Life With Sports Bets Only

Bonsoir Captain,

Totally agree about time flying. I too can remember feeling the same as you at school. It went pretty slowly back then. It really doesn’t seem that long ago I was in my twenties, then thirties, but since then a total whoosh. It’s like I’ve blinked and missed it! 

I imagine it would be quite entertaining to see you working, especially from what you’ve said. ???

So you treated yourself to a hair yesterday huh? No doubt you look pretty smart ?

I can believe you’ve seen hundreds come and go from Gamcare. I’m sure 99% of us end up here after a big loss, or a series of big losses. Right at that moment one feels adamant they will never gamble again. But, no one realises how difficult that is the next day. We see things in a different light. Convince ourselves things aren’t “so” bad. And then I’d get to thinking, wondering where I could get some more ammunition. I’d find a plan. Then I’d suddenly feel happier again. Until the next big loss. And so the cycle continued….

Wow 7/10, there’s a first. Let’s hope it’s the first of many my friend. I have what I describe as anyhow days. I look forward to going shopping once or twice a week, but I’m not craving it. 

We went to visit my parents today. Dad’s still the same, but enjoys our weekly visits. Mum enjoys the company and conversation.

I think we’re going to watch episode 3 of Deceit this evening, now Love Island has finished ???

I’d prefer to stand in the rain and enjoy the shower Captain. Wonderful quote.

Tizzy xxx

@slowlearner - thanks for the post and good to read that you have been following my diary and I agree with your comments for sure. Couldn't find a diary to post to you so hope you read this.

You are a great example about it never being too old to stop and sort yourself out. Keep doing the right things.

Captain 

Hi Captain,

Not feeling so good tonight. 

My Father has to go weekly to the hospital where they are keeping an eye on his wounds. He went today and they kept him in and are going to operate on him tomorrow afternoon. He has a hernia and mesh in his tummy and I think the wounds won’t heal because the mesh is causing infection. So they are going to try and remove the mesh. I know it’s the best thing for him going forward, but I can’t help but worry. I try to be logical, but I’m sure you understand. 

I can quite understand your (previous gambling) thought process re having enough ammunition! It’s crazy looking back isn’t it. And for me, over time, it took more and more ammunition to load my gun. 

Even though our *poison* is different, we act in a similar manner as soon as we start to lose. Yet, you, like me could stop and walk away with a X win. I could/can remain *in control* all the while I’m not losing. And once I start to lose, I don’t care which cake I choose! I even choose two cakes at a time!! It’s quite embarrassing having such little appreciation of money. I hated people looking at me, seeing me put note after note into the machine. But you and I both know CG’s have no concept of money whilst we’re gambling/losing. 

6/10 is acceptable Captain, we’ll take that ?

I knew the lyrics were to a Robbie Williams song, but I was stumped as to which one, I cheated and saw it was Strong ?

These are my favourite lyrics, let’s see if you’ve heard them -

But if I lose the highs, at least I’m spared the lows….

Any idea? ?

Sweet dreams Captain 

Tizzy xxx

Morning Captain,

Thank you very much for your kind message left on my diary. It really means alot. I do try my best to be supportive in and around the chatroom. Shame I couldnt take my own advice over the years I was gambling but if I can help someone else feel a little bit better and know they too can achieve being gamble free or those who simply pop along and find it all a bit daunting to chat ect then that makes me happy. I've noticed quite a few new faces lately and then just disappear, and I feel sad for them that they wasn't able to achieve what they wanted by joining the site. 

Like you said last night regarding not seeing Lisa around and now Stace as gone, just hope they are both still continuing their journeys because they was both doing so well gamble free wise.

Haha I'm happy to take the appraisal, was a lovely message and put a smile on my face

Kate x

Hi Captain,

No op for my Dad today. The surgeon spoke to him late on and told him he was at another hospital tomorrow, but was hoping to get another surgeon to operate - my Dad doesn’t feel confident it’ll happen tomorrow. It is what it is I guess. The NHS is struggling. God willing, he is one of the lucky ones. 

I can understand not being around chit chat in the office is a plus for you. I’m sure having a secret, such as yours/ours, well it makes it hard to look a person in the eye whilst talking to them. Especially while not telling the truth. Again Captain, it is what is is. You’re right, all you can do is continue on your path for now, and see what happens at the meeting with the bank. 

