It’s been busy busy busy over the last few weeks and once again I’ve fallen behind on the blogging of my Luso travels. I ended my last blog with sadness and loss that some in our Luso Family had endured. It taught us that life is short and we should cherish every moment we have with our family and friends and I can probably honestly say that is what I’ve been doing over the last 8 weeks or so.
Saturday, February 19th, Santa Clara Council chicken and shrimp dinner. I headed out to Santa Clara with the usual partner in crime, 20-30’s President Anthony Pio and met up with 20-30’s Director of Activities, Monica Xavier, Isabel Matos, Mr. and Mrs. Pascoa, Frank Dias and his daughter Sara and his cousin and friends. Dinner was delicious with Carrot soup, chicken, shrimp and veggies. The dance followed with Manuel Jacinto, Frank Rosa’s little silver case, tequila, dancing, laughter and a really good time. I spent the evening with old and new friends of Luso and I’m really glad to have been able to attend this function. The Youth Council performed their performance from 2010 and everyone just seemed to be enjoying the evening. Thank you to Anthony for being the designated driver that night and for just hanging out with me.
Friday, March 11th, was the Newark council Chicharros (spelling may be off). Even with the bad weather people came out for a great Portuguese fish dinner and dance. I headed out with my parents, meeting up with my cousin Michelle, her son Logan, her father Henry and Frank met us there. Like always there were tons of Luso family members ready for good food and festa! The chicharros were delicious, the music was fabulous and we all had a great time once again. Once again the man with the silver case was there and we enjoyed a little pomegranate.
The fun didn’t stop there that weekend, Sunday, March 13th we headed out to Oakland visit in Hayward. It was far and long drive for us but we made it through. Haha! Always great to see Manuel Rosario, Bernice Pelicas and everyone else that has held this council together always. They had an amazing turn out that was followed by delicious Alactra (I think that’s how it’s spelled) and delicious cake. Mr. Rosario did an awesome job as MC and if I’m correct in saying this, he received a 50 yr pin. Despite the gloomy weather we had a great time with our Luso family!
Saturday, March 19th, YC#1 put on a bus trip to Black Oak Casino to help their queen contestant Monica Amaral in her fundraising. On a very wet and dreary Saturday afternoon, 2 buses headed out to Black Oak, filled with Laughs, too much food and alcohol. From the moment we left SDES Alvarado we laughed, we ate and we made more memories. Little did I know we would even see snow upon arrival, after a slight detour (lost bus driver) through some random town.lol I started the evening off with some gambling and gave up when all it did was take my money. A few of us decided that we no longer wanted to gamble, ate dinner and headed down for some Cosmic Bowling. 3 teams against each other and I have no idea why I thought I could bowl. Lol I was in fact the weakest player but in the end we all had a great time. The ride home was just as entertaining as the ride there even with the pouring rain. I don’t think I’ve ever been caught in such a crazy rain storm. We were soaked through our coats by the time we got home. But it was a great night.
Luso seems to fill our weekends these days and we ended the weekend at the Newark Councils Visit where we had bife a portuguesa. We got a bit of a reprieve with the rain so people were ready to come out and celebrate our presidents that day as well as enjoy a very delicious lunch. We sat with the youth officers and actually had a great time with them. It’s always great to see a youth council, region and adult council continue to grow and become successful. Every year they put on a theatrical performance and they just recently had their first 20-30’s president. It’s always wonderful to see a strong area and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow.
March 27th, myself, my dad, mom and Brienne headed on our furthest trek of 2011, off to Newcastle we went. It was my first time attending this visit and I was really excited to. Not only do they have an amazing youth group but they were also going to install a new 20-30’s Region! I am so proud of Anthony as this will be his 2nd activation of a region this year. I love this youth group, they are so energetic, so talented and always put on such an amazing show. I wasn’t lying when I told them they were our own Luso Broadway group! It’s also amazing to see so many of those parents that are now teaching their kids in Newcastle, some danced when I danced, some were in the youth when I helped them, now they are keeping their youth group active and teaching their kids that it’s all about the fun, the experience and learning about your culture. They always have the most wonderful message and I hope that other groups will look up to them because of it. I know I do!
I’m going to stop this part of the trek here…still a few more to go…but it’s been a very hectic few months. 2010 and the beginning of 2011 remind why I’m still active in Luso and why I’ve chosen the path I have. I simply adore my Luso Family even if we don’t always agree!
Next up to blog, Jantar De Mentiras, Luso #3L Visit and I’m sure I’ll find more to talk about!
Till then!
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