Bulls past the Western conference
champion Utah Jazz in the finals. Michael picked up another finals MVP,
his ninth scoring title, and his fifth championship trophy. But in the
1997-98 season Michael lost his sidekick, Scottie Pippen, due to injury
for the first half of the season. Many questions faced Jordan about
whether the Bulls could win it all for the sixth time. As the season
progressed, a main distraction concerning the future of the Bulls
arose. But as the season winded down the Bulls had compiled the second best
record in the league. Jordan also won the regular season MVP, all-star
MVP, and picked up his record tenth scoring title. Through all the
struggles, the Bulls made it back to the NBA finals. Michael and the
Bulls faced the task of defeating a Utah Jazz team that was better than
the last season. In the sixth game of the series, with a chance to win
the series, Michael shed his greatness once again. With less than ten
seconds left in the game, and with his team down by one point, Jordan
brought the ball down the court and put up a shot. Michael then
watched his shot fall through the net, clinching Chicago’s sixth NBA
championship. Jordan took home his sixth finals MVP award.
Unfortunately, it now seems doubtful that many of the Bulls, including
Michael, will come back to try and win it again.
Through his baseball career to his return to basketball, and three
more titles, Michael Jordan has shown that he can always accomplish what he
sets out to do. Michael succeeded in gaining baseball experience by
spending about one year in the minor leagues. He was surrounded by all
the media hype in the world during his successful return to the Chicago
Bulls and the NBA. Plus he was placed on a pedestal by the world while
continuing to lead the Bulls to three additional NBA championships. On
and off the basketball court, Michael Jordan is truly on a plateau
above the rest.