Better to Ramble than Gamble.

Thoughts are with you. I have lit a candle and it shines bright

Hi Oldham

Thanks for the drop by. 900 days comes around quickly especially when you're putting in the effort. thanks for holding the fort

Hey you...argh so sorry to see you've lost a wonderfull sounding lady who was obviously a big part of your childhood...try to take comfort with all the lovely memories you will have of her..
Stay strong...I know you will x

So sorry to hear that Martin but glad you are in a good frame of mind to react in a positive manner. Hopefully a small consolation for you.

Thanks for doing the updates on the challenge...much appreciated!

Hi Martin thanks for the comments on my diary. Condolences on the loss, I'm sure it's been a tough few days. As Gary mentioned above though you are in a good frame of mind to react positively to these types of situations now which is a credit to you. I'm sure your old neighbour would be proud of how well you are doing now.

All the best

I’ve not had a bet today or since my last post.

I’ve started to start doing things I used to enjoy before gambling took a hold, last night I went and played pool again really enjoying it, maybe not the best environment with machines and cards going on around me and a lot of the lads like a bet and it is a topic of conversation. I can’t go around in a non gambling bubble I have to live my life. All the guys know about my gambling an awkward moment last night. They always do a name card to pay for the food that they provide us, last night they came round with it and I just put a quid in said I don’t want to go on the card but you can have the quid for the food, (which was absolutely c**P) one of my team said just put your name on its not gambling explain I consider it to be, he couldn’t understand but we agreed to move on.

Anyway pool went well team won again and I won for the fourth week on the run getting back in the swing of it, feeling the effects of a few beers and a late night this morning. I was drinking organic lager which I was informed doesn’t give you a bad head the next day, the way I’m feeling at the minute disproves this theory.

I’m coming up to a year gamble free and I have really mixed emotions about this, my last bet was on my Birthday 23^rd Sep so one year gamble free should be the day after the 24^th Sep but due to that bloody leap day in Feb means I will be 365 days on the 23^rd My birthday I’ve decided I will be counting it a year on the 24^th. Also mixed emotions in the fact I should be happy to get there but it’s also the same day I destroyed my family and friends with my revelations, hardly something to celebrate is it.

KTF

Hello Martin , bloody hell organic beer , I'll have to have a go at the organic Vodka and see if I feel any better in the morning ? :)) . Your right in what you say , gambling a everywhere and you'd be hard pressed not to meet it st some point in your day , it's now down to us to deal with it In the way you see fit and the important thing is you've got some control over what you choose to do , just as I have. We were both in a bad place just over a year ago and both did varying degrees of stuff we weren't proud of but that being said were different people now who've come a long way and have made many life changes to make us better people to live alongside . Celebrate that fact mate if nothing else and rejoice in being where you are and what you've achieved . Best wishes me old mate and see you at the party :))

Ah Martin I can relate to the name card thing alright! While discussing gambling on our FB group chat a couple lads were asking would I consider a poker night gambling , yes. Raffle tickets, yes. Playing pool for a quid, yes. Playing snooker & loser pays the light, yes. They don't fully understand which is ok. I know what I can and can't do.

Almost a year for you which is a great achievement. Whilst it's important to look back and see how far we've come it's even more important to live in the present and look forward.

You're a changed man and I'm sure the ones closest to you can see that.

All the best

Hi, Martin,

Almonds and raisins. Celebrate the first year of recovery. It's a milestone well worth one of your cakes. But at the same time, a lower note for the gambling related damage. The two go together.

CW

Hi KTF,

Big day coming up, one year gamble free and many more to come. Never forget how hard you worked to get this far, it is a massive achievement and you really deserve it. Thanks for your support

James

I hear you Old, why should we celebrate something that other people take for granted but I think you're looking @ it wrong! I don't think you destroyed them with your revelations, I think by having the balls to come clean, you offered them choices! You could have carried on ducking & diving with the ex until after the wedding but then you would be married to someone who didn't want to be with you & that is even harder to walk away from! Your mum was able to show you how much she loves you & that is somethings some loved ones never get the chance to do!

Thing is, like it or not, we are CG's & just like it's hard for a smoker to quit, I don't imagine too many of them hear "Well, you shouldn't have bloody started in the 1st place!" when they get to their milestones, we're no different! I know we shouldn't hang around in wet places but going to the pub/playing pool is not standing in the bookies & as long as you stand your ground with the idiots who would be buying you beers if you'd come out as an alki, you'll be fine!

Keep on keeping on - ODAAT

Thanks for popping in ktf
Yes..great news with hubby...
And we had a lovely mooch around the shops.....I was looking for a dress for a couple of big parties due on here this month !
But then came to the conclusion that no beggar would know if I was in my pjs or a ball gown. ..
So settled for a new shoe rack instead ! Lol
Anyway....hope all's good with you....have a good weekend love x

You're not celebrating the old you
It's the new you that deserves the celebration because he's a year old.
And you're now doing the family proud. We all make mistakes
Some more than other's hello
It is a joy us day and you my freind deserve it because you have worked your knackers off for it.
I'm going to get you a caterpillar cake with a one candle.
I'm not sharing though it is only a year
Xx

Honesty is the best policy no matter how painful it is & if your mum is relieved, I am too! As you say, knowing & being told are completely different & I'm glad you are ok with it! It has been an eventful year for you all told & you have stoically supported others throughout your journey.

It's an honour to walk alongside you Martin & watch out Oldham, Martin's back out 😉