[sherry123]

Dear Bettie, the person referring to you as ‘fat’ is an insinsitive jerk.  I used to work with a lady who always made comments about someone’s appearance.  A lady customer came in who was about 6 feet tall and my co-worker (in her late 50’s…well old enough to know better) said ‘wow, you sure are tall.’ The women looked embarassed and didn’t say a word so I told my co-worker, in private, to please don’t comment on people’s appearances. My co-worker is a very self-centered person and I was so glad when she moved away.  I think when we die, we will feel everything we dished out in our lives.  Those people who comment about your weight will feel every upset you have felt and all the good things you’ve done for others…you will feel that too.  I totally understand the feelings that go with being overweight and a comment from someone about it is crushing.  Good for you for not gambling!

[sherry123]

I just logged on to sign up for the April pact too.  Vera, hope you post your words of wisdom to start the new month.  Today is a new day for us all.

[sherry123]

Happy Birthday Bettie,  I’d love a big slice of that chocolate cake that Reds sent you!  It looks delicious.  Hope the conference is motivating and gives you what you need to get back on track.  You had a long gamble free stint and you can do it again.  It’s your choice to stop the madness before it gets out of control.  If anyone can do it, it’s you!

[sherry123]

As always Larry, your posts are insightful and very informative.  You know what it takes to keep gambling and you stay focused on it.  I was thinking about ‘meetings make it’ and do know it works with weight loss so I checked for a GA meeting near me but there still isn’t any.  If I ever hear of one in this area, I’ll most certainly go.  Glad you enjoyed your ‘pilgrimage’ and made it back safely and gamble free.  Sherry

[sherry123]

Sorry for all you and your daughter are going through.  Sounds like you’ve been consumed with stress and worry.  At least you didn’t gamble and add more strain to your life. I agree that the urges are right back after even one trip to the casino.  You made a very smart choice to not gamble today! Yea!!!

[sherry123]

Talk about the past!  I had a nightmare that I was working the night shift at the factory I used to work at. I hated that job but it was good money/benefits so I stuck it out while raising my kids.  Anyway, I dreamt I was going to work in that loud, dirty and freezing factory and the work was so hard and heavy I didn’t think I could do it.  I woke up so relieved that I didn’t work there and I had a good job to go to instead. Made going to work a lot easier today!
I’m able to draw my pension from that factory job (just got my 3rd check).  It was hard earned and I know I don’t want to waste a penny of it.  I know how quickly gambling sucks up money.  I’m not letting the past lessons go to waste. Gambling isn’t an option anymore. That check arrived (actually was direct deposit) the same day as my dream so I think it was to keep me thankful and I am!  Every dollar earned is worth too much to throw away in a slot machine.
 

[sherry123]

Everyone has to find their own path and what works best for them.  I cut up my debit card, made sure I had no pin numbers for credit cards, self excluded from check writing privileges and made sure I didn’t have access to cash.  I could always get around any road block if I wanted to but it at least made things harder for when I didn’t have the strength to make the choice.  Being ‘in action’ takes any choice away.  That’s why it’s important to have road blocks so you get the space since your last bet so you can make choices.  My path has been a long crooked one but, for once, I am finally on the right one.  I hope you find your path too.

[sherry123]

Grace, that’s too bad that you aren’t invited to the birthday party but maybe you can spend some time with a little celebration after the party.  Maybe a trip for ice cream?  I know from experience (4 granddaughters) that a party with a lot of little kids is a little chaotic for us older people.  I did go to the last roller skating birthday but had to take an asprin after. ha ha  All the noise and action can be overwhelming. I don’t know how I handled it when my kids were young!
Grace, do whatever you have to do to not gamble.  The pain you are going through will be worth it!
 

[sherry123]

I was thinking of starting a new thread for the new year and then I thought about only posting on Vera’s monthly pact so thought I’d just close my other threads but when I got to this one I started reading and a flood of memories came back. I see I didn’t post in November or December of 2010.  I must have gambled some but I really can’t remember so I thought I’d just pick up from there.  I can say that this November and December 2011 was gamble free!
When I turned 50 years old I swore and promissed myself not to gamble.  Well 5 years later I’m wishing I had all that money back that shouldn’t have been wasted in a slot machine.  Of course I can’t go back and change that 5 years but I did make major changes during that time.  I didn’t gamble every weekend and I had months of not gambling. All my debts were paid and I finally had money in a savings account.  It seems like my recovery has been a process that’s getting stronger all the time. If I knew how long it would take to get where I am now, I don’t think I would have had the patience to stick with it so I’m glad I can’t see into the future!
I had a choice to draw an early pension from a prior job at age 55 and I am pleased to say I haven’t gambled once since I got that first check.  I don’t see the money because it goes directly into a savings account.  I’m finally at a point in my life where gambling isn’t consuming my thoughts and plans every weekend and every holiday.  I can only thank God for where I am because I could not do it myself.
Here we are 2012.  It’s going to be a great year!

[sherry123]

Happy New Year to everyone!  Not bragging…but I am so happy and thankful to have made it through December without gambling. That’s a major milestone and hurdle for me.  Now I’m choosing to continue that way of life and not gamble in January. I want everyday to feel like an accomplishment and make the most of each day. 

[sherry123]

I reach my hand to join you all in the January pact. I agree with everything Vera said and I’m ready for the new year!

[sherry123]

Hi Bettie, I’m sorry you are having a hard time right now.  I think the Holidays are hard even if you have someone to share them with. Of course the excitement the first few years of a relationship make the Holidays fun but that excitement fades too.  I like Christmas and family time but I dread the over spending, over eating and feeling the pain from childhood holidays.  I agree with Reds that we are more alike than not.
Hope you do the ban again…and soon.  You’ve done so good and deserve more gamble free years. Don’t treat yourself the way fwb (I’m guessing that stands for former boyfriend or friends with benefits?) does.  You deserve happiness.  Have you tried online dating?  I know two people that met good matches and are having fun. Bettie, protect yourself because you are the only one that knows your best interest.  Hope you re-up your ban immediately and reward yourself for doing it!

[sherry123]

Thanks for sharing. It’s good to hear how you reasoned yourself out of ‘the excuse’ to gamble and then to plan on eating where there wouldn’t be the temptation to gamble. You’re a great role model for the rest of us.
I’m glad you can have Thanksgiving with your family.  Wishing your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[sherry123]

Betty, you’ve sure had your share of it latley!  Sounds like better news from the doctor.  Hope and pray you get through this with good health.  Very scary about the lady who got mugged.  Greed turns to evil…no reason someone could hurt or steal from anyone. 

[sherry123]

Bettie, you found a way to quit gambling so you’re stong enough to quit smoking! I hope the lung specialist gives you better news then you’re expecting. A good friend is going to start Chantex (not sure of the spelling), visit an acupucturist and a hypnotist all in the same week.  She’s in the same situation as you are and has to quit once and for all.  I wish you a painless break from smoking.

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