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November 20 Friday FiveFriday, November 17th, 2006 Morning Madness 1.) What time is your alarm clock set for? When do you actually get out of bed? <as she laughs> That is good, I SET my alarm for 4:50 am but I hit snooze twice (on BAD mornings 3-4 times) but I ACTUALLY get out of bed around 5:10-5:15 am. 2.) Any morning rituals? Please describe: Once I muster up the will to start another day (I HATE MORNINGS!), I grab my gear, take a shower, brush my teeth and my hair, head downstairs and pull the lunches out of the fridge, get our gear together on the counter, back upstairs to get Ikaia ready, shoot downstairs, put on my shoes, grab it all and go, go, go… But on the weekends I get to sleep in, well, until Ikaia decides to wake. 3.) What do you typically have for breakfast? Orange Juice, sometimes a banana too. On the weekends I generally have a bowl of cereal. 4.) What is your favorite breakfast dish and is this a home cooked breakfast or a diner specialty? Joshua makes a killer omelet, so I am going to go with that as a fave home cooked breaky but occasionally we go out to Ken’s diner in Hilo and I always order the “Pocho”- eggs, onion, green pepper, lite cheese, diced ham all scrambled together, with brown rice and a coffee. 5.) Do you have any tips or tricks for saving time or preventing stress in the mornings? As a matter-o-fact I do! A stress reliever anyway; I read it in Rodney Yee’s book “Moving Toward Balance.” It may sound silly but it works for me: This breathing exercise will not only relieve stress, but might also wake up the nervous and circulatory systems. For the morning jump-start, you start by standing as straight as you are able, take 3 full breaths, exhale, by exhaling completely, you slowly squeeze the abdomen, sucking in the abs to expel the last ounce of oxygen from your body. Then slowly inhale, expanding your lower abdomen to its fullest to take in the biggest breath possible. Hold for as long as you can comfortably. Repeat five times. Then inhale and place your arms straight out in front of you. Begin to bring your hands toward your shoulder area, and as you do, ball up your fists. By the time your hands reach their destination, they should be tightly clenched. Keep them tight as you push your arms back into a position erect in front of your body. Repeat this exercise as quickly as you can ten to fifteen times. It is a great way to start the day, especially for the non-morning people like me. November 14 Friday Five-skyA little late but as you read along you will see why! ~Amber ******************************************************* ******************************************************* Friday, November 10th, 2006 Meet the Parents… 1.) Name one thing you like about your mother, and one thing you dislike. Umm, I thought these were supposed to be FUN? Like: She is completely and utterly selfless, that pretty much covers it all. This quality could probably be argued as her downfall as well (in some instances) but her kindhearted nature is what draws most people into her life, and especially so for her children, and I thank the lord for her because I know her love for me is completely unconditional and I can always count on her no matter what the situation.. Dislike: <as she gets a slight feeling of unease> Well, I am not quite sure how to characterize this into a trait but I’ll try; she has a tendency to embellish, not just in a “gossip” sense either… What I mean is she is either fully for it or fully against it, and extremely subjective in certain instances… I don’t think I have ever gotten her to agree to disagree on anything, she gets passionate which is soon followed by what I like to call the “peripherals” slide on, i.e. tunnel vision. But I know that about her, so I rarely give those shades a chance to be brought out but sometimes it’s unavoidable. <as she shakes her head and has a good laugh about it> That’s mi madre, te amo mama! 2.) Name one thing you like about your father, and one thing you dislike. Like: He is mellow. No drama, well, uhhhh I could make a really bad joke here but I’ll refrain… Anyway, he is a pretty laid-back, peaceful guy and I have always admired that about him. Though it could at times be debated (as I said above re: my mom’s likable trait) as his extrication (as well as mine). Our objectivity can sometimes be misconstrued as detachment or being unemotional. Our emotions run as deep as anyone’s, we just simply have a congruent impediment with its liberation. I think it’s a “Parra-trait” though, so we can chalk it up to the gene pool. Dislike: e-jole, I will say his silence, which is an extension of the trait I named above in admiration, so go figure… a trait that I am loosely trying to change about myself as well… I mean, I tend coincide with “sometimes silence is the best answer” but like the phrase says, “sometimes” because