Tag: gambling

Addiction

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

I’ve browsed around some of the replies to this prompt and I must say I’m quite surprised. Surprised to see so many people wishing that social media could be un-invented. Now I am with these people 100%, I agree it’s a breeding ground for hatred and vitriol, however as so many are already mentioning social media I feel I should suggest something else because to not do so would make this post quite repetitive and boring.

Well it will probably still be boring but here goes.

Addiction. If only there wasn’t such a thing. Again it’s one of those things that is good to have in certain scenarios but an absolute nightmare to have in others. Let’s talk about the nightmare scenarios.

I guess that somewhere in the top three addictions there would be Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling. In my job these are three of the top addictions that drive people to attempt to end their lives on the railway. I know this personally, I deal with the aftermath far too often and it is a truly tragic situation.

Can you imagine the freedom and excitement these people who are inflicted with such a disabling and horrible condition would feel, if this burden was lifted from their shoulders and it would never bother them again?

I once was heading down the wrong road with alcohol in my late teens. Two things stopped me going there. My job, as we are constantly liable to be drug and alcohol tested as we have a zero tolerance policy here, and my wife. I have always stated that she alone saved my life. She witnessed things that raised her awareness levels and stopped me going down the wrong road. I was fortunate. Others are not so.

So if we could only un-invent addiction. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic thing. Just imagine how many good souls would still be with us today.

Have a peaceful day.

A little break away part three

Our last day today was a hot one. Here in sunny Broadstairs it hit a balmy 28 degrees so I suspect summer has now officially been and gone.

We have a family wedding up north in about seven weeks and I’ve been hanging around in getting a new suit, as the only one I seem to have that fits now is the one used for funerals. Probably not good to turn up at a celebration wearing that I guess. No I’ve been good and got myself a nice new three piece one that should do the job, I’m very happy with it and the wife has also given her seal of approval so I suspect for once, the boys done good!

Whilst we were shopping we came across this strange sign. I know Apple have brought out the iPhone, iPad, iWatch etc I’m just curious to know what this is:

Icrack…what’s that then?

I’m wondering, does it tell the time or stream the internet? The mind boggles. Do I need one or shall I stick with what I have….oooerrr missus.

That aside we’ve had a lovely day just walking around the seafront people watching. Tonight we have been out to celebrate a 50th Birthday at Sittingborne dog track, otherwise known as Central Park stadium.

12 races, a lovely dinner and some alcohol free drinks as yours truly was driving. Spent a little, lost a little, didn’t come out any better off. Gambling is a mugs game, thank god I don’t do it that often. I don’t really know what I’m doing, maybe that’s the problem. Anyway it was fun and good to meet up with distant family.

And they’re off
Winning post
One of tonight’s winners
Betting…a mugs game.

So I sit here perusing the past week and what a fantastic time we’ve had. The driving is by far the worst part and by tomorrow afternoon I will have racked up almost 800 miles, and on Uk roads that isn’t fun. However we’ve made memories, spent time with the family and seen friends we have not seen in a while. So the inconvenience of driving pales into insignificance considering what we have done.

I’m looking forward to the next get together in about 7 weeks from now. I’m just not looking forward to the last leg of driving from Kent to the East Midlands tomorrow.

But I’m sure it will all be worth it.