I'm learning like you but I've discovered a few things which may help.

despite the od things you may find about chinese astrology (luck years, one sign being from your parents and other odd things like that)
the fundamentals of your personality is sort of split up equally among the four really.

First of all the year is the outer you. Due to the month and day i personally find it hard to identify characteristics that correspond for the year.

The month animal is mainly how you interact with people so I'm guessing you have some pride but as you're a water tiger your communication skils are good.

The day sign is the sign that really determines the true you. When people get to know you, they will discover this part of your personality. It plays a big factor in how well a relationship can last.

For instance, I am born on the day of the sheep. They say that sheeps stay in their mind and don't need material posessions to enjoy life.
People who get to know me know that I am a dreamer and that I don't chase the sports car or the trophy fuck girlfriend.
Your day sign in rat indicates that you are very cunning and people who get to know you may be surprised to see this side of you.

An example to help with the relationship aspect. I knew this girl for a while and we became friends. Over time I got bored of her and she got bored of me but kept playing silly mind games. I easily shook her off and thats that.
I discovered her day sign was that of the dog.

Sheep and Dog don't mix. It's like a Cancer and Libra. They don't mix well.

Your hour sign is apparently what one strives to be. Similar to you my hour is in the wood dragon hour so I guess you need to look up 'Earth Dragon' in googl e and decide whether the characteristics are one you can respect/ identify with.

I read up on the wood dragon and I loved the description of this characteristic. It definitely sounds like what I'd aspire to be.

Hoped that helped a bit.