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. 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. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿

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

We Hiked The Enchantments!

July 14, 2014 in Personal

They're worth the hike and the permit lottery. The Enchantments are just that good. We'll be back. [flickr_set id="72157645734575015"]

Norse Peak Hike

July 06, 2014 in Personal

In advance to a big Enchantments trip, I got a training hike in with Scott, Mike, Todd and Jessie. The hike to Norse Peak starts out of the Crystal Mountain parking lot and up, up, up, intersecting the PCT. It was a great hike with an awesome view of Mt. Rainier.

[flickr_set id="72157645557846661"]

Ty, Amber and Kids Visit Tacoma!

June 29, 2014 in Personal

We were so excited to host my brother-in-law Ty and his family as part of their road trip across the country from Indiana. We always love showing people where we live and all the great parts of Tacoma! [flickr_set id="72157645702888164"]

REI Camping Trip at Penrose Point

June 26, 2014 in Personal

The annual REI marketing camping trip is always fun. I am privileged to work with such smart, fun people that share a passion for playing outdoors. [flickr_set id="72157645347279076"]

Exploring Doe Bay

June 20, 2014 in Personal

Amanda and I made a first trip to Orcas Island for a wedding at Doe Bay. I wasn't a photographer for the wedding. Rather, I shot everything around the wedding as we took in an amazing Puget Sound destination. [flickr_set id="72157645373618825"]