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| Paula's Inspiration |
January 24, 2005 23:54 |
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Stan Williams
Calgary, AB |
Paula, you were so inspirational. Our times over the past two years at Fitness on 5th in Calgary were so great. I think the most impressive thing about you was that you didn’t let a painful, chronic condition like RSD slow you down; you found ways to press on. You could have been bitter about your health. But as you travelled down the road of life, if you come to a pothole you went around it, or right through it! If you came to a “bridge out,” you built a detour!
If it wasn’t going to be mountain climbing, it would be kayaking. If not kayaking, it would be lifting weights and going for 10 minute workouts on the rowing machine. And we benefited from your new-found knowledge of personal training. You were always so concerned about our little aches and pains, which were pretty minor in comparison. As the pain was increasing in your body, you explored spirituality and discovered a deeper sense and meaning in life. You put it this way:
“My pain is still bad but I am learning to find the beauty in each day. My pain was so great and the stress it created even greater. I am still having trouble constructing proper sentences and relying personal training info correctly. However, I slept like 9 hours last night! Wow. I am a new woman today and feel my spirit returning.............
When a job opportunity fell through; a job which may have allowed you to work in less pain, you said:
“When I told you about my confidential job search on the mats I was really low. I had had the worst week. I have chilled out a bit since then I have re-learned the value of patience. I need to concentrate on the qualities and skills that I already possess instead of searching for something totally new. However, I am always open to new experiences.
You didn’t stop and it was so great for us to, well, be inspired by your drive and tenacity. Paula, you said many times: “I’m going to beat this, Stan! I’m going to beat this!” After you had the nerve block treatment in Calgary for the pain you said: “It is time to move on, I am going to kick some butt! Conquer! Cause the treatment didn't work!” What a ‘tude! |
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| FUBAR the movie |
January 24, 2005 16:03 |
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Stu
Calgary |
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... just remembering the time Paula came over to Rhon and I's place for supper. I had just returned from a 2 day business trip and Paula was staying over (keeping my wife company in my absence - for which I am eternally grateful). As any good host would, I offered to entertain Paula by playing parts of a DVD I own - FUBAR, a small independent 'mockumentary' style movie filmed in Calgary. At it's heart, it's a satirical comedy, (and not for the faint at heart either). Paula laughed! She really got a kick out of it. The protagonist's motto in the movie is 'Just Give'r!', which is how he explains his outlook on life. I think that says it all! |
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| Cheers to you |
January 24, 2005 14:33 |
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Vanessa Plimley
Canmore |
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I did not know Paula as close as so many other people have, but wonderfully enough she still lingers in my life often. The other day I saw a movie ( bad one but, hey ) and there was this beautifully freckled girl with shoulder length hair and an irresistable personality and I laughed thinking " dam that looks like Paula". And then I have to admit that when I am at my happy moments in the mountains, with that spent feeling from a wicked day climbing or skiing....and I am drinking a beer and eating chips afterwards....I take a moment each time for Paula and our other friends we lost last year and I toast them all....and tell them that each day I live to the fullest is for them, for their memory and for their spirit that smiles from mountain summits and laughs quietly on the wind embraceing us all. Love and friendship knows no limits or timelines. |
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| Paula Introduces Rhonda to Jack |
January 24, 2005 02:22 |
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Rhonda
Calgary AB |
Paula comes flying in the door - "you've got to hear this cd!"
"More chanting?"
"No", it's Jack Johnson. I love it." she goes.
"Why do you love it?"
"The lyrics are great, and they're really short songs. You just start to get into the music - then it's over..."
...kind of like life sometimes... |
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| The Last Time I Saw Paula's Physical Essence |
January 23, 2005 12:38 |
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Rhonda Anderson
Calgary, AB |
Three days before her death, Paula and I were hanging out at her place. It was about 9PM and she was excited about having had a great day at work. I gave her a back massage which she seemed to thoroughly enjoy!
We were talking about her upcoming trip to Arizona. I asked her if she'd learned any new guitar songs yet to sing for the trip, and she goes "yeah!" and then sings "Sittin by the Dock of the Bay" like a pro. It was awesome.
Then we dug out her skis so I could use them that weekend on my trip to Panorama, BC.
We laughed about some goofy things, hugged goodbye, and that was the last time I saw her.
On that Sunday morning at the ski resort, I was overcome by some weird confusion I could not explain. I did not even want to ski which is totally out of character. It was the strangest feeling...I felt sick to my stomach all day long. I couldn't figure it out because I was in the mountains on an awesome ski trip. What could be the problem?
The next day I learned Paula had been killed on Sunday morning.
During my break from skiing, I took a picture of Paula's skis which I have posted here...they are really long and really fast!
