Friends, family and dancing

Photo:

Heather Paradis

WATERFORD – For a busy working mom, Heather Paradis always finds time to enjoy her friends and family and spend as mush time doing fun things a possible, especially dancing at Art Moves Studio.

Q: Where were you born and where were you brought up?

A: I was born in Massachusetts and lived in a few different towns. We moved to Maine in 1988.

Q: Do you have many siblings?

A: I have a brother, Seth, who is two-and-a-half years younger than me.

Q: What did your parents do?

A: My mother has been an X-ray tech for over 40 years, my father currently runs the Waterford Transfer Station.

Q: What was it like growing up?

A: It was a blast! We used to camp a lot at our place in Waterford growing up and eventually my parents built a house there. I also spent a lot of summers with my Nana on Papoose Pond. My parents always created fun things for us to do and great memories. Oh, and of course, I fought with my brother all the time, with love.

Q: Where did you go to school?

A: I graduated from Oxford Hills High School in 1992.

Q: Did you get into mischief or play pranks?

A: Honestly, not many. I was a pretty good kid.

Q: What have you had for jobs?

A: I worked at Papoose Pond in the summer during high school and for Art Moves Dance Studio during the school year. Since then I spent two years at Oxford Bank, 10 great years at Oxford Homes, two at Modern Woodcrafts in Lewiston, and have been at Momentum in Casco for almost three years.

Q: When and how did you meet your spouse?

A: I knew Ryan throughout high school and we were friends, but we didn’t start dating until the winter after we graduated. We got married in October of 1996.

Q: What did you do for work when you got married?

A: I was a teller at Oxford Bank.

Q: Anyone ever said you look like someone famous?

A: Some people say I look like Kim Raver, but I don’t see it.

Q: Did you do much traveling?

A: For a while, my girlfriends and I were traveling to the Caribbean every winter. Those are some great memories! We also spend a lot of summer weekends with our friends on Heron Island near Damariscotta. It’s a second home to us.

Q: Which place was the most fascinating and why?

A: St. Thomas was our first trip and it will always be my favorite place. It was so beautiful and relaxing there.

Q: Did anyone influence you to the point of changing your direction in life?

A: I would have to say my parents and Debi Irons. My parents always encouraged me to be myself and gave me the confidence to do and try new things. They are still very supportive of me. Debi has been my dance teacher for over 20 years and especially during my teen years, she boosted my self-confidence through dance.

Q: Do you collect anything or have a hobby?

A: I don’t collect anything. I have been dancing with Art Moves for over 20 years, so I guess that’s my hobby.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: The Hunger Games Series, great read!

Q: What subject do you wish you knew more about?

A: Hmmmm, I think I need to get more involved with politics and social issues.

Q: What is the one thing you could not give up?

A: Ask anyone; water and Blistex! Haha!

Q: Do you have children?

A: Yes, I have a 12-year-old son named Jason. He just started middle school and middle school football.

Q: What is the one thing you would happily do over again?

A: Have another child.

Q: What was the best memory that this interview brought back?

A: I think it’s remembering summers at Papoose Pond with my Nana and cousin Susan. We used to get “dressed up” to go ride the carousel at the campground and have ice cream.

Q: What would you like people to know about you?

A: I’m very open to all kinds of people and lifestyles. I love to meet new people and learn about their lives and families. If we are friends, we are friends to the end. I’m a very loyal and dedicated person. However, I can hold a mean Irish grudge, which I’m working out.

Q: Last day on earth; what would you do and with whom?

A: I would probably want to be on Heron Island with my family and friends and just be together.

Q: If anyone could walk in right now, who would you want to see?

A: My maternal grandfather; who I never had the chance to meet.

Q: Any Regrets?

A: No major regrets at all.

Q: What scares you the most?

A: I worry about illness hitting my family and loved ones, but I try to take things one day at a time and deal with problems when the hit. I try not to waste time worrying about what “might” happen.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I will have a son in college (or maybe just out of college), which is a scary and exciting thought! I would like to see myself still gainfully employed, enjoying time with family and friends, and hopefully still dancing!