other times things should be said. I think it is safe to say that my dad and I both need to find a sense of balance for the two. 3.) Which of the above four felt easiest to answer? What the #&@% do you think? It certainly wasn’t the latter! *DeR* 4.) Name a trait you inherited from your mother, and one you inherited from your father. Well, I have always been told (by both sides of the fam) that I LOOK like my mom but ACT like my dad. So I got my mother’s looks but my dad’s personality… 5.) Do you get along with your parents? Yes, I do, both of them. When I was younger my mom and I had our share of issues but what mother/daughter combo doesn’t? If they say otherwise they are L-Y-I-N-G! My dad and I have always had a good relationship,(daddy’s grrrl) a few bumps here and there but since he was always so far away and I rarely saw him growing up, we both pretty much made the most of any time we had. Now that I am “all grows up” I have developed a more solid - different type relationship with each of them. I love and miss both of my parents very much. My dad was here for a visit recently but he was only in town for 6 days (of which I only saw him for maybe two) and my mom has yet to come out for a visit, but hopefully she and Byron will come out soon. I have been blessed with genuine parents, and I have come to know, realize and appreciate how fortunate I am to have them both. November 03 Friday FiveFriday, November 03rd, 2006 The Web Sting What is your favorite,… 2.) Web Site? Now, I wouldn’t say I have ONE fave site, but one that I do frequent (besides yours) is Daniel Negreanu’s Blog (He’s my fave poker player): Daniel Negreanu's Blog But if you aren’t into poker, you can take a look here for some giggles: Mr. Boomba -click on “animation” click on “Cup Noodles” or “Michael Boomba” those are the best! 3.) Chat program (ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, etc.)? AOL IM & Windows Live Messenger 4.) Section of your web site (give us a URL so we can visit!!)? My favorite part of the site is actually the left hand column under *Cheeky* My Windows Live Space but if we are talking Blog entries here as you had answered, I’d say It's Hurting You But It's Killing Me! 5.) Thing about blogging? It is an online journal, only better because you can add media and links as entertainment or simply for safe keeping, archiving etc… I suppose it has its negatives as well… I mean, I don’t exactly put EVERYTHING in there because anyone has the ability to read it… I think if anything for that same reason it is also very self-indulgent, like “hey come look at my site because what I have to say is so important…” I try to steer clear of that but sometimes I get eagerly entranced knowing that by one click, what I just wrote has the potential to be admired or hated by someone. October 31 Friday FiveFriday, October 27th, 2006 Trick or Treat! 1.) Do you know the origin of Halloween or what does it mean to you? Origin: I believe the word Halloween means “All Hallows Eve” and actually refers to the night before a traditional Irish holiday- All Saints Day 11.01. I have also just quickly researched and found that All Hallows Eve began in the 5th century by Celtic Pagans in celebration of the end of harvest. Irish immigrants who were driven out of Ireland due to a 7 year potato famine brought the holiday to America in the 1840’s. As for what it means to me; I love Halloween, it is probably my fave holiday (don’t read too much into it). I mean when else can you be what ever you want and get free goodies for it? Plus I love the parties and seeing other costumes, decorations, etc… 2.) Will you be dressing up for Halloween this year or hosting/attending any Halloween parties? Unfortunately, no, I won’t be dressing up or going to any Halloween parties but at least this year I plan to take Ikaia trick-or-treating. That should be a blast to see his reaction and how he will look dressed up. 3.) Describe any Halloween traditions you practice? If not why? I usually do the pumpkin carving, costume, and decorations but this year we had so much going on and visitors etc that I totally spaced it all. This year we are going to just take Ikaia out trick-or-treating and that is pretty much it. 4.) What is your favorite scary movie? Hmmm, I generally do not like horror movies and for more than one reason. But I do remember enjoying and actually being scared when I had seen the Scream movie back in the mid 90’s (I think). 