I love you PaulaP!
Rhonda |
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| Paula's Cab |
January 23, 2005 02:50 |
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Dan
North Vancouver |
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A bunch of years ago Paula and I went out to explore the backroads and she drove her roomate’s jeep with the soft-top off. As soon as we got off the pavement and onto the dirt Paula hit the gas and turned into a champion rally driver. I was kind of having fun, haha not, but mostly really frightened and holding on really tight because she was going bloody fast and we were so out of control. Old discontinued roads have cross ditches called water bars that are dug out for the water to have somewhere to go—I think Paula thought they were jumps. But the whole time she’s grinning ear to ear, working the stick like a pro and having such a rocking time so I learned to trust her because anyone who can drive like that on purpose gets respected. I bet not many people know that one of Paula’s first and very brief jobs when she moved to Canmore was, and get this, driving a cab! I always thought that was too funny-- can you imagine getting a cab and Paula is your cabbie?! That thought is always going to make me laugh. |
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| Paula in chill-mode |
January 22, 2005 19:28 |
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Lesley
Vancouver |
Early October 2004: A rare sight: Paula has her feet up and is comfortably chilled out on her bed and watching those "Alias" shows on DVD. It was such a rare sight that I had to take a picture! I had just developed this picture a week ago. It was amongst a roll of wedding pictures, and I hadn't expected this picture to be there.
Needless to say this was a pleasant surprise.
She is always with me. |
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January 22, 2005 05:14 |
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Lesley
Vancouver |
Ha - I just thought of this funny story.
We all know Paula is super silly - and she was just as hilarious as a kid.
We'd play downstairs in our basement for hours and hours. My dad was a big computer guy, so we had tons of boxes to contort/destroy/play with. We made “no parents allowed” houses, space-shoes, various weapons, vehicles, forts, spaceships, instruments...
I remember this cool "car" she made out of a big cardboard box. Flashy colours with Lamborghini doors. She was the driver, I was the passenger. And, complete will sound effects, we speedily “drove” it (using our legs as wheels) down the street (our basement floor), squealing around corners, showing it off, waving to pedestrians...
She pulled up beside a man in his car at a traffic light and he said (she made a man’s voice):
“Hey...nice car!”
She smiled,looked over at him and said:
“Thanks man....yours sucks”.
She was 11 years old.
I love you bumhead! |
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| Sitting on the deck! |
January 20, 2005 18:25 |
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Jacqui Esler - Paula's "slumlord" and friend in Calgary
Calgary |
One of the first memories I have of Paula is sitting on our deck and talking about life. I didn't know Paula's previous mountain-girl and dare-devil life-style. However, I could tell she was NO princess....all you had to do was look at her pipes and calves! We sat on the deck and talked a lot at "422", her address in Calgary. Paula was highly recommended to us by our friend Carole Beaton in Canmore as a tenant needing a place to live while going to school here. Well, we soon found out that Paula was not just another "tenant". She Rocked! But as we sat on the deck and talked I found out more why we sat instead of stood. We would also sit in her suite as she and I would chat and JD (my husband) would fix things around her place. She would often sit on her black stool. This stool, as much as she did not like it, was one of the coolest stools I had ever seen. It had a shelf, locking casters and moved up and down. She made no attempt to apologize about her sitting. She didn't have to. I got to love the eye to eye contact we had when we would just sit and talk. Just sitting and talking is a wonderful memory I have with Paula. As much as she didn't sit still too long, she taught me that calmly sitting and chatting with friends is a gift we don't often think about in this fast paced life.
Paula, your spirit will always be at "422". You painted the place a wonder, warm, soothing colour. We will never forget you. We love you!
Jacqui & JD Esler - Calgary |
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| The Paula Jar |
January 20, 2005 10:40 |
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Stephanie Melnyk & Jeff Acton
Calgary, AB |
One of Paula's most frustrating but admirable qualities was her resolve to be independent. As a friend, I wanted as much of the money paid for personal training sessions as possible to go directly to Paula so I would try to give her tips. She would not have it. So instead I started a 'Paula Jar' at home where I could store the money in place of tipping her... or add some cash anytime I thought of wanting to help her. I figured this secret forced-saving would come in handy for her the next time a big expense arose. I never got the chance to cash her out of her own jar. As part of keeping her memory alive, though, Jeff and I have decided to keep adding to the Paula jar as there are always good friends unexpectedly in need financially and too proud to ask for help.
