Imagine this: 9 years ago, new writers sell to Harlequin Temptation. New writers feel they are in the company of … well … a QUEEN. Why? Vicki Lewis Thompson writes for Temptation and has for years. Vicki’s writing is awesome. Vicki also shares new writer’s editor. New writer thinks she can never compete. New writer is sure Queen Vicki will HATE new writers and resent them. NEW WRITERS WOULD BE WRONG. Welcome to the Jungle, New York Times Bestselling Author VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON – who welcomed all three new monkeys … – er writers, we weren’t monkeys then, Janelle Denison, Julie Leto, Leslie Kelly and Carly Phillips. Vicki took us under her wing. Vicki was NICE to us. Vicki became our FRIEND. Yes yes, we’re all still in awe of Queen Vicki except now she’s OUR Queen Vicki … Queen of the Nerds (just ask Kelly Ripa, she made Nerds sexy!); Queen of the Soapbox (along with Rhonda Nelson and Jennifer LeBrecque); and Queen of the Temptresses (who may not be writing Temptations anymore, but will always be Temptresses in our hearts). We’re proud to host Vicki here today … anyone who knows her, loves her … you’re all in for a treat!
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I’m so happy to be here in the jungle with the Plotmonkeys! Hi, Janelle, Carly, Julie and Leslie! I feel right at home. See, I was born in the Year of the Monkey. Both my parents were born in the Year of the Monkey, which makes me . . . the way I am.
I only know enough about the Chinese horoscope to be dangerous. The most basic info is the order of the years: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
2007 is the Year of the Pig. You can figure from that what sign you are, unless you were born in January or early February, because the Chinese New Year starts then and the date varies from year to year.
My B-Day’s in October so I’m definitely a Monkey. My Monkey horoscope for the Year of the Pig is “Carelessness and impatience are the Monkey’s bugbears this year, but application and an astute sense of timing will ensure success. Relationships warm their hearts.”
What, me, careless and impatient? Dropping the milk carton while I was cramming groceries into the refrigerator with one hand and scarfing down a banana with the other could happen to anyone, right?
Let’s focus on the positive part of the prediction. Application and astute timing sound great to me. I’ve been applying my monkey butt to the chair to finish the current WIP, and my astute timing has me blogging here in this most excellent jungle on the very day OVER HEXED comes out. Yes, you can buy it TODAY. Not that I’m impatient for you to do that or anything. 
Last of all, my prediction says relationships will warm my heart. My heart’s warm as toast because I was invited to spend the day here. In return, I invite you to share another relationship that warms my heart – all the good folks in the castle over at www.soapboxqueens.com . Fellow queens Jennifer LaBrecque and Rhonda Nelson are keeping the castle fires burning while I’m hanging out in the jungle with you.
Do you know your Chinese horoscope sign? In between swinging from vines and eating bananas, I’ll be happy to look up your prediction for 2007 and see if the year seems to be turning out that way. If you don’t know your sign, I can help you figure it out. I have a book and I know how to use it.
Carly Phillips would like to take 100% credit for all her stories but the truth is, Carly’s strength is writing family, emotion, funky elderly people and animals. She couldn’t plot her way out of a paper bag, which is why she smartly found her plotmonkey pals early on in her writing career. Thanks to their support, Carly is now a NYT Bestselling author of 23 plus novels. Because writing doesn’t keep her busy enough, Carly is also a wife, a mother of one preteen and one teenage daughter, the primary care giver of her soft coated Wheaten terrier and an expert carpool mom.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Vicki–Janelle, Julie, Leslie and I were all born in 1965 (and if anyone mentions age, we slap them!)
Tell us about our Chinese Horoscope!
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Welcome Plotmonkey friend Vicki! I’ve been a fan since “Mr. Valentine”. And the new book looks GREAT. Thanx to the Plotmonkeys, I’ve discovered the Soapbox Queens and love your castle.
I’m also an October baby born in the year of the pig (Oct ’71) – am I right?
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Oh, no…no…no… I can’t handle another day of partying with Queen Vicki! Yesterday’s mimosas, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate and broom rides with Dorcas just about did me in! I’m still not right!
