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

Cute Puppies Attract Readers

February 13, 2006 in Uncategorized

New pictures are posted.

A Brief Reflection on Online Diaries

February 12, 2006 in Uncategorized

Online journals scare me. Without much effort I've been able to find the online journals of some people I hardly know. I practically stumbled upon them. They were interesting to read because sometimes they talk about people I know really well, but then I learned things I felt I shouldn't know about - stuff that should be left for developed friendships, not the public. I respect using journals or diaries as a resource to sort out thoughts, but I'd recommend sticking to the old pen and paper.

Dick Cheney Shoots Someone, No One Is Surprised

February 12, 2006 in Uncategorized

This just in: Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded his hunting partner during a quail hunt in Texas. The victim, a millionaire attorney, is recovering from taking shotgun pellets to the face and chest. Read the AP story.

The picture above is one I found of Cheney in April 2004 accepting a rifle from NRA President Kayne Robinson, right, and NRA Vice President Wayne R. LaPierre, left, after concluding his keynote address to the 133rd annual NRA convention.

I love irony.

Love Me Some Green Frog Acoustic Tavern

February 11, 2006 in Uncategorized

Last night I went to the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern on State Street. It was one of the best bar experiences I've had in a long time. This place serves great beer and free peanuts - so the floor is literally covered in peanut shells. There was a random dog walking around. A pirate band was playing pirate-related cover songs and parodies. Everyone kept yelling "Arrr!" My only regret is that I didn't bring my camera :(

The Sun Rises, Bellinghamsters Protest

February 08, 2006 in Uncategorized

Why is it that people consider Bellingham to be a liberal town? Oh, that's right. It's because of the hippies that hold random protests for fun. I took this picture today. The guy on the far right was my history professor at WWU.

They have no reason to speak up right now. According to the Christian Science Monitor, W. is gravitating to (gasp!) the center. Credit Scott for finding the editorial.