Lots to update - new gym, new holiday, new budget...

It's been a while since I last posted on here and lots has happened so I thought it was time for an update.

Firstly, it's payday (praise the lord) and that can only mean one thing. My bonus is paid too! I'm so pleased. As much as I would love to be spending in on clothes and trips away, this one has to pay off debt. I'm desperate to get out of it so it's all going there. Which is a shame really but basically that has paid for my trip to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. It was amazing! We ended up with some really good seats (South Stand) which was where all the overtaking and action happened. So many people went off in that race and there were some great views across the marina too. But it was expensive, hence why it has taken me so long to pay it all back.

Next update. I quit the gym.......to go to the gym in my building. It's never busy but it's a huge room with plenty of space and a few weights which is perfect for my new favourite activity, circuit training. I've noticed some real improvement since I started circuit training and I combine it with a few weights to get the muscles pumping instead of just cardio. I started with an hour, which was intense but I managed it. Only to then be able to do 30 mins, 2 days later. Still I've had to cut down the time to less than an hour now but it's still working a treat. Beach body, here I come!

I'm now also off to Thailand. Never been but cannot wait. Only Hua Hin mind you. A friend won 9 nights hotel stay (2 in Bangkok and 7 in Hua Hin, although I can only do the Hua Hin part). I know you have to fly into Bangkok anyway but I can only be away for 7 days and private transfers were included in the break. Should be pretty amazing just to chill out and relax for a whole week! Woohoo!

I've also had to start thinking long and hard about my budget for when I move back to London. Some of the places I have seen are pretty rank, but I cannot afford to be choosy. I'm going to be on such a budget as I won't be on a particularly high salary and I'm dreading having to get the tube everyday. I'm hoping to get somewhere that I can walk or even take the bus. I find the underground quite depressing and you get to see so much more of London when you are out and about.

Sad news

Bit of sad news this week. My dog of 16 years (that's right, he was one hell of a trooper) had to be put down. His quality of life was fading away quickly, going blind and walking into things, incontinence, frail bones. It just wasn't fun for him anymore and he had a terrible fit that left him disorientated. Such a sad moment to find out but as one of my friends put it, he's in a better place with all the other doggies in doggy heaven :(

As much as I love dogs, I don't think we will get another one for a while as they are quite a big responsibility and me being me, I love getting away, more so now than ever and the likelihood is that I will be able to do more spur of the moment things without having to worry about a dog to feed and look after.

Next time I also think I will get a dog from a home like Battersea Dogs Home because I always find it terrible to see dogs left in such states. A friend got her dog from a home and she is the most intelligent dog I have ever know. Apart from the fact that she cannot get enough of catching a yellow ball. Only yellow mind you. Dogs are colourblind right? Maybe it's because it's a lighter shade perhaps? Who knows?

I have started looking at the dogs on the BDH homepage though which is making me way another one but I just have to be strong. I wish I had the regular time to go and help out down there and maybe take the dogs for a walk or something but I really don't. It's such a shame really. My life isn't regular enough to be able to do it.

Hong Kong or Washington......

So I'm planning my next holiday! Honkers or DC. Not sure which yet. It depends which works out better for flights, hotel and availability. Both are great city breaks though. I've heard a lot about Airbnb which is like a website offering accommodation in peoples' homes rather than hotels.

It seems like quite a good thing to do, especially if the host lives in the apartment too and is happy to take you out and help show you the sights. I've seen a few really cool places but I think if I were to go for it, I would rather stay with someone that is happy to be a bit of a tour guide and show me around. The accommodation does work out a bit cheaper which is good but at the same time, I do really love staying in hotels.

I know that Washington and Hong Kong are two very different places but if I were to stay in Hong Kong I should be able to get a good hotel rate. DC on the other hand, I think I would prefer to stay at someone's house. I'll be travelling alone and I get the feeling Washington is one of those places that can be done on your own but it might get a bit lonely, especially for those all important photo moments.

Hong Kong on the other hand, I can imagine can be a bit intimidating because it's so hustle and bustley. I don't mind that at all and I think I would feel less 'alone' in HK. I've always wanted to go to both , probably moreso with Hong Kong, despite people telling me that it can be a bit of a dive, however, I know I'm going to love it. I've never been to either so either would be great.

Will have to keep you all updated on which I decide!