Okay, so I never was right. I had a blast yesterday in the castle and will hop on over there and say hi to Rhonda and Jennifer while you’re swinging in the jungle today. Wonder if Tina made it home okay?
I’m with the rest of the monkeys – ’65. And I’d love to know what the rest of the year has in store. Not trying to rush life, it’s going fast enough, but does your book tell about next year, ’cause this ones been pretty tough and I’m hoping next year is a whole lot easier! :happy2:
Have a great day!!
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Looking forward to getting the new book. I’m not sure what I am. Born in February of ’73.
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Morning, Vicki! How cool about the Chinese horoscope. I was born in ’71, which was the Year of the Boar.
“People born in the Year of the Boar are honest and tolerant and make good friends, but tend to expect the same from everyone else, and more often than not they end up disappointed. They thrive in the arts as entertainers.”
Cool. I would like to think that’s relatively accurate.
Can’t wait to get Over Hexed today!
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Hi Vicki! Good morning plotmonkeys. :wave:
I love it that your new book released today so I don’t have to wait! I was born in January 1956. My daughter and my mother were all born in October.
Take care and have a great day swinging through the jungle. :banana:
Cher
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A big hello from the Philippines! I love your Nerd Series. Can’t wait for Over Hexed. Unfortunately, it’ll be months before it reaches the shelves here. And Amazon.com shipping takes 3-4 weeks to reach the Philippines. Luckily, I’m going to New York before the end of the month. First thing I’ll do is go to the bookstore and grab a copy!
Dorcas & Ambrose seems like a wacky duo! And I have a feeling charming Sean will become one of my favorite heroes.
Btw, I was born in ’85. Chinese astrology is a big thing here, what with a lot of Chinese-Filipinos living in the city and being one myself. I know I’m an Ox, people born in the year of the Ox are natural born leaders, and are perfectionists.
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Woohoo on OVER HEXED hitting the shelves. I am..uh…finding it challenging to work rather than read.
Okay, I went out and looked it up for about the 20-gazillioneth time — htg, my mind is a sieve. Ox. “Steadfast and solid, this powerful Sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. ” Alrighty. I’ll take it. The downside is the Year of the Pig isn’t so great for the ox.
And, ahem, hope all of you party girls have recovered from partying yesterday at the castle.
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Dang I missed a party??
I will have to wait until tomorrow to grab my copy of the book- I can almost guarentee it isn’t unboxed yet, (that’s my job) and I am going no where near the battleground that is currently my place of employment. :darth:
As for birth- Feb 17, 1960, which I believe is the year of the Rat. ick. But that is all I know. I think. :wallbash:
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Welcome Vicki…..I am probably the year of the dog. Just my luck….
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Congrats on the new book Vicki! I’ll be looking for it today at B & N! Can’t wait to read it. I was born in 1968. I usually know what I am (I do chinese at least once a week and they have these great menus aka calendars), but I’m braindead right now, finishing up a book and I can’t remember. Please, please, please tell me the Year of the Pig means weight loss, bestsellardom & a vacation in Cabo for those of us ’68′ers. I’m desperate here.
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BAILEY PULLED HER CONE OFF AND BROKE IT IN HALF. Off to the vet to pick up another one!
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Rhonda, I’m with ya in the boar/pig. Boar sounds so much better…I think. Anyway, your quote sums me up, too. I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and now am a writer! Can’t wait to see what Vicki has to say about our year. Welcome, Vicki! Great to have you.
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Hey, I’m with the plotmonkeys too. I was born in October of 1965.
Welcome to the jungle Vicki! So glad to see you visiting here. Congrats on OVER HEXED! You must be so proud of your baby. Can’t wait to read it.
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Carly, I guess Bailey let you know in no uncertain terms how she feels about wearing that cone! :happy2:
Cher
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We never had much success with the cone here either. Poor Bailey! (And poor Carly!)
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Welcome Vicky. Looking forward to the new book. I am an August 1966 birthday. I thought I was the horse. That’s what I remember from the paper placemats in the Chinese restaurants.
