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 Matteo, 17 Months Old

December 04, 2018

I am enjoying a “Dada” phase, and I love the attention!

In the mornings, you look for me first and alternate calling “dada and “baba” (bottle). During the day you’re glued to one of my legs. At night, you collapse into my lap when you’re ready to wind down. I don’t think your Mom is bothered by playing second fiddle, *yet*.

We’re in Indiana right now visiting your Mom’s family, which means you’re getting a lot more face-time IRL instead of FaceTime app. I’m enjoying your nearly-constant baby rambling around the house. You talk about eating most of the time and wanting to watch “Moana.” You found a Santa figurine, “tanta,” in the entryway that you like to speak with in private like a Christmas confidant.

You are a rambunctious little guy on this trip and expressing it through a lot of tackling (me and Eliza) and climbing any furniture in sight. You might still be wired from the Altoids you snuck yesterday behind the couch to get a mint high.

You’re entertaining your Grammie and Popa with all the action and energy, but also proving your stamina against instruction. Your favorite toddler vice is climbing to the very top of the recliner couch, tempting fate, and giggling when your grandparents, Mom, or I try to persuade you to gently slide down to safety. Our commands have ranged from “Matteo, what are you doing?” to “Sit your ass down!” I’m sure Popa will be taking consecutive long naps to recover from this onslaught after we depart tomorrow.

I know this attached-to-me-daredevil phase is just that, but I hope it lasts a bit longer because I am enjoying being your partner in household adventures and crime. And your Mom will have to deal with being second-favorite a little longer!

Love, Dad