I Have Type A Personality, and I’m Proud of It

Posted by dailychinups in Big Thinks, Wise Words From My Amazing Friends and tagged with , , ,

I'm sorry that I messed up your book title, Foucault, but doesn't that sound much better with matching numbers of syllables?

According to today’s Wikipedia page, Type A personality means  “ambitious, rigidly organized…impatient, take on more than they can handle… obsessed with time management…hate both delays and ambivalence.”

I think a more vernacular and succinct definition is “over-achieving control freak.”

All my life people have been telling me I “care too much,” “take everything too seriously,” and “need to relax.” I don’t really resent it because I don’t think that’s negative at all (and I’ll relax once the issue is resolved, duh!). Why do anything if I am not going to put 100% into it? Why do anything that I care little about? It doesn’t make sense to me.

Trust me, I don’t like worrying about the future either but I do it because I am actively trying to steer its course towards the way I want it. I make lists so I am less likely to forget anything. I keep an agenda so I can plan days and weeks in advance. The whole point of planning ahead to me is that appointments, reservations, and social engagements will work out without wasting anyone’s time and effort.

It’s not that I don’t like spontaneity. If someone says “keep next Friday night open because I’m surprising you with something,” I’m totally up for that! What I dislike is when someone refuses to make a commitment with wishy-washy language, because then they occupy an available slot that could be booked for something else with more certainty.

The other day I was talking to one of my best guy friends, Will. He’s a few years older than me and likes to think of himself as a real-life Ryan Gosling, so naturally I like to ask him for advice on what to text cute guys back, and then not listen to him most of time.

Of course, I went against his council again and he said “The way I see it, you got two ways you can go: You can try to fight your Type A, play the game, and try to get a dude that way. Or, just be you and at some point you will meet a super compatible dude who loves how forward and plan-tastic you are…That second route is probably better in the long run, just might take more time.”

Cue huge relief of heavy sigh here. It is so refreshing to hear the opposite of “You’re too _____ and need to change” finally. At this point in my life, it is too late for me to mold myself in a way that I do NOT like. Don’t get me wrong- I love to better myself and aim for improvement all the time, but if I don’t want to see myself going in a particular direction, then why should I?

My unofficial personal motto is “All or Nothing.” And I am sticking to it. My blood type is even Type A, btw. What a coincidence, right?

Take it or leave it,

Chin

Boxing Class: Punch Out, Real Life Version

Posted by dailychinups in Move It and tagged with ,

My qualifications: Twelve one-hour classes and counting

What it is: A type of martial arts that only allow fists to be the contact points used for attack. Common punches include the jab, the straight punch, the hook, and the upper cut.

What techniques you’ll know: Usually a boxing gym will require you to take 1-3 beginning boxing classes in order to learn how to throw those various punches properly. This is so you don’t want to waste any extra energy or have bad posture that hurts yourself. You also will learn how to dodge and guard yourself from all possible punches.

What you’ll actually be doing: You will not actually fight somebody in boxing class. You will do that in sparring, which is the next level up. In boxing class, you begin with some cardio by jump roping for a long while. Then a series of drills focusing on your stamina and upper body strength, such as push ups, lots of abs exercises, and bear crawls. Some more cardio too to build your endurance and speed. You might use some tools like free weights and heavy exercise balls as well. You’ll get to practice combinations of punches on either a punching bag or a partner who’s blocking. Basically each type of punch is assigned a number. Both parties will know what the sequence will be ahead of time, so the receiver will know how to block properly by anticipating and switching the placements of fists.

Muscles you’ll be working: Um, everything. I used to think that punching involves only your arms. In reality a good punch takes muscles in your arms, shoulders, upper back, core, and more. Basically your entire torso, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to use your lower half as well. Jump roping of course is also great for your legs and many common drills I have encountered are squats and a lot of plyometrics. And don’t think that you get to rest when it’s your turn to block people. Just preventing someone’s fists from driving into yourself takes A LOT of work.

Continue reading →

Why Your Parents Are On Your Case About Being Single

Posted by dailychinups in Relationships and tagged with , , ,

Yesterday I called my dad about something mundane, then the following conversation occurred.