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Welcome Vicki! Still recovering from all th chocolate and broom rides with Dorcas at the party yesterday. I started Over Hexed this morning before I came into work and can’t wait to get back to reading after work. I was born in Oct 1971, so it looks like I was born in the year of the pig/boar too.
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Welcome, Vicki! I could gush and tell you how much I love your books, especially the Nerds. And that I can’t wait to get Over Hexed asap. And that next to the Plotmonkeys, I will buy anything that you write. I could tell you I’m such a fan and that, oh, heck, I think I already did. But I was born in the year of the dog :dog1:so I am very loyal to people I love and care about. Thanks goes to you, Carly, Julie, Leslie, and Janelle for all the great reads you put out there.
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Hi Vicki:
I love your Nerd books. You are so wonderful. I was born in Sept. of ’75 and I know that I am the year of the Rabbit. I would love to know my prediction.
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The new book looks wonderful! I’ll definitely be picking it up. I was born April 1969 ~ a rooster, if the placemats at the chinese restaurants are correct :-)
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:flower4you: I’m sitting at the keyboard all choked up by that intro. I didn’t see it until this morning, and what a touching welcome! It completely cured my hangover from yesterday’s party at the castle. Hey, Jodie! I’ll bet you don’t remember wearing the lampshade and dancing on the table, do you?
Carly, 1965 is the Year of the Snake, unless you were born between January 1 and February 1 of that year, in which case, you’re a Dragon. I’m thinking Leslie might be a Dragon, but she’ll have to pop up and confirm that.
According to my book, the Snakes have had some sticky wickets this year, discovering that for every three steps forward, they go two steps back! But by my calculations, that’s still progress.
The book says that “romantically, occupationally, and financially, the best advice is simply to bide their time.” Hang in there, Snakes!
Stacy, ’71 is definitely Year of the Pig, or the Boar, whichever floats your boat. Pigs are in hog heaven this year! The book predicts “excellent progress in many areas of life. Plans put into motion last year come to fruition now and any residual domestic or relationship problems can be ironed out.” Looking good, Pigs!
Rhonda, that would be you, too. And I completely agree with the assessment of you and your talents. :hug2:
Stacy S, ’73 is Year of the Ox, unless you were born between Jan. 1 and Feb. 3, when you’d be a Rat. Which is a great thing, by the way! Rats are very cool. But the Ox is the sign for my fellow Soapbox Queen Jen, so I’m very fond of that sign. Angel, you already know that you’re an Ox, and are probably way more up on this than I am!
My book, The Complete Book of Chinese Horoscopes by Lori Reid, says that “good auspices of 2007 favor those born in the Year of the Ox.” ” . . . the benefits are that life will be stable, with the emphasis on revitalization. Intimate relationships and family ties bring amusement as well as joy.”
Cher, you’re a Sheep, but your daughter and mother are both Monkeys, like me. Sheep should be doing well in 2007! The book predicts “a much happier and more satisfying time than of late.” It even predicts a windfall! Love the sound of that, don’t you?
Ev, yep, you’re a Rat, which my daughter is, and I :wub: that sign! I’m sure you’re very smart and capable. The book says “If relationships have taken a hammering, they should start to improve.” It also mentions that if you’ve gone separate ways, this is the time to make a fresh start, because now’s the time to link up with person of your dreams. Sounds good to me!
Katie, this is awesome. My daughter’s a Rat, like Ev, and you’re the next poster, a Dog, which is my son! I :wub: Dogs, too, obviously. They’re sooo loving. Your year should have been good so far. The book talks about “welcome ease and contentment. A legal, financial, or health problem that has been hanging over many a Dog is soon resolved.” As Rhonda would say, Woot! “The future looks rosy,” according to this prediction!
So that brings me to Kimberly Raye. :wave: Kim! Guess what? You’re a
like me! So the weight loss and Cabo vacation may be on hold.
This is so fun! Thanks for letting me be here, today, and I think it’s fascinating that the Plotmonkeys are mostly Snakes, except maybe, one Dragon. I’ll be back in a few!
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Vicki, that totally explains my year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed on the astute timing thing and might have something exciting to announce fairly soon (I’m keeping everything crossed). In the meantime, back to the computer . . .
