Festina Lente

Well that's me done and dusted, time to put my feet up and relax. Maisie's just been dropped off early to her Nana's. she had a sleepover here last night so now I'm worn out enjoying the peace and quiet. We did a science experiment last night in the kitchen with chemicals and crystals, mess everywhere and that food dye won't shift, or at least it won't the way I clean things, it'll come out in time I'm sure, Kim and Aggie would frown. Played cricket with them in the bright Autumnal air, very good, I enjoyed that.

It's been a good six months, I'm really pleased I signed up for this journey. I can honestly say I've changed as a person and I'm pleased with the results. Although its never great to go through a really bad time in your life it is great when you get to the other side. As long as you learn from the experience and weather the storm with belief and determination I believe you become a better, more grateful and appreciative person. It's always more than just gambling.

Good luck on your own journeys everyone, never give up hope when you stumble and fall or you feel like giving up.

Take care, Steve

....well done on your 6 months Steve...

Reminded of the song " Stand by me" in your last line.

R and D xx

thanks steve for popping in....

Will keep the northern flag flying whilst im away and cultvate some dead pan humour on the train down...lol

night night

keep on keeping on xx

R and D xx

Thanks 4 the post horse great to hear your over 6 months where does the time go hope u celebrated with a frys cream or mayb a turkish delight haha.

Great 2 hear you in such a gud place steve ur a top bloke

ynwa

HI Steg,

Thanks so much for your post I felt like I was reading some kind of horror story about the cold sore I keep checking my lips as I was reading it.. Was expecting to look like Leslie Ash by the time id finished reading.

Shiny post on mine made me laugh but then I thought about you sitting down with maisie when she is older and asks that question that all parents dread.......

Does farther christmas exist lol.....

Hope all is well with you ? Great to see you still going so strong.

Take care

Blondie x

Didn't work today, which was nice. Went instead to the Doctors for an examination. Picked Dr roulette and asked the receptionist for any Dr who'd have me. Unfortunately for me I was given some big bloke with hands like shovels. So what you may ask? Well it matters to me when your medical includes a deep prostrate examination. Even as I'm typing this there are tears in my eyes and I've only just stopped walking like John Wayne. Yet my prostrate and everything else is fine which is good. Not the best way to start the day but I'm glad it's out the way.

Haven't been fishing for yonks and to be honest I haven't really missed it. All or nothing, that's me. Had a nice evening with Maisie, played school (busman's holiday) but I enjoyed it (usually hate that game and just become disruptive). Read her some Roald Dahl before bedtime, 'Tales of The Unexpected,' she liked it and no nightmares yet. She is lovely and special, nearly on par with the guinea pigs who live in the bushes at the bottom of my garden.

I never gambled today in fact I assertively looked after myself and faced Dr. Sausage Roll fingers himself.

Look after yourselves, there is life after gambling, it doesn't last forever but it can be great whatever you choose to do with it. Don't worry, be content.

Steg

Today was a good but tiring day, I enjoyed it. Still plodding on slowly but surely, happy with the pace of my recovery. I haven't had a serious urge for a bet in ages now, the odd fleeting one when I see someone slipping into a bookies but that's it. I'm not complacent though, I know this addiction can break you a year, two, five years down the line. Any time really. Always have to remain vigilant and focused. This site helps so much, it keeps the determination fresh.

Decided to get a tattoo on my shoulder to remind me of my recovery. It'll be of a dolphin and an anchor, can't wait, I'll design it myself. Never had a tattoo before so again I'm looking forward to the experience.

In less than an hour a gang of us will have completed Flagg's 90 day challenge. Where does the time go? A brilliant 90 days, a brilliant 6 months. Anyone just starting their abstinence from gambling believe me it gets better, life gets better, your brain settles back down again free from worry and adrenalin. You feel pride where once was shame, appreciation takes the place of greed and so much time for yourself and others. You become free again. Wonderful.

Take care, Steve

Hi Steg just thought id drop in and say well done for completing the 90 day thread its a massive achievement and like you i just dont know where the times gone.

I liked your last post. Life improves so much when your heads out of that gambling mode and its great to read that your at ease with it all. Like you say its not complacency, your just enjoying your new life. Keep enjoying it, you deserve it. Good luck with the tattoo, sounds good but thats definitely something i wont be following your lead with, lol.

Looking forward to seeing what Flagg has up his sleeve tomorrow. Im up for a new challenge, anything to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Hey steg,

Who needs team GB eh... we have team GC, Just wanted to say a massive well done on completing the challange and every step of the way you did it with a smile and a laugh, thank you.

Blondie x

Hi Steve,

Well done 4 completing the 90 day thread 🙂

And thank u 4 ur continued support on my diary 🙂

I hope u have a gr8 wknd 🙂

Hi Steve

Well done on the 6 months and 90 day thread , interesting reading bout having the tattoo , I had one for my 40th with daughters name and date of birth on top of my back didn't really hurt many people say once u av had one u want more and more , not me though never again ! So will wait for an update on that

Hope u av a great weekend

Castle2

Day 191, keeping my head down till I reach 200. Bought Maisie her Christmas present yesterday, fleeting urge handling all those twenties, just like indigestion though, just the odd burp of an old memory/response. Nothing to worry about, burps can't kill. Only got the rest of the family to get now, nightmare cos it's a big family and I'm lost at picking things people want or need, it drives me crazy, yet I love it when it's all over. Went out with a girl a few years ago whose family circumnavigated this problem by simply buying everyone on their present list lottery tickets. Could you imagine that now? Words would have to be said, I'd happily ruin the Christmas atmosphere to avoid those in my Xmas stocking. Anyway have a nice weekend all, be careful it's cold out there but bright just how Autumn should be.

Father Stegmas

Afternoon Sir,

I have been through the pre xmas stress whilst gambling. Often my guilt would take over and I would actually spend way too much on people. I guess half guilt half cover up really. I should have a decent wedge of money with my lifestyle so I often felt like I should avoid suspicion by buying decent gifts. Not sure if you have been there but the wedge of 20s and the big family reminded me of the past.

Keeping that low(ish) profile until the big 200 it's amazing how many start diaries and leave never to be seen again. Not enough reach a milestone as amazing as 200. It will be a day to be very proud of yourself.

Counting down with you,

Flagg

Hi Steve, just a quick flit to congratulate you on the 90 day thread success. Never a moments doubt my man.

All good here on the gambling front, not gave them a dime, don't intend to either 🙂

You're doing an amazing job Steve, huge well done friend.

All the very Best

Cameron

Evening Father Steg,

Your doing great and also popping in to congratulate you on your continuing achievements ..xx

hugs

Congratulatory riverdance pending for next big milestone,..ya will ya will ya will ...; )

R and D xx