Dad: “How’s work?”
Me: “It’s fine.”
Dad: “Good. Then you can work on something else now. Like getting a boyfriend.”
Me: “EXCUSE ME?!…Oh wait, today’s April Fool’s Day! Good one, Dad! Haha.”
Dad: “Oh, is it? I didn’t realize. No, I’m serious about this.”

For those of you thinking that he is just really into the prank, nope, he went on to explain all the various reasons why I need a man in my life. I tuned out after a while.

This is not the first time he has pressured me. A few months ago, I took him out to fancy dinner for his birthday-

Me: “So how old are you turning, Dad? 59?”
Dad: “No, I’m 60 years old now.”
Me: “Oh really? Oops, sorry!”
Dad: “Yea I’m really old now, so you should really start getting serious about settling down and having kids.”

While I sat there literally with my mouth hanging open in shock, my dad continued with a lengthy description of this “very nice Chinese boy” who is his friend’s nephew or something like that. Yep, my dad tried to play matchmaker for his daughter. Did I mention that I’m only 24 years old?!

My father is also not the only person in my family who has less than gently nudged me about landing a beau. Au contraire, almost every older relative has mentioned something about it at family gatherings. Thank god my mom is the only child because I already have 5 aunts and 2 uncles to nag me.

I assure you that this is not just a phenomenon common with Asian parents’ or in immigrant households. Yes, they might be clinging to more conservative traditional values, but plenty of my friends have experienced similar harassment (And for the last time, not all my friends are cute tiny Asian girls like me, so stop asking me to hook you up).

I used to be incredibly offended and annoyed every single time it happens. I still have the urge to end the conversation or roll my eyes, but recently I had a two-part epiphany.

Continue reading →

Top Four Types of Sexual References in Hip Hop, Rap, and R&B

Posted by dailychinups in For Funsies and tagged with , , , ,

I’ve always found innuendos amusing and “That’s What She Said” jokes hilarious, and if they’re being sung, oh boy, prepare for some real giggle-fests. You might say that “hey, I thought you were a feminist who studied media culture- shouldn’t you be offended by them?” My response is that I am still allowed to possess the sense of humor of the average teenage boy, and I don’t find all such songs funny.

Below are the most common metaphors of and illusions to sex I’ve noticed reoccuring in various hip hop, rap, and R&B music. There are a lot of good ones in rock, too, but they’re mostly really angry songs, and that just doesn’t make me chuckle as much. All songs quoted and more are also in this Spotify playlist I created titled “Overtly Sexual Swag.” Definitely NSFW, but you’re welcome.

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Amazing Life Advice from Older and Wiser Ladies

Posted by dailychinups in Big Thinks, Wise Words From My Amazing Friends and tagged with , , , ,

I am trying to take a peek at a store that has not opened yet. This pretty much sums up my attitude in life.

Last week thanks to my job, I had the chance to hang out with twenty women who are mostly mothers for a whole day. I know, don’t be too jealous of me. They were bloggers we invited to an event for Method who makes green cleaning products. These ladies were inspiring with how much they do and how well they do it. As more wine started flowing, I think I actually told some of them that they were role models. How embarrassing!

Anyway, over this course of time, many of them bestowed some valuable life lessons upon me, which I happily and gratefully accepted. I also heard some stories about being pregnant and giving birth, but you can Google those.

This couldn’t have come at a better time since I just turned the age of 24, AND found a strand of grey hair on myself for the first time ever a few weeks ago. Almost everyone’s reaction when they found out how young I am is “Wow, 24! That’s a wonderful age!” But many women slightly older than me have said that quarter life crisis, just like midlife crisis, comes in waves and may last for years. Needless to say, I’m a bit freaked out and scared.

Overall, the ladies told me to not worry so much. I am a Type A person who tries to plan everything in her life, from miniscule things like working out on which weekdays to far away schemes like where I plan to live when I’m 30. Of course, the majority of my meticulous plans fall through, but I can’t help making to do lists, both on paper and in my head.

