Happy Birthday, Leo!

A friend at work sent me my birthday horoscope today. I don't pay attention to horoscopes regularly, but I enjoy them (when they're good, ha), and do find myself to be a bit of a characteristic Leo at times. It's a very flattering horoscope, but it's still somewhat eerily reminiscent of me. And it refers to me as a bon vivant! Score!

Happy Birthday, Leo! You have very capable hands and are eager to work obsessively hard for goals you're passionate about. Your hands may be uniquely expressive, adding emphasis to your words and facial expressions. They may also be extremely skilled, artistically or technically. You're a true spokesperson for the vibe and mood of your generation. You reflect and translate what has great importance to your peers. In fact, until you put your inimitable spin on things, the message hasn't been transmitted colorfully or earnestly. Your ability to explain, illustrate and mirror others' thoughts and feelings makes you an amazing mouthpiece for your generation. People identify with you. They're thrilled that you seem to immediately understand what they're feeling. Some of you write poetry, songs or stories. Like allegorical tales, your stories have layers of meaning - a richness that satisfies most listeners. Because music is nearly as important to you as water and air, you enjoy listening to it almost all the time. Many of you are experienced musicians with a pronounced ability to transfix an audience. You hate to wait for happiness, gratification and recognition - but waiting may be part of your karmic lesson. You may have to work harder than many of your less gifted colleagues to reach the pinnacle of success and accomplishment that you dream about. If your dream is worth having, then isn't it worth waiting for? You have an incredible visual sense. You can spot beauty, quality and up-and-coming trends before others catch on. You prefer earthy, more primal expressions of beauty than something carefully calculated or contrived. Attracted to sunny locales, bright colors, warm people and gourmet foods, you’re quite the bon vivant and adore Mediterranean ambiance. You also prefer generous portions of anything you enjoy. For example, you are more enchanted by a big house than a small one, or a big diamond instead of a diminutive one. Bigger is definitely better in your book. Because you detest being trapped, controlled or told what to do, you tend to learn the hard way, particularly in your rebellious youth. Once you feel more centered and less defensive, you're able to listen to others' suggestions - but will never willingly take orders from anyone.

but will never willingly take orders from anyone. This is truth. Sadly, sometimes I have to fight the urge to do the opposite, regardless of rationale, when someone orders me around.

Minus the part about me needing big things. But I do need nice, quality things, so it's a little right.

You may have to work harder than many of your less gifted colleagues to reach the pinnacle of success and accomplishment that you dream about. Ugh. I was hoping this was just a phase I would pass beyond and then have easy success and a relaxed existence. Sigh.

Ooops, no sighing allowed on my birthday. Woo!