The explanation for parse times can be found here:
https://www.zen-cart.com/content.php...s-numbers-mean
Parse times aside - the whole pause-before-executing is the symptom i was having with my host for the 3-4 months before they admitted their shared server was over-shared. My blog seemed faster because it wasn't executing the ginormous number of queries that my store was. It was worse during peak times when my neighbor was sending out his ############ emails or streaming his XXX videos but mysteriously cleared up after they moved me to a less stressed out server. You might try pestering them to look and see what all they've crammed in there with you.
Edit: I like how I can say XXX videos but can't say Vigh-Agh-Ruh! (####### emails).