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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
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Dear Matteo, 34 Months Old

May 03, 2020

We are slowly re-opening society after weeks of stay-at-home orders. We’ll see how that goes. People are still getting sick, and we will certainly take caution about how many places we go and people we see. It will be nice to see family and friends again in-person and get outside in more places other than our corner lot of Tacoma.

In spite of the quarantine and only seeing friends and family over screens, your imagination is making up for the lack of IRL interaction and daily variety. You’ve invented a whole world in your head.

The world is mostly blue, in color not sentiment. You’ve started to tell us that you live in a blue house. You also have a blue cabin in the mountains, where you like to pick blueberries, and a blue condo, which I assume has a blue water view. You own a blue truck.

In that imaginary life you have another dad, Gata, and mom, Gida. They sound a little like your real Mom and Dad. They both wear glasses. The other day when I was “frustrated” that you slammed our yard gate into Greta on purpose, you later told me that Gata was frustrated. To change the mood, I asked if Gata is notoriously handsome. You didn’t reply. Ouch.

I’ve said it before, but the upside of these stay-at-home orders is seeing each other so much. I get to watch you grow every single day where previously there were days that I wouldn’t see you because of schedule and travel. I don’t take the time for granted at all. I think we have a better relationship and enjoy each other’s time even more. You’ve also chosen me to be your preferred ass wiper. You are probably the most “regular” kid on the planet, pooping four to five times daily. With each occurrence you yell loudly for as long as it takes to have me help you wipe. You have relieved, no, forbidden your mother of this duty for some reason. When she tries to help, you tell her to go away and find me. Your Mom, of course, is enjoying this favoritism, and you and I are bonding now in a different kind of way.

Good job with all the potty training though. Now we just need you to start wearing your underwear the right way. You like to wear it backwards to see all the characters that decorate your little boy underwear: Captain America, Spider-Man, The Hulk, Captain Marvel, etc. That leaves a lot of room for your junk where your butt is supposed to be and a close-to-thong-like affect on your backside. Your choice, little man.

Love, Dad

← Dear Eliza, 55 Months OldDear Eliza, 54 Months Old →
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