Olomwaay, Gus Litulumar!

I wish I could borrow a ukulele (uke). My cousin, Gus Litulumar has been very nice to me by allowing me to borrow his 8-string tenor uke (by Kamaka). I have been borrowing his uke since 2005 after my old uke retired. Gus just had his farewell gathering last Saturday. He and his family are moving to the U.S. Mainland. Yep! Olomwaay is losing another band member. I gave him back his uke, but I also snuck my favorite guitar tuner into his Kamaka case. It's yours now, Gus. I wish I could give you more to express my appreciation for all that you have done for me. Especially when it comes to performing the anthems, or charity gigs. I should also apologize for not making it to your farewell gathering. Olomwaay, Gus! Olomwaay (band) will surely miss your voice and company.

I have a guitar, but it does not come close playing the uke. I don't know why...I guess it's more relaxing. Benji would have to take over the role as lead guitarist for now. I am looking for a new toy. I'll be sticking with the uke for a while. I find the uke to be a convenient instrument to carry around, and it has never let me down. I've never experienced losing a string during all my previous performances, and it could easily go on the overhead compartment when travelling away from Saipan.

I'm going to Guam this month with my sibs to attend the second death anniversary for Jesse Castro who died in Iraq last year. As I mentioned in one of my previous posting, Jesse is family. He is my niece, Del's brother. I am hoping and praying to find a uke to bring with me. I would like to do a special performance for our fallen hero and his family, both from Guam and Saipan. Wish me luck. : )

Nothing to be ashamed of ; )

A night before, Juan, Jr. showed me his tooth. "Nino, look. My tooth came out." The following conversation took place the next day:

(Early AM) Juan, Jr.: Nino, I have a stomach ache.

Me: (hm...) Really? Well...what happened?

Juan, Jr.: I just have a stomach ache right here.

Me: OK...lets give it some time and it will go away.

Juan, Jr.: OK. Umm...Nino? I'm ashamed to go to school.

Me: Why?

Juan, Jr.: I don't want to go because I'm doffi (no tooth in Chamorro).

Juan, Jr. was reluctant to go to school until I explained to him that his K5 teacher and everyone else in the family went through the same experience.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone gets doffi. Even Mrs. Benavente."

LOL!