Name in High School:
Katie Norris

Name Now:
Katie Paries

E-mail:
katieparies@lycos.com

Status:
Married to Jeff Paries

Kids:
Nick, born 2005

Where I'm Living:
We live in Gresham, OR

How I spend My Days:
I work as a project manager by day, and as a mom by night. When I can, I go to the gym. I dream about a more creative career, but haven't figured out how to make the switch.

Hobbies and Interests:
All of our spare time is dedicated to our son! I read on the train while commuting to work, and make my own Christmas cards (that is my current level of creativity). Jeff has a motorcycle (Yamaha FJR) and is a big Chicago Bears fan. We like to BBQ as much as weather permits.

Last 20 Years in a Nutshell:
After HS I moved to California. I have a BA in Art History from SJSU and a MA in Art History from U of A. After grad school I worked as an Internet Specialist at a biotech company in CA, which was a bit different than what I'd planned! I have continued working within the areas of Marketing Communications and the Internet since school. I'm now a Sr. Project Manager at Avenue A / Razorfish in Portland.

Jeff Paries and I met in early 1999. We married late 2000 and bought a house near my mom. We had Nick in spring, 2005. I was pregnant at the reunion! Jeff is a Silverlight developer with Waggener Edstrom.

High School Memories:
Until 10th grade I was in public school. When I started at MA my first impression was that everyone was so nice it scared me. Girls tried to hold my hand, which really scared me. People cared about writing and art and music and drama. I had never had that sort of school experience before. It was wonderful. Heather, Christi, Betsy, Kirsten, Melanie, Annette, Julie, Laura, Sarah, Carrie... and many more. Tuan! I'm hoping I'll be able to reconnect with some/all at the 20th reunion.

Some specific memories: Being best friends with Heather Keena, the coolest girl in school! Art with Mr. Nordstrom. I had a great time shooting the staple gun at friends and blow-drying my paintings in class. Challenging Rabbi to explain Genesis 6:1-4. Being in the Wizard of OZ (I made costumes, and was a jitterbug and palace wench), as well as all the other class productions (played new waver, a Go-Go, Boy George, and Ricky Nelson). I was proud of participating in band, orchestra, publications, etc. I remember smoking cigarettes at Young Life Camp with other MA girls (gasp)!