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, 11 Months Old

June 03, 2018

We just came home from your first camping trip ever! We were out at Penrose Point State Park, a safe distance from our house in case we had to bail. Fortunately you and Eliza slept well-enough at night and napped during the day. I never expect to sleep great on any kind of backpacking or camping trip, so to get decent sleep with both of you was a major win.

Summer is off to a great start. We also got a double kayak for the family and fit all of us (minus Greta) on a first outing at the Chaffee beach house. You went a strong 20 minutes before demanding to nurse. Your Mom figured out the logistics with both of you wearing life jackets and got you to latch on the open water. I was the only paddler on the boat. We weren't moving fast but I paddled straight to shore before you reached total meltdown. Next time we need to add your Froggy WubbaNub to our paddling checklist.

You've had a lot of helmet breaks as the weather has warmed up. We see you get overheated underneath all that plastic and foam. Not exactly breathable. You sweat like I do, and your helmet gets a little stinky. The breaks are good for hygiene.

I like to take the helmet off to actually SEE you. The helmet almost has a brim and shades your eyes. When I can see the entire frame of your face and hair I get to see all of your expression. You're such a cute little guy. Everyone comments on how smiley you are, and the smile is at maximum effectiveness when the helmet is off. Your head shape is getting better, so the helmet is working. Hopefully you'll only have another month or so before another growth spurt to close the gap and we can get rid of the helmet for good.

You're a strong guy. You started pulling yourself up to stand just a couple days ago. I think you were motivated to reach Greta's food and water dishes. Missioned accomplished. You'll find the world has way better snacks than dog kibble, by the way. To prove your improving strength you like to wrestle with Eliza on the couch and beds. Although she has height and reach advantages, you hold your own and bury your helmet head in her stomach to toss her back. You're the pound-for-pound featherweight champ in this house.

I can't believe you're turning one next month. This has been so much fun.

Love, Dad