Many of these smart women admitted that they had similar perspective when they were my age, but gradually came to realize that there’s no point in trying to plan something before the situation arises because you can’t predict the future. Life has turned out SO differently than what they imagined years ago, but they wouldn’t want it any other way. So just deal with making decisions as the choices appear, and not get stressed about them beforehand.

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Tiny Movements With Huge Results- The Dailey Method Exercise

Posted by dailychinups in Bay Area, Move It, The Importance of Being Vain and tagged with , ,

 Official website: http://thedaileymethod.com

 My qualifications: Just got back from my tenth one-hour class! I’ve only been to the downtown and Mission/Castro location in San Francisco, but I’m going to assume it’s pretty much the same anywhere else since the flagship studio is the SF Marina one.

Locations: Studios in 7 states with the majority in California. Complete list of Dailey Method locations here. Bar Method, Pure Barre, Pop Physique, and Core Fusion classes are all supposed to be similar though.

What it is: For a detailed description of a typical Dailey Method class, there’s an article on FitSugar. And for how a real person views it, please read on. So this lady Jill Dailey with a degree in kinesiology started a pilates studio, then she started learning the exercise method of Lotte Berk who is a ballet dancer. Jill then established this routine of working out with various tools. Basically to me it’s pilates with some inspiration from ballet and yoga using props.

What you’ll actually be doing: In a carpeted room, working out with a ballet bar, yoga straps, different size exercise balls, mat, and free weights. Toning of arms, butt, thighs, and core. Some stretching and a little bit of cardio warm up. The dumbbells in there range from 2 to 5 pounds only. Very small movements with high repetitions and a lot of holding of difficult positions. Half of the time I am like “Oh this is a piece of cake” and the other half of time I am like “You’re telling me to just move my thigh up and down by an inch but I JUST CAN’T ANYMORE waaaaaaaaaaah!”

Music you are most likely going to hear during class: Very upbeat pop or house music. Or “workout mixes” of songs.

What the instructors are like and what they’re likely to say or do: Above average looking ladies who are very fit. The instructors are really friendly and like to motivate you from a superficial perspective: “This works out your triceps so your arms will look long and lean in a tank top!” or “Really work your obliques! They’re what create a narrow waist and swimsuit season is approaching!” Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that because that angle totally works on me. Class size is small, and correct alignment is really important in Dailey Method, so they come around to check on you very often to offer you any needed adjustments.

Who are likely going to be in your class: I have never ever seen a man in the studio. EVER. Although there is a men’s bathroom, so…. All the ladies in my class are prettier, fitter, more well-dressed than the average woman. They also look smarter but that’s just my personal judgment.

Continue reading →

Sweet Nothings I Say to Shelter Cats That Can Also Be Pick-Up Lines

Posted by dailychinups in Chronicle of A Noob Cat Volunteer, For Funsies and tagged with , , , ,

Hey baby. I’m sure you get this a lot, but you have gorgeous eyes.

Hey kitty. How you doin’ today?

Your hair is so beautiful. May I touch it?

It’s not you; it’s him. You did nothing wrong. You’re still so great, and you deserve someone better. *lean in*

Hey girl. Looks like you’re having fun. Can I play with chu?

You like this? Well then, come over here and get it.

Oh god. You’re just so adorable right now. I can’t even handle it.

Has anyone told you how perfect you are? You’re so soft.

Not any worse than what I’ve heard. Wait, actually- guys HAVE said some of these lines to me before.

Dang,

Chin

How To Befriend A Cat: Chronicle of A Noob Cat Volunteer

Posted by dailychinups in Chronicle of A Noob Cat Volunteer and tagged with , , , ,

SO LEGIT. No I didn't get to choose which cat photo but I'm glad I have this one.

(A “noob” is a derivation from the gamer elite/l33t speak term “N00b” which means newbie with a negative connotation. To find out why and how I started volunteering, please read entry “My Happiness Project: Cats.”)

Not to sound cocky or anything, but I really thought I knew how to get any domesticated cat to warm up to me before attending the “Intro Into Cat Socializing” training session at the SF SPCA. So wrong!

