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

Dear Eliza, One Year Old

October 10, 2016

Dear Eliza,

A few days ago, I found my eyes leaking as you slept on my chest. You're usually the one with leaky eyes before bed, but I guess it was my turn.

I felt overcome with emotion because it's so rare that you sleep on my chest these days, and I realized how so many moments like that will return rarely and eventually never again.

The bittersweet trade-off is that for those cherished moments that slip away, I can't wait for the next ones when you try something new or become more engaged with the world around you.

We saw an exotic slice of the world in the last month, spending two lovely weeks in Italy. You were totally resilient as we carried you through Sorrento, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome. Most of that carrying was done by backpack, so your old man stayed fit as you progressively gained a little wait due to a 100% pasta diet. Nearly 10 years ago, I went to Italy for the first time on a solo trip to challenge and find myself as a newly minted college graduate. Going back and sharing an experience in Italy with you and your Mom meant so much to me. I couldn't have imagined then where we are now.

I know what you're thinking, "I don't remember the trip!" Don't worry, we'll go back again when you're older.

The language barrier reminded me of how quickly you're picking up language (mostly English, plus "Ciao"). You're speaking a lot of gibberish, which is just delightful to hear. You're so serious speaking so silly. You're not quite walking, but I think you will in coming weeks. Those Italian cobblestone streets weren't easy to practice on.

As you know, your Mom and I had a long road to meet you. The stork refused to deliver you to us for a few years. I managed through that time period the same way I do most things, by documenting. I made this video to show you how tough and resilient your Mom was through it all. We were so motivated to bring you into the world, and to no surprise your Mom did all the hard work. Whenever you watch this video, give your Mom a squeeze. She earned it.

Eliza, I don't have words to express how thankful I am for you, and how much I love you! This has been the best year. Better than I could have imagined. Thank you.

Love, Dad