The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Sweeping Into Autumn With A One Way Ticket To Sobriety.

[Mouseface]

Phew, just in time!

I'm mouse and I love a few to drink. I love all things cheese and I love MrMouse

Welcome to the Bus. We are a collection of drinkers, non-drinkers, and those who are somewhere in between but we all have the same thing in common, we can't just have 1 drink and then stop.

Come say hi, we don't bite .

Here are the other threads to date, if you have a spare hour or seven to kill.

OUR HISTORY

Thank you for all the welcomes. You all sound such lovely people.

Off to work now but may come back later.

Morning all

Welcome to lurkin
Wow - everybody seems to be doing great at the moment, lets hope that the momentum can lead to a good positive weekend! And the demon that sits on shoulders and calls to us from the bottle, fucks the fuck off.

After a fab week off, I am at meetings all day today, but all good. It's feels good to have a week off where I have really achieved so much. All my muscles ache!

Have decided, that certain people on this bus have inspired me to start jogging, so have downloaded coach to 5km, and plan to start Monday . No alcohol, no smoking, and now contemplating exercise, what the hell is happening to me!!!

HAve a good day everyone
Bafana
xxx

Morning Babes

MsGee - thank you sweets. I hope that you feel brave enough to let it all out when you post on that board. Remember, if you can, let it all out and just hit 'post'. That way you won't be tempted to edit the emotion out. I know you know what I mean by that. Thinking of you too xx {{{HUGS}}} xx

Faire - can I be very cheeky and ask you what the books are? If they are picture books, they could help Nemo as I can teach him the Makaton sign for them........ if IsinDe wouldn't mind, I'd like to split them with her? [cheeky emoticon]

bafana - go you! I know a few friends who are doing the 'coach to 5K' programme! Kick ass girl, if I can exercise, so can anyone.

Zany - I second whay venus said, be careful. You know we're only saying this because we really do care about you.

I just had one bottle of cider last night, lasted all night as I poured it over a load of ice in a pint pot. Lush.

Nemo slept in his own bed AGAIN! He woke about 2.30am, I got in with him, snuggled him down and was back in bed by 2.45am. I'm liking this much better than having hours of broken sleep because he's in with us, kicking and fidgeting!

No plans for today as yet, other than bacon sarnies and a huge mug of tea! Who wants some?

Sorry for typos.

Alwayslurkin

Welcome to the bus. If you've been lurking I'm sure you know how this works by now...... we won't judge you, only support you. We may ask about the changes in your life, like venus did, but it's just so that we can understand your drinking and see who is similar to you IYSWIM?

Most of us started drinking for a 'reason', we all have/had an excuse. And a really great one too.

I'm sorry that your DH and DDs are starting to be affected by your relationship with alcohol, you remind me of JWN's first few posts. She was in a similar position to you, (waits for her to appear), and started to notice that her family were slipping away from her because she simply couldn't stop drinking, or rather wouldn't on some days.

One thing that I say to everyone is you will not stop drinking unless you are 100% ready. In your heart, in your head, in your soul. You have to WANT to stop.

At the moment, I should imagine that you eat, breathe and sleep for your next drink, be it wine or a nice long G&T...... I bet there's a point in the day when all you think about is drink o'clock. And, as that time approaches, the urge becomes so unbearable. So intense that it scares you.

And that's what you have to fight. You have to tell that urge to 'fuck the fuck off' You are the only one who can stop drinking, but we will help you every step of the way.

If you want to go to AA, there are Babes here who can talk to you about that, or you could start with talking to your GP about support from your local community alcohol support team.

Or you can try to stop on your own. If you are drinking a lot and through the day, then I'd suggest additional help from another source, you may experience withdrawal so it's best to talk to a professional.

But as I said, we've all been in your shoes at one point or another. We will be here, we will listen and we will help you any way that we can.

So, grab yourself a seat and come have a natter.

mouse, unfortunately not so much "picture" books as story books for under 5s. Don't know much about Makaton, but do have some like "Thomas' word book" which have pictures with words next to them etc?

I have a bit of a book addiction and although I am keeping my favourite ones there are a lot of others... (and I have to make room for more books of course, although i have a cunning plan involving bookshelf construction).

bafana after a decade of absolutely no exercise I started jogging on and off about a year and a half ago (including six months completely off while studying - I restarted in summer), and while I'm not exactly enjoying it I am definitely enjoying feeling fitter. I was determined to have at least a reasonable level of fitness at age 40 - on the basis that it will be all downhill from here! Do make sure that you invest in a decent pair of shoes - it makes a big difference. If you find that you wear down either the inside or outside of the heels on your shoes on a noticeable basis it may affect the shoes you need in order to minimise risk of ankle / knee etc injury (apologies if you know this already, and I don't claim to be any kind of expert).

Oh, and GO, ALL BLACKS!!!!! Had better get my run in before the game starts...