5.) Explain your most memorable Halloween or Halloween story? I think that I have a memory of almost all the Halloweens I can remember but one in particular might be what you are looking for… In high school, a sophmore (I think) a bunch of my friends and I were hanging out after a Halloween party we went to and drove up to “The Swing” in Turnbull Canyon in Whittier. We were having a blast just hanging out and then one of the goth chicks pulls out her Quija board and asked everyone to play... I, of course declined even after much persuasion. So I am sitting in Tokla's car alone, waiting, listening to music and trying not to succumb to any Halloween charade. After a few NOFX songs I see them all running toward the cars. As everyone is piling into 3 different cars I scooted over and ask Devon what is going on? And the guys are all laughing, and Devon says <while busting up>, "Melinda got scared and fell.." Apparently they were deep into their Quija action and Melinda got freaked out because (supposedly) the pointer thingy was working and she said that she kept feeling "something" circle her. So she got up, attempted to run, fell and "broke" her ankle. So most of us went with her to the emergency where we dwindled down to three and found out she actually sprained her ankle. On the way to drop her home I sat in the back with her, she was real quiet and not because she was embarrassed but because I think she was truly trippin' out. I tried to comfort her and told her that it was ok and she just let herself get caught up in the shamble of Halloween and she looked at me, let out an audible breath and said in disbelief, "right." I told her, "That is why I stayed in the car..." Friggin kids man! September 15 Friday FiveFriday, September 15th, 2006
Home Sweet Home 1. Are you a frequent mover, or do you prefer to stay put? Am I the inspiration for this weeks FF? I am and have been for most of my life a frequent mover. The reasons are plentiful but nothing centrally defining. I am hoping to change that for my little KaiKai but I know of at least one more move eventually will be back to the mainland so that he can grow up with his familia. I want that for him so badly because out here he has no family and I refuse to put him through that. 2. If given the choice, which would you prefer: big house and long commute, or small house and short commute? Who doesn’t commute these days? It is almost unavoidable, so I’d go with big house/long commute. 3. Do you prefer to do your own repairs and decorating, or hire a professional? Oh, I am a do-it-yourselfer, no doubt… I love to refinish furniture - take old things, (vintage and such) make them new or put my own personal touches on ‘em. I have an eye for decorating but it’s my own style, so I am going to assume it only works for me. 4. Do you prefer a big open living area, or a cozy space? I love open space, not a lot of clutter. I am fairly simple, clean lines but at the same time I love to play w/ color. However, I do have to think also about other people being comfortable, so I try to make a lot of living and guest area inviting. 5. What features are important to you in a home (state-of-the-art kitchen, fireplace, screened-in porch, etc.)? Kitchen, Living Room and Backyard (patio)… Because those are all “social” areas. Fun, fun fun… August 31 Friday Five (8.25.06)Friday, August 25th, 2006 In Your Opinion… 1. Why does history repeat itself? I assume it’s for education or the lesson, how to and how not to, etc… I see it lending value to the present, but at the same time I could also argue it doesn’t repeat itself for the same reasons. Two of my favorite quotes regarding history are: “Historical sense should not, in the end, be contradictory. For if poetry is the little myth we make, history is the big myth we live and in our living, constantly remake.” ~Robert Penn Warren “History is a costly and superfluous luxury of the understanding.” ~Nietzsche 2. Why are people so fascinated by celebrities? I imagine it is because they appear to be living “the dream” and for countless other prosaic reasons I’m sure. People (in general) are fascinated by what produces relative status, most even seek it. We also use celebrities as a topic of social conversation, or a way of signaling our own views on countless issues and as a vicarious outlet for our hopes and fears. But, like the disclaimer above clearly states, that is just my opinion… 3. Who is overrated? Who is underrated? Overrated = Jessica Simpson, acquiring fame for being a “stupid girl” on a reality show instead of a singer is not exactly admirable but hey- to each his own. Underrated = Up until a few years ago I would have said Johnny Depp but his luck has seemed to ensue. Umm, I guess I would say Edward Norton or Ewan McGregor, great actors, not a lot of roles lately. But then again, that could be why (they aren’t script whores). 4. Why do so many marriages end in divorce? Oh Lord, reasons-o-plenty I’m sure, do you have a few hours? Aww this question bums me out man, I don’t have an answer for you. <boo, hiss> 5. Will there ever be world peace? Wha-Th-Fuh? Umm not in my time, that’s all I am going to say about that <as she struggles to tighten her lips>. August 18 Friday FiveFriday, August 18th, 2006 Everything Relative 1. How many siblings do you have? 2. I have two younger brothers; David and Robert.
