Year of the Ox - Disaster and misfortune?

"The New Year was a time when you could change your luck."
"..when the New Year began, not one single speck of dust from last year could remain. Not a single copper's worth of debt could be left unpaid. And not a single bad word could fall from anyone's mouth for three days."
"...And because it is the new year, all debts must be paid, or disaster and misfortune will follow." *
These are all poignant words in the times of the so called credit crunch.
To celebrate the Chinese New Year I have chucked out all the old chintz & almost completely refurnished my house and whilst moving sofas.. sprained my ankle.
Would I be this klutzy if I were born in the Year of the Ox?
If you happen to be in London on Sunday, February 1st, you might want to enjoy the Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square and fireworks in Leicester Square.
Here's to new beginnings!
* from "Kitchen God's Wife" & "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan