The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Carry On Past The Christmas Party (part 2)

[TheMousefaceBeforeChristMouse]

Hello

I'm Mouse.

Welcome to the Brave Babes Bus - Gerald! Blame Silver for the name!

We are a group of MNers who post about our relationship with alcohol and how drinking it, or not, has an effect on our day to day lives.

Come and meet the other Brave Babes, say hi, take a seat or just read.

Here are the threads so far

Yay, Ma!!

How's things with you?

Hi ma - Hi Mouse - no you don't get it it's like JWN's [fangy] - god you lot are soooooooooooo slooooooooooow - heheh xxx

have your folks gone then Mouse ? - how was it? x

Ach i'm ok. Various hassles going on which are stressing me out, and haven't had an alcohol free night for a while now

Yes, I survived the mother. Amazing really but she was ok today. Only a few digs about my BIL.

I'm knackered!

Hey Ma - you know the drill by now so I shall remain quiet. Just keep posting okay?

We are always here for a natter or whatever you need.

Ma just remember that Christmas brings all those family relationships out into the open - the ones that we stick in a cupboard for the rest of the year - get this - my brother is coming out of prison on Thursday after 4 years being banged up in Spain - I am over the moon but rest of family need to keep up respectable facade and don't want him at my Mum's on Christmas Day - been big family secret that he was inside (drug traffiking - he was set up big time) because if everyone knew it would blow apart (in my Mum's eyes) our very lovely middle class respectability.

Whatever is bothering you at the moment - it will pass - just go with the flow and try not to get too stressed [frin] x

Anyone around? HELP!

I'm stuck in Bristol airport - and no idea whether I'll get home. Next info about our flight is at 10pm.

I've gone form calm acceptance to panic attack and crying - they had to let me out of the 'air-side' back through security. The lack of information is doind my head in. I'm using a computer where the mouse is half broken. A

And I'm in a bad , bad place. Surrounded by bars and scots and irish who are drinking. And flights are being cancelled and people are getting mad. People going to Barcelona have just been told there are no flights until 26th Dec - can you imagine the atmosphere.

I#m running out of money here. Need to buy something to be able to get back on here. WILL NOT, WILL NOT, WILL NOT WILL NOT buy a drink.

Need to find a wee calm space. If you pray, pray for me now. I need you babes -xx

hang in there Venus - deep breaths, we are here and thinking of you.
Silver -wow - glad he's coming home and understand the "don't talk about it" thing. Hope your mum relents and gives him a warm welcome

venus where are you trying to get to? Usually in an airport there is a chapel or a quiet room, can you find that to keep away from the bars? or adopt a family to sit with?

Venus I will say a prayer for you and hope that you find some peace - maybetry to focus on a calm, warm place that has happy memories for you - perhaps somewhere you experienced on your trip to India, or a favourite place in Scotland.

You will get home. Lack of information is very unnerving. Can you compose a 'how Bristol Airport could do it better' letter/presentation to give yourself a focus for your worries and a distraction as time passes.

Venus I've looked at the airport plan online, no quiet room. Could you blag your way into the executive lounge - maybe a little more peaceful? Sending you my zen like vibes, breathe deep and stay calm. X

venus - I'm here too..... sending you strength xxxxx

VENUS VENUS WE ARE HERE BABY,

DO NOT BUY A DRINK, DON'T ACCEPT ONE EITHER.

I will speak to the man upstairs in a minute, and sending you my love right now.

This is so, so bad for you, but it will be so much worse if you decide to drink after all this time.

You are an inspiration, and a good friend Venus, and if it does happen, I still think the world of you.

Be good to yourself darling, you can get through this. [Big enveloping force field hug]

Venus tell airport staff that you are having a panic attack, or feel faint, and need to go to a quiet room, I used to work at Gatwick, and I know that they have loads, so Bristol must as well.

It doesn't matter if you lie, or create a scene (probably good idea, in fact), just get yourself somewhere where you can get your head together. xxx

Venus I am praying for you right now - go and buy a book - try and find a corner away from the crowds - immerse yourself in the book - keep reading don't look up - tune out from what is going on around you. Buy anything that takes your fancy - I am just finishing the new Judy Picolt - got me gripped. It will be on display - buy it and read xxxxxx

Fuck, You're wonderful. I'm crying.

OK. I've got 16 minutes (now that sounds like a book / song [very,
very, very, weak grin]

part of my panic was 'cos my mobile bttery is running out. I have bought an instant recharger in duty free. So I'm in contact with home and in contact here.

Venus if the airport staff won't listen at first, and you feel really bad, say that you are going to be sick and faint. I KNOW that there are rooms available airside and landside, they just don't let on.

How about the book called "ONE Day", I have asked for it for Christmas, and it's everywhere. Silvers right, buy a big bottle of lucozade or something, and head down in a book for 30 mins, then you will feel ok to face enquiring after your flight.

Thinking of you so much, and if it helps my DH sends you his love

HOw are you Venus definately speak to staff and say you feel a panis attack comimg on, it will get you away from the bars.

I'm still struggling, had quite a bit friday and last night but not enough to make an idiot of myself. Not drinking today. Neighbour is coming round for dinner tomorrow with his 3 DD's.

About 10 mins now, darling.

Are you ok Venus

Keep going venus

YOU ARE THE REASON I AM HERE!!!

You posted on Trinity's thread and I saw it. You have changed my life with your support and posts.

Stay calm. Stay strong, you'll soon be home sweetheart!

We all love and care about you, you are doing great! xx

Venus you are doing brilliantly - the babes have all been summoned to Gerald (rather like lifeboatmen/women called to an emergency)and are heading to Bristol to get you. We have fitted a snowblade to Gerald to get us through - Babe in distress, here we come.......

OK, help me here. Why am I feeling so awful - apart from picking up the 'stuff' from everyone else around me -?

J remember HALT. Am I hungry? Hmmm, a bit. Don't fancy anything as big as a pizza, but I'm sure I can get some chocolate somewhere. ANgry? Yes, sure as fuck I am. (not at the snow, or stuff like that) but I am so angry that there is no information available lonce you go 'air-side'. I't like they herd you over there, then leaving you impotent and out of control. I HATE that feeling. I think I can deal with things if they happen, but I am so out of conttrol here. At the moment I do not know what to do woth this anger - any suggestions? Violent actions in an airport don't go down well [another very. very weak grin]

Lonely. Emm, alone yes, but much. much less lonely knowing that this computer is here, and there are some babes somewhere around who will understand (even if you don't read this till tomorrow or the day after, or after Christmas - I KNOW you will understand my panic and desperation) so no, no really alone.

Tired. Yup.

Venus, can you get a coffee or a hot drink? Something to keep you warm?

The only other thing I can suggest is just close your eyes and breathe. Try to imagine you're on a calm beach somewhere (difficult, I know) - anything to get your head out of where you are ...