August 14 Friday Five (8.11.06)Friday, August 11th, 2006 Flashback Friday… I’m livin’ in the 80’s 1) Favorite movies of the 1980s? The Breakfast Club (pretty much all the “Brat Pack” / John Hughes movies)
3) Favorite TV shows of the 1980s? 4) Favorite inventions of the 1980s? 5) World Events from the 1980s that stand out in your mind? The fall of Communism – Berlin Wall 1989. The Olympics in L.A. The explosion of the Challenger space shuttle. Reagan getting shot and Oliver North taking the heat for the US Government. August 07 Friday FiveFriday, August 4th, 2006
Shake Your Money Maker
1. Do you consider yourself a good dancer? Not a bad one, but probably not a great one either. I was much better when I was a youngster, I think I may have lost a bit of my groove in the past few years… 2. How often do you go dancing? I don’t really go dancing at all now that I have a two-year old. I pretty much only dance in the kitchen when I am cooking or cleaning or with my son in any given place. 3. What is your favorite type of music to dance to? Brit-Pop, Spanish, Cumbia and yes, even some Hip-Hop. 4. Have you ever hurt yourself (or someone else) dancing? Ha Ha Ha, mental pictures! No, at least not that I am aware of but in thinking about this one, I remembered this one instance when I was at a Christmas Party in SoCal. There was this girl with battery powered xmas lights in her hair and after many cocktails, she ventured out onto the patio/dance floor. I told my boyfriend at the time Aaron to go dance with her and after a bit of persuasion he did. It was the funniest thing I had seen all night because every time she would twist or twirl around, Aaron would duck because a strand of lights would slap his chin or his neck. I was laughing so hard I almost pee’d. I just remember that at the end of the night seeing Aaron’s neck with little red marks and just laughing my arse off. 5. Do you dance when you're alone? Si. Sometimes in the shower, or while blow drying my hair, anywhere actually… Like I said before, I don’t get to go out and dance so I do it where I can. I just watched, “Shall We Dance” again recently and I love that movie, it makes me want to sign Joshua and myself up for dance lessons! July 28 Friday FiveFriday, July 28th, 2006
Let’s Talk About DEBT Baby…
1. Who do you owe? <eye roll & deep breath> I owe, I owe so off to work I go… Friday Five - June Catch-Up (Pt. 2)Friday, June 23rd, 2006
How Do You Spell R-E-L-I-E-F? 1. RE: your weekend. What lies ahead? No big plans really, going to Hilo Saturday morning, then getting our brakes done, maybe the beach so Joshua can dive (hopefully catch some dinner), and other than that nothing else is mapped out. I know, exciting isn’t it?
Friday, June 30th, 2006 Coming Attractions… 1. What was/is your favorite summer action movie? I am not real big on action flicks but I did want to see the new Superman. I guess the comic or super hero genre are the only action type films I look forward to seeing. Except maybe…(see below) July 27 Friday Five - June Catch-Up (Pt. 1)Friday, June 2nd, 2006
Tell me Lies, Tell me sweet little Lies…
1. Do you tend to exaggerate or underestimate? Neither. My mom (and I love you dearly Mommy) tends to amplify and embellish at times, so I have always geared myself toward avoiding exaggeration and keeping accurate depictions. As far as underestimating, I am way too jaded to subscribe to that practice. Friday, June 9th, 2006
Eyes Wide Shut
1. What's the first physical feature that attracts you to another person? The shoulders, I love strong shoulders, v shaped back, yummy… Friday, June 16th, 2006
Spy vs. Spy From your vantage point in front of the computer, you spy, with your little eye... July 21 Friday FiveFriday, July 21st, 2006 14:59 1. If you could be famous for 15 minutes, what would the headline read? Southern California native Amber Parra, first woman ever to win the WSOP!
2. Do you think fame would change you? I’d like to think- no it wouldn’t, but I know it would change me somewhat. I mean like I probably wouldn’t be doing “Salvation Saturday” anymore (I go bargain hunting once or twice a month and I love to refurbish furniture, etc...) But it wouldn’t change me as a person, I know that much!
4. Would you like to be famous for *more* than 15 minutes? Hmmm… is this a trick question? I think I prefer my anonymity but then again it sure would be nice to inhabit a different tax bracket… Then I wouldn't have to deal with my new RUDE boss, I should have gotten the hint when he told me I was Assistant #3... Live and Learn... 5. If you could perform one act of Good while you were famous, what would it be? Well whatever “it” would be, it certainly wouldn’t be ONE act of good… I am certain “it” would involve a multitude of organizations for children, education and breast cancer research. I’d go toward the Angelina Jolie route, only a lot less hot! July 07 Friday FiveFriday, July 07th, 2006 Riddle Me This… Jot down your most frequently used phrase when… May 26 Friday FiveFriday, May 26, 2006
Five’n For Sports
1. What sport do you most enjoy watching (or tolerate most) and which do you prefer; in person or on television? I Love Baseball and Basketball! I have yet to go to a Laker game in person so I prefer watching basketball on TV. Baseball on the other hand is my in person preference… I have watched baseball on TV but it doesn’t have the same effect as it does when you’re at the ball park. I love Dodger Stadium, Dodger Dogs, Beer, The Wave, and all the other crazed Angelino’s bouncing the beach ball around… I have some really great mems from good ‘ol Chavez Ravine!