Greetings Babes, thank you all for posts, really great to have communication with women who have similar/related experiences.
Lurkin - I've been lurking for a while and climbed on the bus this week. I beat myself up about what I am doing to my health and brain too. Stay with us, drinking or not....
Mouse fantastic re nemo sleep - sounds like when sober you have patience to get out of bed, cuddle DS and get back into own bed without him, that can be a big drag thoug.
Tawdry - was thinking about your post when you were shaking, and realising how well you have done.
I am on day 4, I plan like legal to drink Fri and Saturdays but not in a mental bingeing way, done this before and it worked (for 4 weeks ), if it does not work I will have to rethink
Thanks for headache advice, codeine paracetamol old hangover cure but was not on it daily, so I don't think its that. IN fact, this morning, realised have not taken antidepressants since Monday so that will be it, just taken two doses.

Friday is my morning for seeing really fab therapist (not NHS - like many of you, I have not had the best NHS experiences at all). I use my 'rainy day' money to pay for sessions, and she is just great. Gentle and kind and v insightful. I am assuming from info in posts that several of you are in London, I'm in the glamourous midlands so cost of living cheaper which I guess helps afford the therapist.

I had a really good work day yesterday, doing a 'getting things done' style inventory of all projects. Never done this before, always intended to, but buried head in sand. I think it may well help me with a big problem I have in not saying no. Starkly setting out all I have on my plate has made me surer in resolve not to take on new things even though they are either super innteresting or they feed my insatiable need to be a very very good girl and help other people lots (had a really mega Protestant work and sacrifice upbringing, and a Mum who has made herself ill for sake of others many many times in her life).

Thanks so much for support so far, it is really helping me.

PS legal liquorice (liquor-ish [) tea - I recommend Yogi teas' one - ?health food shop (I get mine from my Suma supplier)

bafana i downloaded C2 5K in March when I began training for the Race for Life. I nearly didn't manage the jog/walk set for day 1 - all two minutes of it . But I kept at it and unbelievably jogged a whole 5K in May in 38 minutes, and then did another one in June in 32 minutes!
Car accident in July put paid to jogging and only just got out recently and back down to 10 minutes.....but stick with the podcast. it really really works!
venus thank you. The Forth is grey and murky today but I'll wave anyway.
lurking grab a bacon butty while you can and don't worry. We're not very fierce here

Gave in to the "goo" last night and have sore head this morning, serves me right!

Clambering - I'm West Midlands, well, Shropshire

MIL has her appt at 2pm. Not sure if she'll call today but DH is out all day with clients.

brigada today is a new day .. Don't beat yourself up. Start a new day x
Mouse said a wee prayer for your mil and great news for nemo sleeping. Bafana and myself were discusiing how gorgeous you both are on your profile pic
Noteven a mouse yey to sleepovers ... I had 3 nights a week with my 2 little ones with ex but my last episode has put paid to that for the considerable future. You are doing so so well
Bafana NOOOOO! You are already glam and longlegged. If you get fit too I will have to resign myself to being a chainsmoking shortarse wing woman!
Mcgee ... Get thee to the beravement thread! You need all the support you can. I don't know all your personal details but I lost a baby in second tri and it devasted me. That's when my drinking went up a notch
Always lurkin well done for posting. I met a women in a aa meeting who shares your story. Never drank till 50 and boy did it hit her. She is 3 months sober and her life has changed for the better in so many ways
venus anre you in scotchland as I am visiting family soon in a musselburgh so if you fancied a coffee?
Tawdry and clambering whoop whoop! Well done
Isindie nice one on night out.. I'm not ready for that yet but I will call on you if it happens. Your doing so bloody well missus
Legal if there are any books left I will happily accept. Baby loves pic books
Fairie you have great child tips ... Loving the advent calander
And me ... Meeting tonight, alkie counseller this morning, baby is an angel and I am meal planning and learning to crochet (skint so home made xmas gifts ahoy) oh and I'm 19 days sober!
Day at a time ladies. You all help so much I was truly suicidal 2 weeks ago and a day at a time I am feeling so much more positive
miflaw please come back. I lurked and loved your posts. Can you be my temporary sponsor?

brigada today is a new day .. Don't beat yourself up. Start a new day x
Mouse said a wee prayer for your mil and great news for nemo sleeping. Bafana and myself were discusiing how gorgeous you both are on your profile pic
Noteven a mouse yey to sleepovers ... I had 3 nights a week with my 2 little ones with ex but my last episode has put paid to that for the considerable future. You are doing so so well
Bafana NOOOOO! You are already glam and longlegged. If you get fit too I will have to resign myself to being a chainsmoking shortarse wing woman!
Mcgee ... Get thee to the beravement thread! You need all the support you can. I don't know all your personal details but I lost a baby in second tri and it devasted me. That's when my drinking went up a notch
Always lurkin well done for posting. I met a women in a aa meeting who shares your story. Never drank till 50 and boy did it hit her. She is 3 months sober and her life has changed for the better in so many ways
venus anre you in scotchland as I am visiting family soon in a musselburgh so if you fancied a coffee?
Tawdry and clambering whoop whoop! Well done
Isindie nice one on night out.. I'm not ready for that yet but I will call on you if it happens. Your doing so bloody well missus
Legal if there are any books left I will happily accept. Baby loves pic books
Fairie you have great child tips ... Loving the advent calander
And me ... Meeting tonight, alkie counseller this morning, baby is an angel and I am meal planning and learning to crochet (skint so home made xmas gifts ahoy) oh and I'm 19 days sober!
Day at a time ladies. You all help so much I was truly suicidal 2 weeks ago and a day at a time I am feeling so much more positive
miflaw please come back. I lurked and loved your posts. Can you be my temporary sponsor?

Have sent you a pm strawberry

saf lovely to see you back - was the holiday good? Did your ds play happily by himself while you relaxed with a book?

Strawbs - I PMd MIF last night, he'll be back soon. and thank you for the compliments xx

SAF - YAY you're back. What you said about drinking makes sense to me. Allowing yourself some time off the Bus makes it easier to control or limit your drinking IME.

Well done not getting wasted.

Hello everyone - it looks all lovely and busy here this morning :)
I'm whizzing out to the bank (ouch) to try and sort some stuff with relation to my mum's estate
Thank you strawberry for your lovely comments - good things do happen to grateful alcoholics, and you are doing so well, think of how far you have come! And get yourself a local sponsor ASAP! (I am sure you know this though - have been working with my current sponsor for nearly 2 months and even the social worker has noticed the difference in me and I hardly see her!) Too many exclamation marks, sorry.
Will be back later, hope everyone has a good Friday - whether you drank or not yesterday, you can be as happy today as you choose to be. Misery is optional :)

Misery is optional ... loving that phrase Noteven

Ok anyone who wants any books pm me their address (no need for name,you don't need to out yourself completely) and i will send in your direction. I was hoping to give to a local school or playgroup or something, but having contacted lots of people to no avail am losing enthusiasm for that option!

Weather in London is dull today - definitely a day for staying in and drinking copious cups of tea!

Can I make a suggestion Legal? Take them to a British Heart Foundation charity shop. It is a charity very close to our family because of Nemo's heart condition.

That's if no-one wants them. Or any other charity shop where they can sell them on a raise money for a good cause? Save on the postage that way too!

noteven - oooooh, I love that phrase too. I'm so nicking that today!

Hi everyone

I'm East Midland Clambering so we may be neighbours
Let us know how MIL is once you have news Mouse
Noteven loving your phrase
Sounds like you had a relaxing holiday SAF
Ive made gifts for Xmas presents before Strawberry and everone loved it (I think) and said it was a lovely idea, I did glass painting on glasses and candle holders
Well I had a bottle last night and was lying in bed beating myself about it this morning but then reminded myself that in the last week I have had 3 days where I have drunk very little and so overall have had less this week

Got a busy weekend, watching a scary movis with a friend tonight, having my hair done tomorrow, may meet a friend for lunch, bit of shopping then XP is coming round as he is lending DS some equipment for a PGL trip next week, DS's first football match of the season on Sunday then meeting my neighbour (although he has moved) with his 3 DC's for a catch up.

Zany - sounds like a very busy weekend! But fun too

bafana, do the jogging thing! I restarted after I gave up smoking last year - I have crap knees so I'm taking it really slowly (it's taken me 6 months to work up to 7k) but I'm really enjoying it. I was thinking teh other day about Things I Have Learned from Running:

1. When you're ready to give up because you think you just can't do it anymore, you can still do a little bit more.
2. Some things you want to do, you'll find you can't do right now. But with a bit of patience and discipline, you might be able to do those things in the future.

Anyway. I drank last night, despite saying I wouldn't. We went out to meet friends, and I had two beers and half a bottle of rose over dinner. Not great, but at least I didn't get pissed and/or decide to keep drinking once we got home. No drinking tonight.

bored, bored, bored. god, it's quiet in work today. nothign much happening other than rowing with DD1 by txt over money we owe her from which we have deducted unpaid mobile phone bills, which came out of our account and she didn't pay back. AIBU? oops, wrong thread
Bloody kids. Had to wash my hands after reading her text becuase of all the sarcasm that had dripped onto them!!

YABU to not post in AIBU

Seriously - good on you

Ma - yes, sarcasm is such a wonder gift for those in their teen years isn't it?

I know that DD is a carbon copy of me. My mother just looks at me if she says anything sacrastic as if to say, 'you can't tell her off, you were like that with me'.

Yes mother, but I will not accept it from her and you shouldn't have from me!

Thing is, once DD's hormentals kicked in, she got worse. I can handle her mostly.

RIGHT I NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE

Nemo has nits yet again. The rest of us are clear but he has them I just can't shift them. I have used Lyclear and Full Marks. He has Tea-tree Oil shampoo and conditioner.

I just can't keep them out of his curls! It's driving me absolutely fecking bonkers!!

HELP!!!!