We miss you so much, Paula... |
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| What I continue to learn from Paula... |
January 20, 2005 10:37 |
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Stephanie Melnyk
Calgary, AB |
It is clear Paula had already taught herself long ago not to be limited by her circumstances. Over the course of 2004, though, I appreciated the time we spent reinforcing with each other this difficult but precious learning. If you allow yourself to be limited by the circumstances given to you, then you are simply giving up all the power that you have in the first place. Instead, it is a matter of accepting the things that happen and searching for the opportunity or enlightenment gained from these seemingly-undesirable new circumstances. Not an easy thing to do with the small stuff in life, nevermind a lifechanging event like losing Paula in December. But to honour my dear friend, that is what I continue to do each day... and it certainly makes me feel more happiness and power in my own life.
Namaste, Paula.
Stephanie |
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| Hey Lady!! |
January 19, 2005 19:19 |
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Carole Beaton
Canmore |
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Paula, you made my night when you showed up at the 'Evil' Christmas gift exchange. I didn't really care who else showed up as long as you were able to make it. I think that all those there that night were touched by your presence, even those who had only met you! (as this was always the case!) I am so happy to have had these last memories of you! (Who else would be so excited to have large pieces of broccoli in their omelette!!!)It was so great to see you so happy that night and the next morning! I miss you so much already. I hope you knew how much you meant to me, Paula. I love you. Take care little lady. |
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| A life well lived, a life well loved and a life that will always be charished. |
January 19, 2005 17:45 |
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Michelle Parker
Calgary, AB - Fitness on 5th |
In the short time I knew Paula, I was always impressed by her positive attitude, her drive to succeed and her will and determination to make the best of her life. I would always admire her when she worked out. Thinking - man she looks good, and holy cow is she strong. She was my inspiration then and now. Everytime I am tired or unmovtivated to workout, I think of Paula and remember her determination. It is then that I get myself up, get out the door and usually have the best workout ever.
Paula - you are an amazing woman. Someone who will never leave my heart. I am inspired to live my life as you did. With all the drive, determination, positivity and happiness that I can.
Thank you for coming into my life, thank you for being the person you are.
You will always be with us. |
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| Cheers to you Paulita |
January 19, 2005 11:41 |
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Christie Pashby
Canmore |
In November Max and I went into the 'big city' and met Paula for a drink. We went to a snazzy bar near Fitness on Fifth, and Paula convinced me to join her and order The MardiGras Special - some deliciously sweet, very strong blender drink. It came with MardiGras beaded necklaces. I loved that she encouraged me to live life to the fullest always, even if it is just going for a drink - order something awesome!
I keep those beads in my gym bag and as I battle through my post-surgery rehab, Paula is there to motivate and inspire me, and to make me smile.
We miss you Paulita! |
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| See you on the other side... |
January 19, 2005 10:49 |
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Jason Macleod
Calgary, AB |
"Giver!!"
That is how I remember Paula. She always did things full tilt. I likened her to a pinball. She would rocket off a flipper on one life direction, to hit a bumper and shoot off in another direction. Always moving in a direction, though that direction might change on any given week, day or hour.
Most of the time I spent with Paula over the past few years was just after the surgery on her ankles. We started going the gym several times a week to get both of us back in shape. I was recovering from my own experience with a drunk driver. We motivated eachother, encouraged eachother and built a friendship.
She was also one of the most genuine and honest people I knew. Telling you her ups as well as downs around her journey. She lived her life ready. Whatever it was going to throwing at her or had to offer...she was ready and willing. At least thats how I remember her.
See you on the Other Side my friend. Love you.
Jason MacLeod |
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| Did You Know Paula Loved animals? |
January 19, 2005 10:43 |
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Linda Hind (Aunt Linda)
Sarnia, Ontario |
The family had a very special dog named TIKA-a beautiful German Sheppard.This dog was an instant family hit.We all thought Tika would bound the most with Bob. Not so -it was instant love between Paula and Tika.
They where inseperable.Tika moping around whenever Paula was away,as soon as she would walk through the door-instant lovefest. |
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| You're the Best! |
January 19, 2005 01:43 |
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Sarah Hueniken
Canmore |
Paula... where do I start? There are so many things that I wish I could talk to you about- ask for advice, laugh over, be upset over, and get a hug for, to make it all seem as meaningless as it all is. You were a friend I could always be myself around.. someone who taught me to be able to share better, be goofy, believe in myself and always know that I had a great friend who really cared about me. That is a rarity that took ten years to build and one I will miss for a lifetime. There were so many things I admired about you and strive to carry with me from now on. If everyone who knew you carried a little bit of Paula with them, the world would certainly be a happier, lighter... and fitter! place.
Thanks for being such a genuine friend Paula. I am so lucky to have shared so many great memories with you, and for that I will always be thankful.
I will keep your spirit playing in the mountains. |
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