May 22 Friday FiveFriday, May 19th, 2006Sound Check1. List five people and a song that reminds you of each or that you think best describes them (list the person's name, the song title, and the song's artist). I know I am only supposed to list five but I can’t leave out my brothers!v My Mom- “Once Upon A Time” by The Smashing Pumpkins especially the last few lines…v My Dad- “I Am A Child” by Neil Young- because he sang this song to me throughout my childhood and even up ‘til now as reassurance.v Joshua- “At Last” by Etta James for obvious reasonsv Ikaia- “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor because that was the first song he ever sang aloud on his own and still does.v David- “I Get Around” (ha ha ha) No, but seriously it would be “So Many Tears” by Tupac Shakur- if not for in the literal meaning of the lyrics, I think that just about every Tupac song I hear reminds me of David, but as Mugz and I think we share this one, the album “That’s Why I’m Here” by James Taylor has reserved a special place in our hearts!v Robert- “Army” By Ben Folds Five- because he played it a lot on his ‘puter round the time he moved out. So whenever I hear it, reminds me of him… Jack Johnson too, his songs also remind me of Rupert-Super Frisbee Extrodinaire!!!2. Name three songs from your life's soundtrack:v “Step On” by The Happy Mondays- I miss you Good Buddy!v “Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Orderv “Find Your Mind” by Luscious Jackson3. Which song reminds you of me (or the person who sent this to you)? Why?Hmmm… I guess I would have to say “Wild Horses” By The Rolling Stones because it is the song that was playing when I came up to you at the first spoken word show I had ever been to (of yours) in LA.4. Suppose you had to listen to one song every morning for a week. What song is it going to be and why? 2nd Space Song by StarFlyer 59 because I haven’t heard it in so long…5. Choose one of your favorite bands or artists. Now type a quote/lyric of theirs that best describes you? Sheesh, my mind is not equipped for these questions today. I am going to go with Stevie’s “You Will Know” there is a back story to this but I just don’t feel the need to get into it now but here are the lyrics that apply past, present and I am sure future: Gets down on their knees and starts to pray May 12 Friday FiveFriday, May 12th, 2006My Girl, Friday…1.) Are you the relied upon or the person whom relies upon others? Explain. Oh definitely the relied upon… I subscribe whole-heartedly to the concept of- if you want something done, do it yourself… I have a hard time handing over that power and relying on someone else.2.) Have you ever deliberately tried to manipulate someone for personal gain? Sure… Doesn’t everyone at some point? Oh please don’t even try to get all holier than thou on me, the intent does not necessarily have to be malicious but I wouldn’t recommend making a habit out of it. A persons actions speak volumes about their character.3.) What Newspaper(s) and/or Magazine(s) do you read? Oh geez, too many! Newspapers- USA Today, The LA Times (on-line) & rarely, West Hawaii Today, which is a mediocre publication in my opinion, but don’t take my word on it, check it out for yourself. Magazines- People, US weekly, In-Touch, Star, Life & Style, Surfer, GQ, W, Rolling Stone, Good Housekeeping, Fitness, and random others depending who is gracing the cover...4.) Ever been sent on a “wild goose chase?” If so, what happened? Oh there have been many unfortunately (or fortunately), especially in my younger daze… I can remember many-o-epic 8118 (if yr saying, “huh” there is a reason people) adventures in just about every hour and weather condition known to man… But those were usually the better ones… One “wild goose chase” that comes to mind was when I lived in SoCal and Jessica (friend from SPCS) and I were looking for The Boat, her car, a 1976 powder blue Caddy… After a night of debauchery we strolled out of a Hollywood club to find ourselves car-less. After the laughter had subsided, I turned to her and inanely spouted in a horribly drunk Mexican accent, “Jess, someone stole yr ranfla!” Laughter quickly followed and then as the cold moist air began to settle in, reality began to set as well... We got these two fellas to drive us around looking for the vehicle when one of us geniuses finally had an epiphany and figured it was probably towed. So we go back to the lot we had originally parked it in and sure enough there was a big ass sign saying not to park after a certain time and then below the tow companies name which had strategically been grafitied over to the point of indecipherability, was what I am assuming to be the telephone number. After some mild searching we find an attendant from another lot and he tells us the name of the tow company, which of course has like 3 different tow yards for the area. The cherry on top of this whole escapade was that naturally we got lost and in the ghetto of all places. I’m talking GHE-TOE! Like windows bashed in, cars on the lawn, doors off their hinges ghetto. After serious delusion and near tears, we finally find the place and eventually took our inabstemious asses home.5.) Which is your favorite Cary Grant movie? Why? Arsenic and Old Lace. I love that movie mostly because it reminds me of my Moms laughter. My mom, my brothers and I would watch old movies together and those are some of the best memories I have filed from my youth. Cary Grant gives one of the best comedic performances ever in this film. His expressions are totally priceless and the story line itself is full of wonderful lunacy but his talent only enhances every other performance in the movie. If you like old movies, actually, even if you don’t, this one is definitely watch-worthy!May 05 Cinco de Viernes...Celebre el estilo de viernes cinco!!~Amber |
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