I was privy to being able to enter two cats’ chambers this weekend. One immediately came to nudge me and we had some quality petting, playing, and being adorable time, so I thought “’Aight- I got this. No prob.” It was completely the opposite with the next cat.

The interactions I had with this certain orange feline dude can be best described as the most awkward and pathetic blind first date ever. I went in while he was chilling on his sofa bed in a lounging pose that looked effortless, yet somehow was showing off all his assets.  He gave me a nonchalant look then directed his gaze elsewhere. I followed the instructions that I was just taught, sat down and started talking to him gently: “Um hey, how’s it going?” No answer, no movement. “Looks like you’re kind of tired, eh?” Slight turn of head then nothing. I even tried my secret weapon of meowing, hoping that it will solicit some sort of response. Nope. This silent cold treatment went on for 10 minutes, after which I ran out of monologue material and said “Well, guess I’ll see you later” in a fake cheerful tone and slipped out.

Like human beings, individual cats have different personalities. Some are shy, some are friendly, while some are hardened and jaded. Here are some tips about befriending them: Continue reading →

Getting Tattoos…From A Vain Crybaby’s Perspective

Posted by dailychinups in Bay Area, The Importance of Being Vain and tagged with , , ,

Disclaimer: I have only had 3 simple and small tattoos, and I am not an expert

I just got my third tattoo last weekend by Jaime at Black and Blue . Like my previous ones, it’s just a plain black Chinese character. Nothing fancy.

Even so, I mulled over all of them for a long time. I pondered potential tattoos for months before making an appointment at a shop. I know that tattoos are permanent, and laser treatment to remove them is more painful than actually having the tattoos done. I also change my style “like a girl changes clothes” AKA really damn often, so I know that I want something that does not ever go out of fashion and will always remain meaningful to me throughout my entire life.

I also know what looks good on my body and what doesn’t. I would never get anything tattooed on my legs because it will cut off the visual lines of my limbs, and I am already short enough. As a female, I also hesitate to get anything on the central part of my body just in case I get pregnant later in life.

I don’t pretend to not cry easily (Unless you cried while watching Monsters, Inc. too), and I am such a baby when it comes to physical discomfort. I’ve gotten my earlobes re-pierced four times, and I’ve shed a tear or two each time. Yet for some unknown reason, I have never cried once while having tattoo work done on me. I think it’s because of the adrenaline rush masking the sensation, and the fact that the level of pain I expect always turned out to be much higher than what it actually was.

Don’t get me wrong: IT HURTS. My finger one was the worst because it felt like my bone was being cut by a sharp needle. What really helps though is thinking about the reason that you’re doing this for during the process. For instance, I got a tattoo of part of my grandma’s name, so I had flashbacks of how she took care of my brother and me in our childhood during those ten minutes. You can also bring a loved one with you to remind you that you have plenty of support.

There are a lot of materials on tattoo aftercare on the internet, but in my opinion, one often overlooked factor is that you can’t be in the sun or the water a lot for 2-3 weeks afterwards. Sunscreen is full of strong chemical ingredients, so you can only wear protective clothing like hats, but this would put quite a damper on your summer if you like the outdoors or the waters. I can’t even go to my boxing class for two weeks because I got my finger one re-inked, and soaking the tattoo in sweaty wraps for 50 minutes is just not good.

Overall I think the three most issues to think about are the questions my father asked me when I showed him my first tattoos a few years ago:

  1. Do you regret it?
  2. Did you get it done at a safe, sanitary place?
  3. Is this gang-related? Continue reading →

Alternative Slogans: Love

Posted by dailychinups in Alternative Slogans, Relationships and tagged with

The closest thing we have to magic on earth.

The simplest religion in the history of mankind.

The easiest source of inspiration.

Yet the hardest concept to define.

Okay so these aren’t really alternative slogans, and sorry for all the superlatives, but love is seriously the bestest! And yes I did get the first line from the movie “Aquamarine.” I read the book when I was little, SHUT UP.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

<3,

Chin