But isn't he dead?

I know what you're thinking ... Elvis really has "left" the building. HOW can he be in concert?! Welllllllllll HE IS! It's the extravanganza that was previously part of Elvis Week a few years back in Memphis, TN. (By the way it's Elvis’ former bandmates live on stage with a video-projected Elvis)

AND I'VE GOT TICKETS!! Liv, the darl, emailed me about the tickets on sale in London and I was umming and ahhing about travelling down when my Elvis Insider email came in saying a show will be at Sheffield (AN HOUR FROM ME!) so I booked 'em danno asap! (I booked for me, Mum and two Aunts ..... SIXTH ROW!!!)

Exciting stuff. So something to look forward to next February!!!

Ohhh goodie!

A group of friends (who call themselves The McLovelies) sent me a £40 Amazon.co.uk Gift Voucher for my birthday (coming up on Thursday). We do "group" gifts for everyone (despite McLovelies living in USA, Canada, Belgium and England). I was thrilled with this gift - as Amazon.co.uk is one of my favourite stores and I loved being able to go through my Amazon Wish List choosing goodies I've wanted for some time.

I picked two DVDs ("The Duchess" (of which I am reading the book now) and "Inkheart") and three books ("The Earth Hums in B Flat", "Black Rock" and "The Watchers"). As a friend arrives next Saturday from America, I choose the supersaver delivery so these goodies should arrive by May 1st (when I return from dropping her off in Belgium) so I'll have lots of goodies to enjoy on that long weekend (when I'm knackered from racing around the country like a contestant on The Amazing Race and sad to say bye to her as she embarks on her next leg).

Weenie Elvis - the Sequel!

As you know over the weekend my Mum gave me another Elvis pressie – a Weenie Elvis coaster (see below).

I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove it! It’s the cutest thing ever! So I thought I would make a matching mug (you know how Mum and I have a hobby business creating handpainted ceramics) and it came out of the kiln yesterday and ....

don’t you think it came out cute???!!! I took the picture with my mobile so it’s not the best and the colour hasn’t come out properly (as it’s a purple not blue background).

I was really pleased with it (ol’ Weenie Elvis is a devil to draw! LOL!)

Martina!

Guess who is seeing Martina McBride in July?Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

She’s coming to ENGLAND!

I am seeing her in England!!!!

Granted it’s in London but it’s only £20 and I thought why the heck not?!

Despite not really being a Martina fan (although I do LOVE "Shine" and "Timeless"), I am super duper excited!!!!

Books, Reading and Kindle?!

I am a HUGE bookworm and there's nothing better than getting lost / absorbed in a good story. I am always looking for new authors and those unputdownable reads! The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan is one of the books that have recently caught my eye! The other is the NY Times Bestseller, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Both are on my Amazon Wish List and I plan on buying them as soon as possible. Saying that I'd LOVE to hear any thoughts on these books if you've read them (or even if you also want to read them).

Something else that has interested me is Kindle. (You know that electronic Amazon book thingy-me-bob?) I know everyone is raving about it but I am intrigued how good it is. There’s something about reading an actual book. I wonder if I would get the same enjoyment from reading from a Kindle?! But I really AM intrigued.

Happy Easter from the King

Yes I am STILL obsessed. This came through from Elvis Insider today and I had to upload it. LOL!

Good Music

I've been downloading some of the recent Country Music releases including new CDs by Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Keith Urban, John Rich and also Martina McBride. Wow! There are some FANTASTIC songs out there and I have loved listening to all of them. I have been particularly impressed by Martina McBride's CD "Shine".

I've never been a MASSIVE fan of Martina (that's not to say I disliked her but I had other favourites female country artists) but this album is FAB-U-LOUS! I am LOVING it!!!!

Tagging

I have finally started tagging my posts to make it easier for you to find things that may interest you. Here are the tags I've created:

Animals, Australia, Awesome Sights, Birthday, Books, Cats, Christmas, Concerts, Country Music, Crafts, Cute, Dogs, DVD, Food, Friends, Fun Stuff, Funny, Gardening, Gifts, Home, News, Politics, Poorly, Spiritual, Things I Love, Tim McGraw, Travel, TV Shows, Twilight, Work

and I've gone back through and tagged all my posts! Phew! What a job!

WEENIE ELVIS!

Mum surprised me with two Weenie Elvis coasters! (or should that be two Weenie Elvi coasters?! LOL!) I looooooooooooooooooooooove them. I am going to use one for work and one for home. Cute, Cute, CUTE!

Liisa (heart) Washing Machine

A few weeks ago my washing machine died (sniff) and I was told it was cheaper to buy a new one than repair it (from a reputable source) so I went and got this lovely Hotpoint. I looooove it. (I had some teething problems plumbing it in and then forgot to take out the transit bolts but have fixed the damage THAT did! LOL!)

Twilight ....

the special edition, 2 disc DVD arrived today!

EEEEEEEEEK! Guess what I'll be watching over Easter weekend?

George gets some presents!

My car (BMW Mini), Gorgeous George, has gotten some goodies lately. Mum bought him the "Mini" bulldog from the showroom - I've named him Max - as well as an ELVIS SMILEY!!!! Eeeeek!! I love it and have hung it from my rearview mirror. She also got me an I Love My Mini aerial topper (in blue matching my car) which is on my aerial. I also have an I Love My Mini tax disc holder (no photos of the last two yet).

Latest Craft Fair

On Sunday Mum and I went to a nearby village to attend a Craft Fair and sell some of our handpainted ceramics. It was a fun and busy day and we did really well.

I knew it all along!

Click on picture to enlarge..... Cat owners everywhere will get a laugh out of this!

Cutie Patootie!

This is my Mum's cute pooch, Binki! She's so adorable and I couldn't help but take some photos of her last week. Cutie Patootie!

New Job

I've been at my new job for just over a month now and I am finally coming out of that new job fog (where you're busy learning your new job, your colleagues' names and what you're supposed to do).

So I work for Hull College and it's my first time working in the education system and for Academia ... and I'm finding I love it. I love working in and towards a field that enriches a generation. That educates.

I'm not saying there hasn't been teething problems! The hours I work has been a continous battle. At interview I mentioned hours as I always end up in jobs where I do 50-60 hours + a week and I was specifically looking for balance. A work / LIFE balance and was assured it was 37 hours a week. Well I worked 36 hours the first week ... and I only did FOUR days!

Like I said it has been an ongoing battle - everyone is so committed and overworked, that it is difficult to break the mould of overwork and stick to your hours ... but I am trying. (Wish me luck). If I can sort out my hours, everything else will fall into place as I really love the work I do.

Anyway here are some pictures.

My office (my desk is the closest in the picture).

The view from our office.

The red circle is where my office is. The statue is of William Wilberforce (abolished slavery and is a son of Hull!)

The lady circled in front is Elaine and she's the Principal. The guy circled in the back is Gary and my boss (Deputy Principal) and both are really lovely.