what's new ...

• started the new job last week ... at same company but now am in charge of local news section and No. 2 editor at the paper. still getting used to flow and not used to schedule, which often is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or so. lot more hours of work and lot less sleep, and less WOW. hopefully payday next friday will ameliorate the circumstances.

• one of my favorite uncles died last week (husband of my dad's oldest sister), Uncle Pete. He was a great guy and an important part of my early life, as we practically lived at his house, being there every weekend for church/CCD and any fiestas/parties. He had a lot of health problems late in life but always persevered and soldiered on.

I remember him working on the Navy base, bringing home toys that were thrown out that he'd fix for us. Still have a Navy china mug he had made for all of us kids when we were young, with our names on them. He also used to bring home C-rations, which we loved to eat, especially if you got lucky and got chocolate as the snack.

A lot of Air Force veterans will miss him too. He was one of the lead guys in Mongmong's sister village program with the Air Force. In the old days, for the air base's open house, he'd help build the hut and barbecue. He brought all the young, single guys who were far away from their homes to his house for parties, fiestas, holidays, etc., making sure they were welcome and feeding them some of the best Chamorro food on the planet.

I also remember he helped put the village cross together for the Good Friday trek up Mount Lamlam.

He was funny and sweet and just a great uncle ... and a good man.

Godspeed, Uncle Pete. You will be missed.

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