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

May 08, 2008 in Uncategorized

Because I know most of you lurk on this blog waiting for that needle-in-the-haystack post about my personal life, I'm going to prick you with this pin.

I'm Match.com-ing it.

Whereas I have previously proclaimed that I'm done with online dating and girlfriends are too expensive anyway, Scott still has faith and has taken it upon himself to raise funds for a (pricey) Match.com membership. If Scott has your contacts, he will likely hit you up for cash. You've been warned. He's supposedly already set up a PayPal account in my name.

My better judgment tells me that I should avoid this endeavor, especially after learning that online dating is designed for women, but if Scott can pull the cash together, I'll roll with it.

Hell, I know a couple people in my office who met their spouses through Match.com. That's what makes me nervous though. Match.com is next level. Something like 60,000 new singles join Match.com each day. These people on there are serious about dating, and I'm not sure if I am. I've gotten too comfortable with the single lifestyle.

Today I told a coworker that I'm heading to Puerto Vallarta for a weekend next month.

"That's amazing how you can just make a decision and go somewhere like that," he replied. "No hesitation."

"That's because I don't have to check with anyone," I said. "You have to think about your girlfriend and what she wants to do. You have to worry about your dog. I just have to worry about where I want to go and if there's money in the bank. When the bank is green I go."

I like that freedom. I understand the literacy of "ball and chain." Regardless, I'm taking Scott's lead (and money) on this. Something tells me, "It's okay to look."

Update: Like a girl scout outside Albertson's, Scott is asking for your money. Click here to donate to the PayPal account dedicated to my Match.com future.