WORD IS BORN

I started this blog WAY back in 2007 as "Word Is Born." The spirit remains the same: my thoughts and photos, random as they are. Enjoy.

Latest Grams:

WE THREE ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! 🇮🇹 🎉 (Note: Super weird to celebrate anything considering COVID-19 and Black injustice crises.) Twelve years ago -- way before I had kids, right before I met Amanda -- I started exploring dual citizenship. Perch&egra

WE THREE ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! 🇮🇹 🎉 (Note: Super weird to celebrate anything considering COVID-19 and Black injustice crises.) Twelve years ago -- way before I had kids, right before I met Amanda -- I started exploring dual citizenship. Perchè no? I didn't know what the future would hold, but I knew opening more doors for education and work in my father's country and greater EU would be good for me and future generations. Oh, and the history, culture, landscapes, pride of lineage, etc. I wanted to power up from half Italian to full citizen. I set a first citizenship appointment in San Francisco in 2010, the same year Amanda and I married, but didn't get enough paperwork together time. I had some other stops and starts but thanks to some major legwork led by cousin @mikebaiocchi I finally set an appointment two years ago for a January 2020 appointment at the consulate in San Francisco. We made it a fun little family vacation. The appointment itself went well (after some fair shaming about my language progress). We came home and waited for confirmation but of course COVID-19 devastated Italy, and I didn't expect to hear anything soon. Well, the surprise came in the mail today 🙌🏻. Eliza and Matteo automatically gained citizenship. Amanda has a few more steps (notably a high level of language achievement) to gain citizenship through marriage, but I am super pumped to reach this longtime goal! Forza Italia! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

Took the family for a (peaceful protest) walk around the neighborhood. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿

Took the family for a (peaceful protest) walk around the neighborhood. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿

Last day in Kent HQ (but not my last at REI!). I've spent some of my best years here in the Kent valley.

I remember after leaving Eddie Bauer, my next stop had to be REI. They had a co-op model, big stores, real community events! I knocked on t

Last day in Kent HQ (but not my last at REI!). I've spent some of my best years here in the Kent valley. I remember after leaving Eddie Bauer, my next stop had to be REI. They had a co-op model, big stores, real community events! I knocked on these doors and many kind people responded. @nattyluna and @jordowilliams kindly met me for informational interviews. @lux2, after intense interrogation, finally conceded and offered me a job on the social media team to join @kelly_ann_walsh. Shout out to some of my other bosses over the years: @rowleycraig, @sarahjeanneisme @mrajet and @ph9er. Too many colleagues and teammates over the years to tag but so appreciative of the shared time. The work we did in this place will define my career and the brand for years to come. OptOutside, Force of Nature, etc. I’ve been able to pay it forward and meet people for informational interviews and hire some of them myself. I’ve met a lot of great people and forged a kit of friendship with people who were also willing to come to Kent. Because the location doesn’t matter so much as the mission. Shout out to those who literally drove with me and endured the I-5 commute that future generations won't comprehend: @jruckle @angelafgow @halleyrebecca @shelb_hall. Next stop, REI Tacoma (work at home) and a smattering of new Bellevue HQ. Onward.

I published monthly letters for these Puget Sound saltwater 🐟. Link in profile. #deareliza #dearmatteo

November 19, 2007 in Uncategorized

Paolo Does Europe - Sept. 13

I'm kicking it from my hostel in Verona. This place is huge! It's a converted monastery up a hill and across the river from town. Time to continue the F*** You list.

F*** You:

3. Lonely Planet for not having a map or much else to offer about Verona.

I was screwed when I got off the train with no direction of where to go, but fortunately I met a friendly Polish couple my age who knew where they were going. The girl was way hot but didn't speak English or Italian.

4. Hostels located so far away from train stations that I have to take a bus or taxi to get to them.

I mean, what the hell? I don't know which stop to take. Thankfully, a woman on our bus today told the Polish couple and me that we had missed our stop.

5. Dog shit on the street. I knew I'd eventually step in it and today I did.

6. Renovations. The Duomos in Milan and Florence are under renovation, as are the Colosseum in Rome and several churches in Venice. Oh, how scaffolding can ruin a sightseeing tour.

7. Pigeons. Stop trying to steal my food when I'm trying to eat outside.

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I eventually located my hostel with the Polish couple, got settled in and went out on foot to explore Verona, the location of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Verona reminds me a lot of Florence. It's very clean (except for the dog shit I stepped in) and scenic. It's not too easy to navigate, but I still managed.

Tomorrow I'm off to Venice, so long as there aren't too many stairs. I'm hoping my leg will keep up. My knee is still killing me.

Editor's note: Paolo went a little photo crazy in Verona.