The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Next Stop Sobriety!

[Mouseface]

Hello, welcome to thread number six!!

I'm Mouse and, thanks to these threads, I quit the booze on August 2nd 2010.

This truly is a fantastic source of support for anyone who wants it! Full of real, honest, everyday people who are all at different stages of quitting the booze, cutting down or being long term sober.

There are no judgmental 'know-it-alls' here, whatever your circumstances, you will be supported all the way.

Come and meet the rest of The Brave Babes........

And, as before, here are the previous five threads for those who would like to see how this all began.

JWN's original thread (the reason we are all here)

Thread two

Thread three

Thread four

Thread five

"I just don't like the idea of a group thing."

Entirely out of curiosity, how is this thread not "a group thing" in your opinion?

Hi all, sorry I'm just way too tired to keep up at the moment, but wanted to check in.

so just a wave

OK, you got me there. But the difference for me is that its not face to face, I don't have to leave the house to get support and I guess is more at arms length and feels a bit safer (not physically safer, just emotionally).

Mrs Gee, do you want me to reprint a list of helpful sites?

Your daughter rocks. There is only one God in your house and she is playing you like a violin.

Forthe ... thanks, I can scroll back to get it. You are so right about DD, I am a total pushover when it comes to her and she knows that exactly how to manipulate me. I am getting tougher and more consistent though. Bit easier without the hangovers.

Afternoon to all!

Afternoon Red:) How you getting on with Day 1?

Feeling fine at the moment! Getting loads of support on here - as always! How are you today?

MsGee

again, absolutely fine.

What are you worried will happen if you air your concerns face-to-face? What exactly is the emotional "danger" that is absent on this thread?

waves to Red and Desire.

Good Q MIFLAW, I don't really know. I just know that it feels safer. Its not about danger in anyone else, I guess I always like to hold a bit of me back (control?) and this feels like I can do that. I know that that is not a great answer but it is the best way I can describe how I feel. I don't want people to think that I am being misleading, I just don't fully open up to people. Ironically, IRL people think of me as a 'wear your heart on your sleeve' kind of gal but in reality I probably share some things to give that impression whilst holding more back.

Oh dear, this doesn't sound good.

MsGee

Please don't feel that I am saying you need to go to AA (or that you don't). It really is none of my business.

What I am saying is that perhaps you are staying away for reasons that are imaginary - or which are real but are part of the bigger problem.

In which case, of course, I would urge you to address those fears for your own sanity, even if you subsequently still decide not to try AA.

MIFLAW, I have no doubt that the reasons are imaginary. I have had counselling a couple of times and am very sane compared to a few years ago, although I no doubt have further to go. (although I realise that proclaiming sanity is normally a sign of the opposite!).

The way I see it is that I have some fears which, given the sum of my life, are probably fairly rational in terms of a response mechanism (although not wholly healthy). Being safe is very important to me, from simple things like anxiety about getting trains and planning journeys in great detail, to bigger things like issues around trust. Being pregnant was a big step for me as I had to rely on DH on many levels which I had not done before.

I am in a different place in my life to even 4 years ago (when frankly i was a mess) and getting this far has made me more determined to sort other things out such as my drinking.

I guess I see myself as a work in progress

Just wanted to say hello. Real life is taking over at the mo.

Sorting DD for school, DS is still puking and not sleeping so neither am I. Lots of little jobs on the house.......

And my pain is really bad currently. I'm doing too much but no choice.

So, I hope you are all ok and getting through each day!

I'm loving the sunshine. Hope it lasts for a few days more.

Hi mouse, was wondering where you had disappeared to! I am so sorry that you are suffering at the moment x

hi mouse, sorry, took over a bit there.

sorry you are in a lot of pain. When is DD back at school? Hope tinymouse improves soon.

sending you some positive no pain, no puking, getting things sorted vibes x

Red - thank you. I have been hoping you were ok and I see you are after a brief scan.

MsGee - DD goes back on Tuesday. I can't wait. It's been a long few weeks!!! We've just finished getting the last few school bits - I think I've spent around £120 without school shoes and a coat which is Sunday's job.

Oh well!!

How is littleMsGee?

"I guess I see myself as a work in progress" - aren't we all?

Mouse oh I did used to love a new school year, new pencil case and all that! (not the actual school bit, just the new pens...). Is she looking forward to going back?

littleMsGee is fine, bit of a madam this morning but nothing unusual. I am starting to worry that horrid mother in law has a point and that we will end up on supernanny soon. reward chart arrived today though, so fingers crossed that it helps. Or at the very least she doesn't use it to hit me with.

MIFLAW indeed

MsGee

The reward chart will help. Stick to it and take control. You're getting good at that now remember?

Ignore your MIL. DD is your child and all you have to do is follow what you feel is right for her.

WRT DD, yes, she is 11 so this is her first year at senior school hence the need to sell a kidney to fund all of her equipment etc!

Mouse - wow, secondary school. That is some milestone and means those teenage years will be upon you soon (sorry). I have just re-read your post, £120 without shoes and a coat! Eeeek.

thank you re lovely words on DD . On the whole I do think DD is wonderful, she is just a bit stroppy at times. As am I!

I am around (working and lurking) but have PILs coming to stay later on so I am furiously watering plants so they think we look after the garden and then I'm off to bake a carrot cake.

Hope you all have a good afternoon and evening.

Back to Miflaws alternative steps:)

Yes I can accept that by and large my life is fucked up:(

You OK, desire?

Hope you're OK desire? I am off very soon. Thank goodness. Hope everyone has a nice evening x

There you go then - that's Step 1.

Note, though, that they're actually exactly the same as the "real" Steps, I have just reworded them for people who have an aversion to the word "God"