We watched the last Deceit tonight. I found it ok. I thought the actress (am I “allowed” to call her an actress?) or should I say actor who played Sadie was pretty good. When you mentioned Undeniable I had to think for a second - we haven’t watched it yet ??? but it’s definitely recorded!

I have no intention of going back to my old ways online  I’d be lying if I said the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. But that thought soon vanishes and I continue on with my day. 

I went shopping last night, but I didn’t buy anything. Planning on doing the same tomorrow night. I have a few things to do in town tomorrow, if I get the chance I’ll probably pop to the nail bar.

Ive never been a U2 fan, so had to look up the lyrics I’m afraid. 

It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife, it’s meeting the man of my dreams, then meeting his beautiful wife….

Tizzy xxx

Hey hey Captain,

Dad had his op this evening. He didn’t go down until after 6pm and was back in the ward texting us by 9pm. They gave him an egg sandwich and a yoghurt - bless him, he said he was going to sleep contented ?

We went shopping this evening again. Had a fun evening. Saw some acquaintances. I enjoyed myself. 

Laying in bed here smiling at the thought of you chasing that other runner today. You’re funny Captain. But I guess, as you say, much safer to try and chase a person, opposed to chasing losses!!

Clearly our taste in music is very different. One of my favourite bands to listen to are The Eagles. I loved Elvis, The Beatles in their later years. I enjoy listening to quite a lot of country. I’m not really into up to date music at all. 

Whilst we were away I think we watched the first of the “I am” series. It, again was just about ok. Suranne Jones was in it. She’s certainly come a long way since Coronation Street!!

Sky have offered us Sky Movies for free for four weeks, so I watched Terminator Dark Fate over the last two days. A bit far fetched but I enjoy a bit of action, or a good thriller. I love, love, love films with a twist. One that sends shivers down my body… I better stop there, but you get my drift ?

I love Agatha Christie “who dunnits”….for years I’ve wanted to go to one of those murder mystery weekends at a hotel, but we’ve never got around to it. 

I am an Arsenal fan. Do you feel sorry for me BFF? My Dad used to support Arsenal, so I blame him! But he’s more of a Brighton man nowadays. Arsenal currently sit at 20th in the table. We were never going to win today, but, not one shot on target! Not one corner. It’s crazy what can happen to a team. But I guess Man Utd went through a pretty rough spell after Ferguson left. I know you used to bet on football so you’ll know a reasonable amount about it. 

Well I am going to go to sleep feeling pretty good tonight Captain46. I hope you’re ok my friend. 

Speak soon,

Tizzy xxx

Sorry to b utt in on the conversation but I thought you both might like the new series that is starting tonight on BBC called vigil starring suranne Jones. Its by the creator of line of duty one of my faves

Hi Secret - hey you are more than welcome to pop in anytime 🙂 - Line of Duty was first class, likely a while before anything else of that calibre in my opinion. Given Vigil is by same creator I can see appeal but I have to say having read the plot line I'm not sure it's for me. On the Suranne Jones line tho, they should bring back Doctor Foster for more series!

Oh I loved doctor foster, really hoped they did bring more out. Ill give anything a twirl to see if its any good. Line of duty was my fave along with luther. Have you ever watched peaky blinders? Love Cillian Murphy in that, and Arthur x

@secret  - Tried peaky blinders a while back and it wasnt for me - I am totally with you on Line of Duty and Luther though - through in 'The Affair' and those are my top 3  in recent years where I couldn't wait to watch more / for next series to come around, the tension, the drama, the twists.....

Evening Captain,

Dad came home around 7 tonight. They obviously didn’t do a very big op, but they said hopefully it will help with the healing. If not, he’ll have to have another op. So I’m keeping everything crossed!

I just had a lazy day today. We are going to my daughter’s tomorrow for a small bbq at lunchtime, so I made some coffee cupcakes to take. I then cooked a roast dinner while my OH attended to the garden ?

Sorry to hear you dropped to a 4 today. I guess part of that is acceptance. We know things are going to happen, but sometimes we don’t take on board exactly what that means, the repercussions. And also, what we feel positive about one day, can bring us down the next. We certainly need to come up with a plan to help you and your spare time when the gardening season comes to an end….

Getting back to Agatha Christie, I just love those films. Death on the Nile, Evil under the sun, Murder on the Orient Express. I’ve seen each countless times. But if they were on tv tomorrow I’d watch them again. Yes, they are dated now. And I probably know almost every line. But I just really enjoy watching them ?

