[Closed] Stephen Stopped Gambling Saturday 22nd February 2020

Hi Stephen 

Sorry to hear how you were feeling yesterday. I think everyone is feeling like this or worse, with reality sinking in and the long term implications for so many across the country, and the world. And for some, the short term misery and devastation is already a realisation. 

This is a time where compassion, support and community spirit is needed more than ever. It will be a tough time no doubt but we will pull through this to the other side. Remember I’m only a click away if you need to talk, especially being isolated on your own. 

Please try and get on chat if you get a chance. I will be intending on going on at 1pm and 8pm. 

Lastly, take one day at a time and reach out if you feel you may wonder from the path. 

Lonely x

Great to see you in chat earlier and hope you’re staying out of mischief and enjoying your long walks by the river. I may have a walk through the woods when I start getting cabin fever in a few days. As we live about 5 miles outside the nearest town, we are surrounded by woodland. 

In the meantime I will most certainly be trying to perfect my 8 armed octopus moves into something a little more refined. If you have ever seen the inbetweeners movie with the dance scene in the bar, it will give you some idea on how gifted I am at dancing. If you haven’t seen it before Stephen, I strongly suggest you find it on YouTube and give it a watch. This will help with the imagination ? and no doubt give you a good giggle. 

Hope you’ve had a good evening and hope to catch you tomorrow. 

Lonely x

Thank you Zoe and Bex for your kindness and support.

I did enjoy chat on Thursday lunchtime. I found it very therapeutic.

You certainly had me smiling Bex with your likening your dance moves to an 8 armed Octopus going round the room. It is good to laugh with people. I will check out the inbetweeners dance on YouTube.

Walking is great exercise and a lot of fun. Many people will walk forever with a dog on a lead but may not be too keen on walking by themselves. I have never understood that. I love my walks by the river but I imagine the woodlands surrounding your home have some great walks too Bex. I suspect that Zoe probably also has a passion for pleasant walks but maybe she hasn't realised it yet! Lol.

I was shocked earlier on witnessing many empty shelves in the supermarket. My heart goes out to the people who followed governmental advice and shopped as normal but that was not very helpful because other people have stripped the shelves bare. Very sad.

Love and best wishes to gamcare friends everywhere

Stephen x x x 

Glad it made you smile Stephen, that was the intention. Please let me know when you’ve check out the inbetweeners dance and what you think ?

You're correct Stephen. I’m with Zoe on this one lol I’m not sure I’ll enjoy the walk and will no doubt need at least two hours sleep to recover upon my return, yet if I had a dog, I’m sure I would enjoy it. I’ve lived at my current place for more than two years and have not yet tried any of the walks through the woods so this probably gives you a good indication of my love for walking ?. 

Thank you Lonely for visiting my diary and a big thankyou for alerting me to the dance scene in The Inbetweeners Movie. It is hilarious and brought a big smile to my face.

Shame chat was not on this afternoon. Hope they soon get the problem resolved. I am about to set off on a long walk so tonight's chat will be over when I get back.

Wishing all on the diaries a good weekend.

Stephen x 

Ps. For a funny video and great music watch on youtube: "Something Good" by Utah Saints. 

Evening Stephen, I’m glad it brought a smile to your face. Now you have a better insight into my dance abilities ? and although I’d like to claim I was like Neil, the dancer at the front, I have to admit it is much mire a likening to the other two. 

Not sure on your sense of humour and whether you’ve ever watched the inbetweeners series but if you are have time and are looking for something to do, maybe see if you can find an episode to watch. It is quite daft, silly humour but it has had me in stitches at times and is definitely a source of laughter. 

How was your walk this evening? It must have been an extra long one for you to say you wouldn’t be back for chat. You obviously have more agility and motivation then me. The furthest I’ve walked in the past three days is from my dining table to my bed - approximately 20 steps ?.

Anyway, look forward to hearing an update on your day.

Lonely x 

Thank you for visiting my diary Bex. I don't have a tv or dvd player but will look look out for inbetweeners on youtube. 

Hello Diary

Enjoyed a 4 hour walk last night which was both tranquil & invigorating. I was dissapointed as one of the piers has been fenced off. A long stretch of the riverside is already inaccessible whilst tidal defences are being improved. However, it is work that needs to be done.

As previously mentioned, I seem to be obsessed with going for walks by the river but I find it a lovely, calming and invigorating, solitary exercise.

I remember some time ago, seeing somebody being pushed to the pier in a wheelchair. It was a lovely evening with a starry sky and a nice gentle breeze but the person pushing the wheelchair obviously didn't want to be there and after a few minutes they had departed. 

It had a profound effect on me at the time because I tend to take for granted the fact that I can go for a walk any time I feel like it and to be reliant on others must be quite soul destroying.

I cannot imagine that I will be confined to my home due to the coronavirus but a part if me is fearful it will come about and so I will keep going for solitary walks at every opportunity.

Love and best wishes to all on the diaries

Stephen x 

I am going to Tescos for some fruit, veg and a loaf of bread.

Fingers crossed.

Will wear a mask but so as not to alarm anyone I might also wear a green wig

Stephen x 

hi Stephen, just read my diary back over the years, boy its been a rollercoaster, ive seen that you have allways been there for me with great words of advice, thanks for taking the time to read and offer support, all the best mate xxx adam

Thank you Adam.

You have been a wonderful companion.

Everything was good in Tescos this afternoon.

I purchased some fruit, carrots, lettuce, coleslaw, bread and quorn slices.

A meal fit for a veggie king no less.

Stephen x 

Hi Stephen 

It was good to see you in chat today and happy to see you seem to be in high spirits. I saw your post on Zoe’s diary; it made me laugh. I hope you see my response ?. 

Sounds like you managed to get a good mix of food - I’m pleased to hear you are eating well, although I was a little surprised not to see porridge on your list. ?

I hope you’ve had a good evening and are keeping safe. Until tomorrow. 

Lonely x

Thank you Bex. Your posts always brighten up my day.

Gamcare mums I send respect on this your special day

Wishing you peace and happiness as you go on your way

Each and every one of us needs tender motherly love

Affection warmth and a gentle caress or a kick up the b*m and a shove

Love and best wishes to everyone on the diaries

Stephen x x x 

The world is in shock but I wear not a frown

For all of the betting shops have been closed down

Gamstop prevents me from betting online 

Enforced gamble-freeness it suits me just fine

Love the poem Stephen. Keep them coming x

Will post more tomorrow and hope to catch you in chat.

Thank you for visiting my diary Bex. Wishing you a good day.

Dear Diary

I just logged onto my Halifax Banking Ap and put a gambling freeze on my bank card/account. It took only seconds but means that I cannot use my bank card for gambling.

Should I wish to remove the 'Freeze' on my card/account I would have to actually call the bank and answer some security questions and even than it would be 2 - 3 days before I would be permitted to gamble so as to give me time to reconsider.

This facility is apparently made available to ALL customers by ALL of the major banks so in my mind there is no excuse for anyone to gamble online if they have a genuine desire to refrain from doing so.

My problem was the betting shops but they are now all closed down along with the casinos, bingo halls and arcades.

I feel totally empowered and in control.

Shame about the virus but one thing I know for sure is that I cannot gamble and it is a nice feeling.

Wishing everyone on the diaries a super duper day.

Now heading off for a nice walk to the riverside but keeping 2 metres away from others because it would be a shame to pop my clogs now I am gamble free.

Stephen x x x