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

Exploring Vashon Island

January 26, 2013 in Personal

Last weekend, Amanda and I braved the fog and took the ferry from Point Defiance to Vashon Island. Neither of us had spent much time on the island (except for a weekend soccer camp I worked at in college), so with (Google) maps in hand we explored!

Aboard the Salish Ferry.

http://ferrazzigreenlight.com/instant-loans-guaranteed-approval

Vashon Island in the distance.

At Point Robertson on Maury Island.

We ate a yummy meal at The Hardware Store Restaurant. Highly recommend it.

We stopped at the old K2 offices, which are now overgrown with moss and on schedule to look like the NYC in I Am Legend.

We stopped at several coffee destinations on the island, including The Vashon Island Coffee Rosterie.

We also made a stop at the Burton Coffee Stand.

Highly-caffeinated, we returned home.

Guinness Record Snowball Fight at Seattle Snow Day

January 13, 2013 in Personal

Yesterday I joined a group of REI friends for Seattle Snow Day, which was a successful(!) attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest snowball fight. REI was an event sponsor and all proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club of King County.

Amanda and I took some photos before the anarchy began.

New Year's Day at Point Defiance, Tacoma

January 01, 2013 in Best Of, Personal

We spent New Year's Day at our favorite Tacoma park, Point Defiance! We explored some new trails, took photos and walked off some holiday calories.

Christmas 2012 in Photos

December 26, 2012 in Personal

The Roast of Scott

December 15, 2012 in Best Of, Personal

Scott's 30th birthday is later this month, and Courtney and I threw a roast party to celebrate. She, Caitlin, Aubrey and I dished out on Scott to the entertainment of a packed room of friends and family.

If you think about it, people aren't celebrated all that often -- occasionally birthdays, definitely funerals -- and I'm glad Scott felt the love for the big 3-0. Happy birthday, Scott!

(Photos by Amanda.)