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Paolo M. Mottola Jr.

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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
I published monthly letters for these Puget Sound saltwater 🐟. Link in profile. #deareliza #dearmatteo
20181021-IMG_2107.jpg

Dear Eliza, 37 Months Old

November 10, 2018

You can be the most talkative person in my life on a given day, but over the last few weeks you’ve become a bit tongue-tied.

You struggle to get out words that begin with “wh,” the start of your many questions. You’re often able to get the sentence going after 4-8 stutters on the first word. It’s too early to tell if you are developing a lasting stutter, but there’s certainly a “vocabulary burst” where your mouth seems to get stuck behind your thoughts since you are learning so many new words and building your vocabulary. Your buddy Bridger had a similar challenge.

You’ve been a good sport but must be frustrated at times. Even if it takes you a little longer to get your words out, I’m still excited about what you have to say next.

Your Mom relayed a story that at preschool you tried to tell her the name of your new friend, Grant. But you couldn’t get the words out and gave up. “I can’t say it,” you finally stated, confused.

I felt the same way your Mom looked when she told me about the occurrence. It’s a little heart-breaking to see you go through this phase. I can relate. I had my own talking-out-loud issue that didn’t show up until high school.

And then there will be times when something is simply too over-stimulating and exciting that you can’t get a word out. That happens to everyone. You experienced this when your Mom and Aunt Courtney surprised you with a “Disney on Ice” date a couple weeks ago. There were too many princesses and too much ice skating for any young mind to process that kind of life-altering event. If you weren’t hooked on princesses, ice skating and ballet, you sure as hell are now. We’re doing a lot of ballet dancing around the house.

Of course, you can’t dance without commanding my every dance move, too. There’s no hesitation in your marching, ahem, tip-toeing orders. Funny how that works.

Love always, Dad

← Dear Matteo, 17 Months OldDear Matteo, 16 Months Old →
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