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

push-ups

Keeping an Eye on the Exercise Prize, Fighting Dad Bod

September 16, 2015

I am hyper-aware of the Dad Bod destiny in front of me. When life gets busy -- long work days, travel, teaching, etc. -- exercise is probably the easiest activity to drop. Life is just going to get more busy from here.

Like a lot of people, Amanda and I have had stops and starts of various exercise routines. We got into workout videos at home getting fit for our wedding...

We've done P90X-style workouts in the mornings. We've done yoga and spin classes. I've tried to work out during lunch (becoming nearly impossible to keep that time on the work calendar). I try to get on the Stadium High School stairs a few times a month. We've got a gym membership (on pause) at the YMCA.

All this adds up to a commitment to exercise but without habits sticking. Maybe we're turning the corner on that.

I give Amanda infinity points for her motivation to stay active during pregnancy. When she has back pain or acid reflux or just wants to sleep, it'd be easier for her to just crash on the couch all day. But she walks 4-5 miles every single day, often at the Tacoma waterfront. Her single motivation is making for an easier labor (and something about being one of those women who doesn't look pregnant from the back). I'm sure she'll benefit from the time she put in on game day. Amanda has also met some new girlfriends in the neighborhood with babies who walk every morning, so that's helpful peer pressure.

As for me, I've recently downloaded a Fitness Buddy app that has some good workout programs to follow that take about 15 minutes in the morning. With the app, I am trying to find a motivating way to work out at home now so that I have something to do when the new baby has us on lock-down. Otherwise, the Freshman 15 may have a revival as the Fresh Fatherhood 15.