Sorry Captain, didn’t have the foggiest with regard to those lyrics. I listened to the song and I don’t believe I’ve ever heard it before. Nor have I heard of the artist 0/10 for me tonight! ???

I watched the first “Undeniable” tonight. It definitely gets a thumbs up from me. And that is because it’s a mystery. Need I say more? I recorded “Vigil” on Kate’s recommendation. She’s actually said it was very good, so maybe you should give it a try. I certainly will be. I also watched “I am Kirsty” this evening. It was pretty sad. But what makes it worse is knowing that things like that actually go on. I also enjoyed Dr Foster, although more so the first series. 

I hope you have a good day tomorrow with whatever you plan to do.

Sweet Dreams Captain,

Tizzy xxx

Evening Captain!  Apologies for joining the chat very late tonight.  I clicked on the link to see who was on and next thing you know.............a million questions later!!

I know what I have to do.  My slightly unorthodox thinking is I'm already in big trouble.  I've got both debt and have gambled most of the savings.  Whether we have £10k or £8k left in the savings it will not change her reaction.  My justification is that I was doing all I can to avoid giving her what will be heartbreaking news which is why I've continued to gamble.  I know the odds of something happening are very slim but I've been close so many times.  No closer than last week when a mis-click on my bet (on the "crazy time" gameshow) meant I won £7k rather than £70k.  The £70k would have solved all my problems and was just a finger tip away...............

I know my thinking is wrong but I just want to avoid breaking her heart............

It will only be a matter of time now

Thanks for your support and keep up the great work.  I really enjoy reading your posts and pass on my best to you that your daily rating out of 10 keeps going up and stays up.

All the Best

 Jumble

Hi Captain,

We’ll blow me down! Fancy not knowing Elvis sang that song! I listened to it, and looked at all the wonderful pics of him and Priscilla. Yes, I liked it. His version was much better than the version I listened to last night lol. I loved Priscilla’s book “Elvis & Me”, I’ve read it 3 times. 

Bbq was a small, but a nice get together.  It was however rather nippy! I was quite happy when we left - and arrived home and put the central heating on! ?

I didn’t know Peter Shilton had a gambling problem. I’ll have a little look on google later. 

I’m glad your BH was ok. I totally get, as you say, it has been a lot better, but yes, it could be a lot worse! Your day sounds good, And now I’m laying here trying to picture you looking like a traffic light ?

So you’re not looking forward to work tomorrow? It’s funny how a BH can throw a spanner in the works. At least it’ll be a short week. Are things still really busy? 

I’m back to Nana duties tomorrow, 11-4, which I’m looking forward to. 

We went out shopping again tonight. Purely because it was a BH. We never usually go out on a Monday. Again, it was ok. 

Glad there was a slight improvement on yesterday. 5/10 is “ok”

I know you’ll know these, and hopefully you’ll be singing them…

When no one else can understand me, when everything I do is wrong, you give me hope and consolation. You give me strength to carry on.

Tizzy xxx

Captain,

I didn’t even start to read those lyrics, I immediately started to sing them. But, alas, sadly I did not know the artist or song title. I knew the song, and lots of the words. Does that score me at least a point? ?

Yes, payday for me too. I paid a lot of it into my OH’s account. What did you decide to get your Mum after all? 

My Grandson was well behaved today. Which makes it a pleasure looking after him. He’s just over 2, but I’m finding Nana duties a lot easier now than I did when he was a “baby” baby. The time actually flies.

I totally understand how you feel about being able to watch/not watch certain sports live. And as you say, some you previously enjoyed (only because you had a bet on) it makes sense. 

Sorry it’s a little brief tonight, I’m pretty tired ? 

Heard it from a friend who, heard it from a friend who, heard it from another you’ve been messing around….?

Tizzy xxx

Today I’m in shock. One of my local bookies has closed with a sign up to direct to nearest branch (about 1.5 miles away).

Ive never seen a bookies close before, the opposite usually, new ones opening. Assume it must be due to a lot of people starting gambling online during the pandemic and continuing that way even after shops re-opened.

Sure, from a financial perspective the shop brought me many more bad memories than good, but regardless of not gambling, I will always have an affiliation with the bookies. Literally thousands of days over the years it felt like the only place I could go to get rid of stress, get some buzz, breathe out, just escape. Didn’t feel like I had any other options at the time. Going to the bookies got me through so many days, even looking back, not sure some where else I could have gone at the time.

Head much clearer these days but feel sad seeing the closed sign.