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A sheep…interesting. A windfall sounds awesome!
Thanks, Vicki :-)
Cher
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I went to get the book yesterday just with the hope that it was out early. But it was not! :bigcry:I will go back to my bookstore today. I can’t wait to read this book. Congrats Vicky!
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Ooo, I think being a dragon would be cool.
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OK OK, so I’m 3 years older than the plotmonkeys-born May 27, 1962. Welcome Vicki, I have also enjoyed your series of Nerd books. Please help me out here and let me know what year I was born under. Thanks a bunch!!!
Take Care all and have a good day!!!!!!!!!
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Oh yay! i’m the first dragon ( i love being able to say that) i was born dec ’88 and i know for a fact i’m a dragon. throw that prediction at me! i could do with some good news.
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:hug2: Welcome Vicki to the jungle. I just bought some of your nerd books… i am going to read them this week at work. My birthyear is 1978… i believe im a horse. I know im stubborn. lol. Hope everyone has a good day.
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Welcome to the jungle Vicki! We all love you here and bow down to your queenlyness
(Yes, queenlyness is a word – MY new word 
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So many of you youngin’s are making me feel OLD!
YEAR OF THE SNAKE: According to my book, the Snakes have had some sticky wickets this year, discovering that for every three steps forward, they go two steps back! But by my calculations, that’s still progress. The book says that “romantically, occupationally, and financially, the best advice is simply to bide their time.” Hang in there, Snakes!
Okay, Vicki, so this does explain my very UNPRODUCTIVE year — romantically, occupationally, and financially! But the year has been unproductive because of other things getting in the way, most of it unforseen stuff! :cursing:
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Vicki -did I fall off that table onto my head? That might explain a few things…I think I got a concussion!
As for the sticky wickets – I’d say this has probably been the worst year of my life. Sorry everyone else born the same year has had to endure also. I love New Year’s Day – I’ll be celebrating extra hard this coming New Year’s Eve, more than ready to move on. Oh, but wait…the Chinese New Year changes when?! :doh:
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Welcome “Queen of the Nerd Series,” to the jungle.
I was born in the year of the 
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Vickie, can’t wait to get my hands on Over Hexed. What a perfect non-fattening Halloween treat.
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Welcome, Vicki! I’m a rooster (as is my youngest). I’ve never set much store in the whole horoscope thing, but it’s definitely fun to check out!
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I’ve been intrested in the Chinese horoscope for a long time now and I’m a snake too. So Vicki you’re right. There are a lot of plotmonkey bloggers that actually are snakes or dragons. What a weird accident.
Great and interesting blog.
See you (hope soon but I’m busy at the moment, so …)
Vero
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hey Janelle,
I’ve just read your comment and had to add something. I wouldn’t call someone who wrote a book that great (Born to be Wilde) unproductive.
So come on, get inspired and you’ll soon be more optimistic.
Bye Bye
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YAY Vicki’s here!
We are SO excited to have you here! Vicki was one of the first Temptresses I ever met–at the Anaheim RWA conference in 1998, before I sold my first book. She was so incredibly gracious and I consider myself extremely fortunate to call her friend!! (PS: Her daughter Audrey is a super sweetheart, too!)
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PS: Vicki, I had always assumed I was a snake! But my birthday is in January. so I’m really a Dragon? Way cool!!!!!
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Woo Hoo Vicki!!! I have Overhexed in my hand! I sooooo can’t wait to start reading it!
:wub:
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What sign am I…my b-day just passed on Sept 24.
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I’m having so much fun in the jungle today!!
I don’t know if this horoscope thing is accurate, either, but I love playing around with it.
Carly, sorry about the cone! I had a soft one for Eve and oy! What a pain in the rear to try and keep it on and working the way it should. She :cursing: it. Good luck!
Becca, Liz and Darla, you’re all Pigs, and I mean that in the nicest way! Or Boars. The Chinese have positive connotations about animals, much more than westerners, I think. If you’re a Pig/Boar, this is your year! It only comes around once every twelve years, so you should be in great shape this year. Darla, thanks for getting OVER HEXED!
Carolyn A., yep, I’m proud of my new bouncing baby book.
