[lizbeth4]

Lorraine, I willl be thinking of you. I hope that you don’t lose your job! Take care.

[lizbeth4]

My New Years resolutions are: To be more supportive to others on this site. I want to be more healthy and will obtain this by exercising, losing weight. For my spiritual self, I will medtitate daily and will continue to set boundaries with others and go with my instincts. I am going to put myself out there and meet new people through groups activities. My last resolution is to connect to my creative side by trying my hand at writing and new crafts and projects. Looks like I have a lot to work on and look forward to. It’s going to be a great year!

[lizbeth4]

Thanks P for your post. I do think of you often. I did go on the chat groups when I first came to GT. The time availabilities are not condusive to my scedule. I have also decided that I will not be posting as much as I usually do. I feel like I have used this site as a venue for my life, like a journal. I have strayed a bit from the gambling topic. There are many newbies here that need the focus. I will pop in monthly on my thread. I hope to be more supportive on others threads. GT has helped me immensely. I have had the greatest support from everyone.

[lizbeth4]

Happy New Years to you P!

[lizbeth4]

So my youngest Daughter text me late last night with, I love you and I responded the same. Oh, very hard! I had a nightmare last night that I gambled! That is how I dealt with stress and uncertainties in my life in the past but not now!!!! Heading for the city this afternoon. Going out for dinner and a movie and meeting friends this weekend. Looking forward to it!!!

[lizbeth4]

I am feeling stronger! She text me saying that she needed money. I don’t even know if she is telling me the truth about her situation. I told her again that I would see her on Saturday and even though she was staying somewhere she dislikes, that at least she has a roof over her head. I also told her that she needs to make goals and plans for her life. No response.

[lizbeth4]

Thanks FG for your post! I am facing a difficult time right now. My Daughter who is addicted to drugs broke up with her boyfriend of 8 years. He is a addict also. So it hasn’t been a healthy relationship. She has resorted to go stay with someone who is also a addict. She keeps texting me about how she dislikes staying there. She has no job or money, so she has few choices. I told her that I would see her on Saturday when I am in the city. Same story. I am not going to enable her with money. She can’t stay with me. She needs to go to rehab. I know this is her choice. So hard. I want to protect her but it would just be enabling her. She is almost 32 years old. This has been going on for 14 years that I am aware of. Too long! I am feeling helpless.

[lizbeth4]

Awesome! Have a great time!

[lizbeth4]

Christmas was wonderful! I spent time with my Daughter and Grandson. My Mom actually had a good time! My Daughter’s boyfriend came up Christmas night and spent the weekend with us. My Daughter and I cooked a delicious meal for Christmas. I am kind of sad that it is over! Well, my Grandson is spending a few days with me and that is a treat. I love it when he tells me that he loves me! We will be heading back to the city on Wednesday afternoon. I will be there to bring in the new year. I am making steps towards my goals and dreams. I will not gamble in 2016! That is number 1 on my list! I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Now we can bring in the New Year!!!

[lizbeth4]

Thanks Velvet for your post above! This year I was ready in advance. The presents were bought and all the decorating was done. It was a small gathering this year at my house, my Mom, Daughter and Grandson. My Daughter’s boyfriend joined us Christmas night. The dinner was delicious, made by my Daughter and myself. I had no grand or perfect expectations, just quality time with my family. No gambling equals a good life.

[lizbeth4]

I had my nails done this morning. A monthly treat that I can afford because I am not gambling. I took my Mom to the grocery store. I am waiting for my Daughter and Grandson to arrive. I have a roast and vegetables in the crock pot. I am looking at the Christmas tree all lit up with presents below. I am very thankful that my gambling was minimal this year. I was able to purchase presents and buy all the food for Christmas dinner. As for my Mom, her actions aren’t due to old age or dementia. She will act normal in front of my Daughter. If anything she will play the victim role. Very sad but true. My Grandson is going to stay a few days with me and I will take him home and stay in the city for a few days. All in all this has been a good year. I can’t wait to see what next year brings. No gambling in 2016!

[lizbeth4]

Thanks FG and Vera for your posts. I don’t know where I would be without your support. My Husband is always near. I can feel his presence. Even though I experience sadness, there is so much happiness and joy in my life. I am very lucky in many ways. I bought a roast and vegetables to make for Christmas eve day. My Mom called today and wanted me to pick her up some lunch. She is not happy with me and made it clear. There is a promotion for 2 days at the casino here. They are giving away money and a car. We know it is not a give away as it is a 6 hour process each day. This will involve putting a lot of money into the machines. I told her that I definitely wasn’t going. So she called my cousin and she may come up. She either doesn’t understand my addiction or she doesn’t care. She is definitely a CG, but in total denial. I am concerned where she is getting the money to gamble. I can’t try to talk to her about it as she would explode with anger. I feel that she really disrespect me and tried to demean me. It doesn’t matter as I will do what is right for me. She used guilt, anger, shame and pity to try to get me to change my mind. She has become very self centered and selfish. I hope she behaves at Christmas as I want to spend quality time with my Daughter and Grandson. Remember: The only person we can change is ourselves. I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years! May 2016 be a gamble free year!

[lizbeth4]

Today is being spent wrapping the last 2 gifts and straightening the house. My Daughter and Grandson will be here Wednesday afternoon and will stay for 4 days. I thought of my Husband this morning. He was like a child at Christmas time. He would put lights up outside our condo. Every year he would buy our Grandson a new train set. We would set it up in the living room and they would play with It for hours. Such fond memories! This is the third time that I have gotten through our birthdays and Thanksgiving without him. I just need to get through Christmas. It will be easier with family around me Next spring will be the third year anniversary of his death. I didn’t understand why I was having a hard time recently and was missing him so much. I started reading a self help book and it says that year’s 2-5 can be very hard. Many feelings resurface and that is normal. I will make it through and be okay. I am thankful for many things. Even though I gambled a few times this year, I have made a lot of process since I came to GT. My goal is no gambling in 2016!

[lizbeth4]

I had a great birthday! My Mom’s birthday is tomorrow. We went for Sunday brunch and we exchanged gifts. My Sister sent me a birthday and Christmas gift. I was a little surprised. If was thoughtful of her. The day went pretty well until my Mom said something hurtful. If I was gambling, I would have done some damage. I thought about leaving but I sat there and worked through all of my emotions, sadness, anger, hurt. I was able to move forward without getting into a argument with her. I think that is what she was looking for. In fact, I took her driving around looking at the Christmas lights. I am home now, all snug and warm.

[lizbeth4]

Hi FG. Enjoy your holiday and your vacation. You deserve it! Thanks for being so supportive. I couldn’t get through it all with out my friends at GT.

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