Back to basics

Day 93, this moron in work is really driving me mad. I'm having to train him and he keeps edging towards talking about gambling and I have to be on the ball and quickly change subject. He also regularly goes to the toilet, no doubt putting bets on as we aren't allowed our phones in work and this is a way he can check on results or put more bets on. On break he is quietly talking to a colleague about betting, thinking this makes it alright, its not alright, I can still hear him. I am going to snap at him at some point, he seriously annoys me. I'm working so hard to change my life and avoid anything gambling related and because of him its now in my face. I also look at him and think I hope I wasn't that boring when I was a gambler because all he talks about is gambling!

Anyway I'm a week away from the century, I feel really good, no urges and no bets today!!!

Phil

Fella don't beat yourself up about the 'moron' at work, gambling will always be present, don't waste your time it's to precious, if he wants to talk about gambling let it be, I have found the best way to approach a subject like this is to simply rise above it.

He will want a reaction, look for a weakness, you are bigger than that.

I can take a kind of twisted joy listening to the ramblings of gambler's.

They often share something in common, the talk always of winning, funny they never mention the losses.

The truth is I walked in those shoes.

Look after yourself, remember some things are best left unsaid, there is an awesome power in remaining silent.

As his actions don't effect your wellbeing.

Yes I hope that next season we can enjoy a day at the football, I would welcome it, show you some 'pompey' hospitality.

Abstain and maintain my dear friend.

Duncs stepping forward never back.

Hi Phil,

Thanks for your post this morning, and yes I have been offered a job, start next Monday, feel relieved and excited lol.

AsDuncs says rise above that idiot you are better than that, let it go over your head, you are so much more in control of you now.

and with 93 days of hard work behind you my friend you sure are doing FANTASTIC.

Keep strong and positive.

Suzanne xxx

Day 94, glad to see the 100 is getting ever closer. Life is still a work in progress, but things are getting better and the only way to continue the progress is to continue to remain vigilant and keep making the right choices.Theres more and more adverts for Cheltenham and its frustrating as I don't want to hear any names or odds for runners at the festival. It becomes hard to avoid, but I won't slip up next week. No urges today and most importantly no bets today!!!

Who needs Cheltenham? You'll be smashing your way through the 100-day barrier next week!

just another forum member wishing you strength and to continue making the right choices. Just keep reminding yourself how good you felt with the 100 days of positive changes you've already seen and is that worth ruining it? And then think back on all the past problems that led you to this forum, and that you know that that that may lead you back there. And are you willing to do that. I feel like deep down, we all know what the right goal should be for each of us and you need to stick to that goal. You can do it

Day 95 and I've just booked a table for dinner tomorrow night. This wouldn't be possible whilst I was gambling, I would often let girls down because I would nip to the bookies for some 'free money'. This would end with me being skint and having to come up with a pathetic excuse. Well those days are in the past, I've got money in the bank and I can show a girl the real me, no let downs, no mood swings, no letting her pay. My date will get to see the real me and based on last weeks date she is impressed so far! I've found a lively Italian Tapas bar with very good feedback and I can't wait to sample the food with good company, it certainly beats a lonely Friday evening in a bookies with a racing paper under my arm!

Thanks for the kind words Jenilee and pellekanin. No urges today and most importantly no bets!

Hi Phil, any room for 3 lol, only joking, you are doing great, and how can you compare a lovely night out with someone to staying in and gambling there is no comparison my friend, keep doing what you are doing and stay strong and positive, because you are now getting your life back.

Suzanne xxx

well done bud! hope your date goes very well! I know what you mean about budgeting, healthy diet and going running it's hard to achieve one let alone three! haha

Keep moving forward, everything will and is seemingly falling into place and that's the beauty not gambling brings I feel as it gives you time to enjoy the things and company we neglected through gambling

Hi Phil, another soldier popping by to wish you strength with the moron! I would hazard a guess that yes, you probably were that boring but ha ha, not any more 😉 He sounds like a real pain but I have complete faith that you will not allow him, nor Cheltenham, nor any other sporting fixture rigged by Mr Gamble to mess with your recovery!

As Ginge says, there's plenty of room in Club 100 from where we can all progress together, onwards & upwards ODAAT, keeping complacency @ bay & kicking any daft urges where they hurt!

Enjoy your Tapas 🙂

Hi Phil.

Wishing you well on your second date to the Italian. It is great to have money to spend on things that matter and enjoy life properly. We can be who we actually are, without the stress and worries of no funds and trying to justify where our money has gone. For years I believed I controlled my gambling but it is only now looking back on my £10k debt that I see how much of a hold gambling had took of me and my life.

Now I'm constantly looking for ways to save back money I owe. It's going to take 5 years to pay back but I've found a savings account and if I could be strict with myself I could save up £3000 in just one year. This is on top of the loan repayments.

Makes me realise just how much I was spending before. All of my wages and usually double that by using credit cards or overdraft.

What a financial mess gambling gets us into. But all the more reason to keep walking this abstinence path. We have all chosen the right fork in the path now and your time and effort on the 2015 challenge is just what we all need to keep us on the right path. I thank you for what you're doing and I'm delighted things are going well in your life. I wish you a happy 100 days when the Cheltenham starts and look forward to joining you in the 100 club in 29 days 🙂

Keep up the fantastic work.

Clare (boxingday1) x

Day 96 and I wake feeling good, theres no urges to gamble and I have my date to look forward to tonight. Money is tight, after debt repayments and saving 700 a month for New York I'm not left with a huge going out budget. I wanted to buy something new to wear tonight, I will have a quick trip to the shops later and see what I can pick up. I have however won tickets to the footy tomorrow so that saves me paying to get in. Budgeting is a skill I'm still learning and having a date to impress doesnt help, but as long as I stay gamble free I will be fine.

No bets today, I'm better than that!

Day 97, I have a bad head and I'm shortly off for more torture watching Tranmere! Last night went well but I spent a ridiculous amount of money, going to have to have a few cheaper dates in future. Some of the bars we went in were charging 14 quid for 2 drinks!!! I guess its better value for money than what I would get in a bookies.

Gambling wise things are very good, no urges and know nothing at all about next weeks runners at Cheltenham which is how things need to stay. No bets today!!!

Tut tut Phil,a bad head indeed lol, I should think a much bad head was in call for lol.

Life is for living Phil, ( sadly we don't realise that when we are in the grip of gambling and life just simply passes us by)

We can only enjoy life if we are gamble free,

Hope you had a hair of the dog, to be able to enjoy today, lol.

Suzanne xxx

Day 98, where have my 2 days off gone, I can't believe I'm back in work today! Football was again awful yesterday, I can't believe I've booked train tickets to go and see us get beat in Northampton next Saturday. More time and money wasted!

Feel generally good today, no urges, no stress, just looking forward to getting work out the way!