And for you and all the other Snakes, (Carly, Julie, Janelle, Jodie and Vero) the Year of the Rat begins on February 6, 2008. I have to buy another book to see how that year will work out, but surely better for you than this one! Janelle, I’m so sorry this year has been so frustrating. We need to catch up.
Carol R., you sound exactly like a Dog! I love that!
Ardie, you’re a Dog, too, and because my son is one, I’m thrilled with Dogs. This year should be treating you well.
Patty L. is the only Rabbit so far, and here’s what it says: “Rabbits can relax and let their hair down this year. They should join a club, take up a hobby, accept all invitations, travel and expand their horizons. Romance is in the air!” :wub:
Barbara V., thanks for looking for the book, and I hope you find it! Stores all stock differently.
Kathy’s the only Tiger so far, and here’s your 2007 prediction — “This is the year in which Tigers should keep their eyes open for any opportunities and grab them. This is not year to be shy! Promote your interests!” So get out there, Kathy, girl!
Leslie, you *are* a Dragon. I remember a couple of years ago we talked about this and you thought you were a Snake. Nope. And BTW, I remember clearly the meeting in Anaheim. I thought you were the sweetest thing. Now I know different.
And I love that about you!
Ayala, you already knew you were a Dragon, so here’s the 2007 picture for both of you. “A highly productive and progressive year. You can make up any ground you might have lost last year. Chances are you could come into some money!”
As for Elisa V., who’s a Horse, it says “Finances are positively buoyant. But what comes in goes out just as easily.” Isn’t that just the way? It also says “In love matters, the Horse should make her feelings known.”
So we come to Fedora, the only Rooster so far. For you, last year was supposed to be a frustrating grind, but this year should be bringing “distinct improvement to both career matters and domestic affairs. With romantic ties strenghtening and relationships flourishing, the prospects bode well for weddings and births.” I typed “blurbs” at first. Books are on my mind!
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Whoops, I missed Michelle! Yes, you’re a Horse, just like you thought so the money is probably coming in and then going right back out again! Better than not coming in at all, I guess.
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Vicki, I just found Over Hexed at Wal-Mart!
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Welcome to the jungle Vicki where we are all pretty much bananas! I am an October baby as well and I was born in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis! I would just love to know my perdiction. Thank you in advancen. Also I am married to a man who was born in 1965, was that year of the Jackass? Sorry, we an had rough weekend!
Sue
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Sue, you cracked me up.
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Welcome, Vicki! Overhexed is out! How exciting!!!
Thanks for coming by the jungle…and man, oh, man, did you ever just describe my year.
:cursing:
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Hi guys…welcome to the jungle Vicki…I have seen your books in the stores, but I haven’t picked one up yet…I am trying to budget after going crazy buying books this summer…your are on my TBR pile though…I may have read some of your stuff from some of the Harlequin series that came out years ago…not sure…I will have to check my home “library”…well, I am game with the Chinese Horoscope deal…I was born in August 1974…not sure what year that was…can you please help me? I really need to know how things are going to go for me…thanks for visiting us today…
Peace and love,
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Welcome to the jungle Vicki. Mr. Valentine is one of my “keeper” books. It is still good! My favorite Nerd book is the one in Las Vegas, I just loved that one & the humor & the retired showgirls. Such good reading. Congratulations on the new book. I’ll look for it next time I”m in a bookstore or at Wal-Mart. I used to know my Chinese horoscope sign but have forgotten it. You are all making me feel very old, I was born in August 1940 which makes me the olderst poster here today! This has not been one of my better years so I would be curious to see what they say about me!
Thanks for coming to see us today.
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Hi Vicki!
Just picked up Over Hexed today.
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Love your books, Vicki! I think I’m a snake – March 1941 – and I’m just a few months younger than you, Donna M. :flower4you:
I think my ex was another one of those born in the year of the jackass….
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I just went to my local Fred Meyers to get the book and THEY DON’T have it….
I am so so sad……. will keep looking……….
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Rhonda, thanks for finding the book at Wal-Mart! (Oh, and buying it, too.
