The promise

day 34 now - slowly adding up some days

having a tricky period right now as always do at this juncture. need to remain focused and stop having gambling thoughts.

please lord help me through

keep the faith

does anyone have any cheap ideas for ways to constructively pass time - I'm a bloke but still I was thinking of bloody knitting or even making some origami animals?! I know it sounds mental but I feel I need something that I can sit down and do. I'm not so into reading but I have done it for spells in the past. Currently my main methods are this forum and podcasts but I want to do something and produces something tangible. I hope this ramble makes sense.

What you doing up at this change having these gambling thoughts. I've just watched the new Creed film want a bad watch. If you want to fill some time watch making a murderer on Netflix a great foci seris

Hi Oldham... I have a newborn so involves a lot of late nights as he's quite fragile. He was in hospital for nearly 5 months at the start of his life. Need to keep checking on him at regular intervals so I just stay awake.

No worries as long as you and he are OK tonight That will do for me I'm here if you need me

KTF

Thanks Oldham. I really appreciate it. The humanity of some is a real driving force for me. You don't know me from Adam but you said those kind words and me and my son so I thank you sincerely. I want to be a better person as gambling turned me to a horrible human being.

How come you're awake at these early hours?

Was watching a film and just had z quick check in here and saw you so thought I would hang around a bit and keep you company

Hi Change,

Thank you for dropping by. I've been awake all night also, sorry i didn't talk earlier, i tried to sleep as minutes ticked by lol..unsuccessfully tho 🙁
I hear about your lil boy. Bless his little heart! I feel for him and you. When kids are not well, it puts immense pressure on parents & even if i have no my own kids...i near enough raised my sister's lil boy who was born 4 weeks premature and was very fragile for a long time..i do know how much we worry about loved ones..esp of little innocent souls in this life. Just glad you're an amazing Dad figure and doing everything you can to save and comfort him ☺

I hear you about hobbies also. I do like reading but i heard there are a colouring books out (for adults) which kinda helps you and the mindset...works calming as well..like stress relief :-)...i might give it a go myself!...besides a bit of knitting never hurt and you should be proud for even considering it...what about cooking? Great way to pass time by and enjoy the end result ☺

Hope you can get some shut eye and very well done on your ongoing journey. Keep up the faith!

Sandra x

GT has a thread on Tips for keeping busy that's deffo worth a look @! It was the pound shop for a colouring book for me...Lots of Disney Princesses but hey, if you're gonna give knitting a shot then why not!?

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. I'll have a think about colouring books as never really enjoyed colouring and drawing... probably because I'm rubbish at it! I might go for some form of knitting or crochet as figure I could make one of those patchwork blankets that my son could have in his Moses basket or pram.

Forgot to say that I baking a loaf last week. The ingredients are so cheap to get together. The baking tin cost a few quid. It was my first attempt and the crust was very tasty but shame that the bottom half was very heavy. Might go for my second attempt today. I need to read up about why it was heavy. Possibly didn't knead dough enough or didn't let it prove long enough?

The blanket for your son is a lovely idea. I was going to suggest making something for him to play with when he's a bit older. When I was young my dad made me a little farm. It was nothing fancy ( he wasn't particularly good at crafts!). He used a sheet of ply...painted the grass on and a sandy area for the chickens and he put a little pond on made out of mirrored glass and some picket fence out of painted lolly sticks. It was nothing much to look at but it was my favourite toy. When I think of it now I realise the amount of love and effort that went into it.

LifeBegins x

Hi Change , youve' just made me think of my old grandma and all the things she would knit and crochet for me as a kid , Hat's , gloves , jumpers , balaclavas , I had the lot mate . As it was back in the 60s , I must have looked so grooooovy baybeeeeee ? LoL.

She also made the patchwork blankets that always seemed to be very warm , so maybe a great choice for you and the little fella?.

Take care my friend

Thanks Alan... I imagine your grandma acquired this knowledge over a number of years. My attempt to go from nothing to blanket might be a struggle but I actually have a starter kit as I bought it for the Mrs but she's hasn't be bothered to give it a go. I'll have a read of the book tonight and see where I get to. Fancy baking that loaf again as well but maybe tomorrow morning.

Ask Duncs for tips on the loaf he's made a few I think