There is a reality of learning the ukulele that does not surface on the Ukulele instructional website, and that is the physical toll it takes on the body.  Well, this is somewhat dramatic account, my fingers were not really prepared for the trauma brought on by the ukulele strings.  And the unfortunate part: your fingers really have to build up a certain calloused resistance so they are able to perform as needed.  As such, I thought I would included a picture of my left hand fingertips to show you what hours of ukulele practice does to the fingers.  If you can't see it from the photograph, the tips of my fingers now comprise a toughed skin layer suitable for pressing down the ukulele strings on the frets.