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

W(ho)TF is on WIB? ...Gramps

March 27, 2009 in Uncategorized

Time to learn more about your fellow WIB readers in this edition of "W(ho)TF is on WIB?" Today we're talking to Palm Desert king, Gramps.

Name/alias: Ron Norton/Gramps

You can find me online at: I'm "low-tech" so I don't connect much with the Internet world.

I know Paolo from: About 45 minutes after birth. He was very vocal and wore a diaper. He doesn't wear diapers anymore.

One other blog everyone should read is: I'm a lousy critic of blogs but my wife and I love Paolo's - a great way to keep current with our slightly kooky but lovable grandson.

One movie everyone should see is: (current) "Mama Mia"; (classic) "Gone With The Wind"

If I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life, it would be: Waffle, sausage, one egg over easy

My guiltiest pleasure is: Sneaking a maple bar when I'm on a diet.

It's Sunday morning at 10 a.m. If I'm not still sleeping, I'm: Socializing with friends at the Tennis Club.

When I die, I believe I will go: Quietly and confident that there will be another life, possibly as photo editor of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

When I was a kid, I actually owned: A 22 rifle and 16 gauge shotgun. My Dad taught me how to use them safely and together we hunted pheasant and ducks.

Quickfire Round:

Facebook or Twitter? Non comprehendo!
Electric or Acoustic? Does an electric shaver count?
White Meat or Dark Meat? I would never discriminate between the two.
Early Bird or Night Owl? Early Bird - and I am getting sick and tired of worms for breakfast!
Snorer or Sleeptalker? I once snored a lot until my wife stuck a couple celery stalks up my nostrils.
Black or Cream and Sugar? Only no calorie sweetener (it offsets the calories in my maple bars.)
Seattle or San Francisco? Seattle in the summer, Palm Desert, CA in the winter.
Jennifer or Angelina? Sorry, but Christie Brinkley is the ONLY goddess!

Lastly, everyone should know that: I am almost 80 years old, of questionable sound mind, still deeply in love with my wonderful wife of almost 49 years, ex-tennis player, current frustrated golfer (aren't we all?), a Mini-Mac Apple player, fan of "Dancing With The Stars," "24", and Grey's Anatomy. It's been a good life - more to come.