Back to Basics — Get To Know Me In 25 Questions
This week we are going back to basics! I thought I would fill out one of these “Get To Know Me” questionnaires. It’s a fun way to get to know more about me, and to be honest I have been addicted to these since MySpace days (for those of you old enough to remember this platform). So without further ado, here’s a little about myself.
Are you named after someone?
Yes, I am named after my paternal grandmother. She passed away a year before I was born. I never met her, but she seemed like a wonderful strong independent woman.
Are you an extrovert or introvert?
I am an extrovert! It pains me to be living through this pandemic situation. I crave going out with friends and having fun experiences. If i’m not socializing, my energy levels come down.
Did you like school, if so what was your favorite subject?
I loved school in terms of academics. I’ve always been a nerd as I enjoy learning. My favorite subject was history, but now that i’m older I miss math. The simple act of taking out a sheet of paper and writing down math problems is something I miss terribly.
Do you consider yourself a good cook?
I do consider myself a good cook. I may not be the best, but generally people really enjoy the dishes I create. I also find cooking therapeutic, which I think helps because I am able to work at getting those flavors just right.
Do you have a nickname?
The only nickname that ever stuck with me is Nina. Which I grew to love, as I got older.
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
This is hard mostly because living in California means I have both. However, if I had to pick one i’d say mountains. I often think about moving to Colorado just for those stunning mountain views.
Do you speak any different languages?
Oui! Hablo tres idiomas. Spanish and English are my two native languages as I grew up speaking both. However, I did take a years worth of French in college, which I loved. French is such a romantic language, and while i’ve failed to master speaking it fluently, I have the basics down.
Do you still watch cartoons?
Absolutely! I am a Disney kid at heart. Ever since I got Disney+ I find myself watching all the animated classics. In addition, I like to watch Arthur, The Wild Thornberry’s, Hey Arnold!, and the Simpsons whenever time permits.
Have you ever met any celebrities?
I have met a handful of celebrities. Before working in travel, I worked in entertainment for one of the major trades, Variety. During my time there I met so many people. Some were absolute sweethearts, others not so much. I have also encountered my fair share of celebrities while being out and about in L.A. as well. My interactions with celebrities has really put things into perspective. Though I may not know them personally, my brief interactions have given me a glimpse as to how stressful and sometimes depressing that lifestyle an be. Fame is definitely not something I seek out.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Anyone who knows me personally, knows this answer without a doubt…London. I fell in love with this city from the moment I hopped off that plane at Heathrow five years ago. Studying abroad changed my life, but the biggest takeaway was how much London felt like home from the start. Anytime I visit, I do not want to leave. It is on my list of places to someday live in for a long amount of time. Rain, cold weather, the tube, the city life, and tea? It sounds like a dream to me.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Growing up, I wanted to be an actress. I love performing, and to be honest I always liked being center of attention. I wasn’t fortunate to have the resources to receive professional training, and I was never really encouraged to pursue that, so I gave it up. However, I did pick up other things and pursued a different path (travel), which is equally as fulfilling.
What do you do on a typical Friday night?
Pre-pandemic, I used to have the most amazing Friday nights planned out. I’d start off with getting ready for a nice dinner. One of my favorite things about LA is the variety in cuisine, so I made sure to take advantage of this every Friday night. After dinner, i’d either see a movie, walk around the Americana, go to a bar, karaoke, or something fun like stargazing at Griffith park. I’d finally end the night by just relaxing and having conversations with some good people. I’ve always enjoyed having in depth conversations with others. I miss these kinds of nights a lot. Now my nights are a bit more simple, but spent with family mostly.
What is one item on your bucket list?
Northern lights in Iceland is the number one thing on my bucket list. I had hoped to go this year, unfortunately this is most likely not going to happen due to travel restrictions. I am hoping to get to this next year!
What’s one goal you would like to accomplish this year?
Honestly, losing weight. I suffer from hypothyroidism and to say losing weight is hard is an understatement. I eat super healthy and work out like crazy and that scale won’t budge. It’s one of the most frustrating things. I try to remain optimistic and be patient with my body. I say this is a goal not because I am superficial, but because i’m tired of being heavy as it takes a toll on my joints. Even it’s just five pounds, anything is better than nothing. If anyone wants to be my personal trainer, please message me!
What’s one of your pet peeves?
My number one pet peeve is when people scratch their utensils on plates, pots, or pans. That loud noise honestly makes me cringe so bad.
What’s your favorite quote?
I try to live by this quote, “Nothing is impossible, even the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’” This is my favorite quote, and it’s from Audrey Hepburn. Over the years it has served as motivation when going through a difficult moment in time. It’s a good one!
What’s your favourite animal?
My favorite animal is a dolphin. I’ve been obsessed with these mammals since I went to Sea World at the age of seven. They are so sweet and full of life. I love them so much. I hope to one day swim with dolphins.
What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I am obsessed with Harry Potter! Growing up I read all of the books, watched the movies, and even went to the WB Studio Tour in London. I really enjoyed the last installment because as much as I was sad to see it end, I thought J.K. Rowling did such a great job wrapping up the series and giving the fans a solid ending. Potterhead and Gryffindor for life!
What’s your favourite foreign food?
All time favorite food is hands down sushi! I love sushi, I am obsessed with seafood so I enjoy the variety of options. I originally had a trip to Japan planned for December in hopes to eat all the sushi, gyozas, and ramen possible. Unfortunately COVID happened, and instead the only sushi I will be eating is store bought (i’m currently with family and they live in a small-town so not many options).
What’s your favorite hobby?
From a young age I developed a love for singing. I love to sing, however please don’t think I am a singer. I can carry a tune thanks to many years in choir, but unfortunately I never had the opportunity to professionally train. I also stopped singing as much because living in an apartment means your are more susceptible to noise complaints. However, when the opportunity arises I love to belt my heart out!
What’s your favorite movie?
I’m a huge fan of musicals, Europe, and Julie Andrews so it’s only fair to say the Sound of Music is my absolute favorite. I love watching this around the winter holidays or on a rainy day. It’s just such a cozy film and has the best tunes!
What’s your favorite season?
My favorite season has got to be the most wonderful time of the year, winter! I love cold rainy weather, holiday cheer, and comfort food. How is this not everyone’s favorite? I don’t get it.
What’s your favourite series?
Book series Harry Potter, however TV series is probably Doctor Who. I went through a short period of time where all I did was binge the show everyday after work, it was bad. I started off with Matt Smith, so he’s my favorite doctor and I most relate to Clara so that season is my favorite. Though the Amy and Rory season is also great!
When is your birthday?
June 10th! I am a summer baby and i’m not a fan because I dislike the heat haha. But I do share my birthday with the iconic Judy Garland!
Which city do you live in now?
Los Angeles is home at the moment and to be honest probably my home for quite sometime. I keep saying i’m going to leave L.A. and I never do, it always reels me back in. I love the beach, mountains, diversity in food, and the city vibes. It has wormed it’s way into my heart.
Well that’s a little bit about me in 25 questions! I had such fun filling this out, it definitely takes me back to my teenage years when I would post these on MySpace (wow I’m starting to feel old). If you have any other questions you would like answered, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. Additionally, please feel free to share some fun facts about yourself, as I too would like to get know you! I look forward to seeing what you will share.
As always, keep happily exploring friends!
Xoxo,
Marina