) Now I have the courage to go out and look. It’s not fun to plan a big day of seeing your book on shelves and then not finding it. I made that mistake once. 
Sue,
! I’ll bet several of us know people, maybe even those nearest and dearest, who were born in the Year of the Jackass. I think that covers several years, in fact. :grin1: You’re a Tiger, and your husband is a Snake. Good luck! Your Tiger outlook for 2007 is pretty good, though. That would be the same as Kathy’s , with opportunities coming your way that you need to grab without being shy about it. You’re supposed to promote yourself, in other words, go for it! The Snake year, as we’ve seen, isn’t quite that smooth. They’re getting hammered a bit. 
Julie, that would be you, too, hon. So sorry! We *also* need to catch up!
Paula R., you’re also a Tiger, so I hope you’re scarfing up all those opportunities coming your way!
Donna, you’re a Dragon, which I think is an awesome sign. Who wouldn’t want to be something that exciting and powerful? You’re the same sign as Leslie and Ayla, which means means you might come into money and this *should* be a productive and progressive year. If it hasn’t been so far, you still have until February 6 for those things to happen. If something unexpected and wonderful happens in the next few months, come on over to the castle at Soapboxqueens and tell us! We :heart1: dragons over there.
Estella, thank you for buying OVER HEXED today! Now I really need to go out and stare at my book on the shelves. Cool.
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Karen B. — Yep, you’re a Snake, and my condolences on accidentally marrying a man born in the Year of the Jackass. At least you’re not still in that pickle! Congrats on that! I think Sue’s coined the thirteenth sign of the Chinese zodiac.
Shelly, I hate that your trip was in vain!
Thanks for trying!
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Ha! Sometimes my man is Year of the Pig, oftentimes he is Year of the Jackass!
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Hi Vickie! I have my copy of Over Hexed and started reading it today. I’m not even in through the first chapter yet and I can already tell I’m going to have watch where I read this since I tend to occasionally snort when I laugh. I probably shouldn’t drink anything while reading this either.
I was born in 1967 (which means I’m 28, trust me–my math is correct :liar:) and I think that is the year of the goat. I am also a capicorn so does that make me doubly stubborn?
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Hi Vicki! I’m chiming in a little late here, but I’m so glad you’ve visited us. (I was over at the castle earlier) I’m a huge fan – love all your nerd books – and can’t wait to read Over Hexed! I’m also 28 and a Capircorn (love that Laura! Thank you!!) – but I think that’s the Horse, which really didn’t seem to resemble me when I read the description. Besides, I’m allergic to horses. What does that mean?
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I also can’t spell – I think it’s Capricorn. Yeah, that looks better.
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My second visit so I could find out what year I was born in! I like the year of the Dragon, sounds great! Thanks Vicki for checking that for me.
Karen B, Jen & others I think my ex-husband must have born in the Year of Jackass!!
I will be laughing about this for the next few days! Thanks for such good humor. 
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Laura J and Robin, if you’re both in 1967, you’re Sheep, so maybe that will sound better to you, Robin. You’re the ones who could get a windfall, and you should be having a happier and more satisfying time this year than you did last year. I hope that’s true for both of you!
I guess the sheep could be considered the Capricorn goat, so maybe you are both a double of those traits! I need to ask my savvy daughter, who has an even bigger and more detailed book of Chinese horoscopes. (She’s a Rat who loves this kind of stuff.)
Well, the sun’s over the yard-arm in Arizona — impossible, since we have no ocean or ships, but I’ve always wanted to say that — so I’m going to swing my way out of this jungle and celebrate a great day with a glass of wine. Thank you for having me here, Plotmonkeys! I loved it!
G’nite, all you fascinating animals!
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Happy Bday! When in October? Mine is the 29th! My Dad is the 13th and sister is today!
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yes i was born year of teh horse. Hi vicki
:flower4you:
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Hi Vicki and the PlotMonkeys. I wanted to look up what my Chinese year was before I made a post. So here goes: I was born July 1968 which means I’m the Year of the :monkey I checked the rest of the posts and I didn’t see any other
out there.
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I’m the year of the tiger which is so cool since I have such an affinity for cats – very fitting lol.