Gambling Streak

I noticed I had more money in my bank account than I should have today, so I decided to go mad and have a little gamble on a few things. I have my 5 lucky dips for the EuroMillions draw tomorrow, in which I am 100% guaranteed to win the jackpot, in my dreams. I also went into town simply to waste a few pound coins on a few slot machines and get absolutely nothing in return.

The casino/arcade/money waster I chose was called 'Reels' and it very much resembled a place where seasoned gambler's go and throw away their wages on old fashioned slots. The sole Asian man working there gives you a scratchard, where you always win £2, and ALWAYS ends up being put in the machine by the man himself. He doesn't even ask if you want it... He puts it in the slots. He also gave me free coffee, raffle tickets for some draw that doesn't exist and some slip for another draw that literally takes place in Las Vegas in ... 4 hours time. I mean, why? Just, why?

I was quickly out of there as it dawned on me that I might aswell be standing there giving this man my money, so I went somewhere else, which ended up me buying a shed load of scratchcards. Now, I'm not usually a scratchcard man, but when I bought 3 £2 ones, won £10 and then bought 2 £5 ones in which I won my money back and then bought 2 more in which I won £11 in total before blowing it all on non-winners, it felt almost liberating! I wasn't really fussed that I wasn't winning, so I bought one more, got my money back and walked away. I ended up about £15 down, but the adrenaline of gambling was re-kindled in me once more!

The last couple of days have been tough. Father Mitten is currently residing in Stanmore Hospital and the house feels incredibly empty without him. I have been "advised" by Mother Mitten to not visit him tomorrow, seeing as I've got to work in the evening and I got an unusually emotional text from Father Mitten, which made me cry a little... It's a tough time for him at the moment, and I, along with everyone else, just want him home. He is in a ward, apparently, with some Muslim who spends all night chanting the Koran, which is just plain ridiculous. I'm going to be racist and say this guy is a complete moron for being so religious. Dad is enough pain at the moment, without him ruining his nights.

There's loads of other things going on aswell though. Grandma's bungalow is being sold, sparking a few arguments and tears about various things, my university application has stalled in the wake of the stupid hike in fees, work is being as stupid as ever with The Wall's incredulous laziness and sheer existence, I fear I may be falling in love and I'm not getting any sleep. Wait, did I just say, "I may be falling in love"?

No, I'm not. Forget I ever said that.

Moving on. I was glad to be refereeing again tonight. In the Northants Senior Youth League, (Under 18's practically) and it was a welcome distraction from the hardships of recent days. I found the whole match, pre-match and post-match, incredibly enjoyable. I think because I don't get to do it very often these days, I can enjoy the novelty and enjoy the occasion a bit more. Because of this, my performance is greatly improved and to get a big compliment from a former Level 3 referee, ("You're the best assistant I've worked with in a long time"), was fantastic!

I was spot on, if I say so myself. Every decision was perfect, with the perfect technique and the communication between me and the man in the middle was awesome. It's always more enjoyable when you get it right, and even more enjoyable when you prove yourself wrong and go out and perform. Before the match, I had a strange feeling it was going to be rubbish, but I was very wrong!

Now though, after picking Sister Mitten up from the train station, I need to stay awake as I am back at work tomorrow. The horrible part of the 4 days off, but I have to admit, it's been the most eventful 4 days off I've had in a long time.

Cya x