Cheryl

I got to go to the Dove Awards…wow what a night! I think I saw everyone who’s anyone in Christian music. Definitely a night that I will never forget!

PLUS – my boys of Audio won for Long form video. SAH-WEET!

I was able to go to Hawaii last April with the band I work with. Even though we were there 8 days, I could have stayed MUCH longer. We got a condo on Waikiki beach on Oahu…and it was simply amazing. Waikiki beach is so beautiful.

Things I recommend:

1. The Polynesian Cultural Center – Be prepared to take a whole day for this sight-seeing MUST. You get to experience a lot of different cultures from around “Polynesia,” like learning how to climb a coconut tree and crack one open, learn the heirarchy of some islands, learn the art of the ukulele, tahitian dance lessons…SO much more. My friends and I opted to upgrade our tour package and go through the center with a Tour guide which I highly recommend. “Cousin Misi” was great. Then around dinner time we were welcomed to an authentic Hawaiian luau. We walked in and received a lei as we were seated. After we got our food (and they really do cook the pig under the ground…AWESOME) there was music and dancing and a lot of great memories. After that, we went to this huge outdoor theatre where we saw the fire dancers and more authentic, original Hawaiian dancing and music. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll never forget it.

2. Hanauma Bay snorkeling – my friends and I actually went back a 2nd time for more snorkeling. This was just too much fun. The fish are so used to people that they will come right up to you. If you do go to this, then you simply must take an underwater camera with you. Ah…SO much fun. BUT – bring your own snacks – there is a concession stand there, but the prices are INSANELY ridiculous (a small fry was like 8 bucks!!) Just be sure to bring lots of drinking water and sun tan lotion. Oh, and if you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent it there at the beach. I brought my own, but I don’t think the rentals were very expensive.

3. Diamond Head Hike – I honestly didn’t really know what it was we were doing until we got there on this one. But I’m SO glad that we went ahead and went. It’s this huge crater that you can climb. It really is for anyone – whether you are a skilled hiker or not. (I’m not). There’s different levels of the crater that you can climb, but if you are able to make it to the top then you can get an amazing view of the island. Just make sure to bring water and a camera.

4. Waikiki Beach – We took an entire day just to spend at the beach – and it was SO much fun. There was a guy there who had about 6 parrots and was allowing people to take pictures with them. Then there was a guy walking around the beach just handing out leis. And then of course there’s the restaurants and pubs along the beach. I recommend “Duke’s.” They’ve got a great green bean salad and EXCELLENT mai-tai’s. haha!

I started this goal in January and so far, I’ve been able to do it. It’s actually a lot of fun when you find books that you WANT to read other than ones that you have to read for school.

January – “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink
February – “The Magicians Nephew” by C.S. Lewis
March – “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
April – “The Horse and His Boy” by C.S. Lewis

I’m almost finished with The Horse and His boy and then I will just continue to finish the Narnia series.

Hmmmm…I’m thinking I want to start a new series after this one…but I’m not sure which one. I was also thinking about checking out Oprah’s book club. Idk…