Exclusive Grad Interview # 4 with Lesia Payne (Hickey)…

Lesia Payne & Husband Chris

Hey Reunioners,

All the best,

Paxton

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INTERVIEW:

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
I’m very sad to say that no, I won’t be attending. My uterus has other plans, unfortunately, like birthing…. Sigh. I’m 8 months pregnant and due on July 14th

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Saskatoon, SK, if you can believe it! After 9 years in Vancouver my husband, Chris, and I decided to move to Saskatoon last year so we could afford an actual home (not just a 500 square foot condo!) and raise a family. I have been successfully running my own web and software design and usability business (Lesia Design) since 2005 and am mostly working on the interaction design for iPhone applications this year. It’s great as I can work in my PJs and don’t have to deal with annoying co-workers!

MARRIED? KIDS?
Yes! Married for 2 years in July and kids, well no I guess not yet because medically I still have only a “fetus”. Though, when I’m playing whack-a-mole with his arms and legs poking out of my belly the word “fetus” doesn’t seem to do the strong little guy justice! 1 month to go and he officially becomes a real person! hah.

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Hmm. That would best be answered by one of my friends…. but… I think I’ve learned to “let go” of always over-achieving a little bit more than in High School. Maybe 10% decrease ;P I would also like to think I’m a better friend and girlfriend/wife as I’ve learned a lot about myself and relationships.

ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m only regularly in touch with Amanda Kraft. I mentor her as her elder (inside joke as I’m 2 days older). Also, I keep in touch with some others via Facebook!

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Choir. And, having a large group of friends. I’m happy now with smaller groups of closer friends but there’s something to be said about those awesome 30 person birthday parties I had with sooo many good friends.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
I would have beaten Dan Hoy in Grade 11 Honours Physics AND hired a lawyer or something about my one C+ in gym class that cost me my “gold cord award”. Lol OK no in all seriousness …… I would have not been so self-conscious in grade 8 and 9.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Yes. I always wanted to be married some day and doing computer related multimedia. Though I thought I would have already been a millionaire but other than that ..

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Always be open minded about what you think you might want and what’s actually best for you regarding life choices and relationships with people. And along the same lines of thinking, never be afraid to take risks and be passionate.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduating University with honours … being successful being my own boss… being good enough at what I do to be flown to San Francisco and put up in a sweet apartment. But on a less materialistic and more important note: finding that someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with; this brought so much peace, comfort, and sense of accomplishment

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING LATELY?
The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth ….. tons of other baby related books…….. and watching the final season of 24 this year as well as House, and Glee .. etc.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
Watching my son grow and the new kind of love and selflessness that I’m going to find in myself.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
I’d love to hear from you guys and can’t wait to see pictures of the reunion. You can always get ahold of me too if you want at www.lesiadesign.com I’d love to hear from you!!!