The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Starting the Summer Filled With Luscious Mocktails.

[Mouseface]

Hello, I'm Mouse and I used to drink far too much. Too much vodka to be exact, then too much wine, then too much cider....... you can imagine how it went.

This Bus is full of people like me, and people like you actually. Sober people, drinkers, a few not surers, and those who are simply 'somewhere'.

The one thing that we have in common is that we can/do/did/will abuse alcohol.

Some for a number of years, some months, some for their entire adult (and before) lives.

The support here is for everyone. Those in AA, those who are taking medication to help, those going it alone, those with the support of others. We're all here for the same reason.

Why not come and say hello? We are all so very different in our every day lives but we all have a common theme.....

And, for those who want to see where all of this began 2 years ago, HERE IS a link to all of the past Bus rides.

ipod pillows are good - think I got DHs at Firebox - but you can't wash them so had to chuck it out in the end as DH is prone to night sweats (diabetes) and it was getting manky!

Laughed our loud reading the posts about dogs and I think to my self - thank goodness I'm not a dogaholic

Afternoon, had some wine on Sunday evening but changed to water during the evening, as have been feeling very low lately and found the alcohol making me more miserable!
Need a major overhaul of my life but can only do it in small steps, have heared that walking/running can help clear your head so have promised myself that this evening I WILL go for a walk:)

I found the very first of these threads last week and since then have been reading some every night, it's so engrossing to follow everyone's progress. And inspirational. I didn't want to skip ahead to the current thread as I thought it would be wrong, like flicking to the last page of a novel! But after having read more than 2000 posts in 1 week and just started thread number 3, I realise I won't have time to go through ALL the threads!

mouse are you a very controlled drinker now or abstinent?
JWT have you continued with your amazing success?

I have been in the habit of drinking 2 glasses of wine 5 or 6 nights a week for the last several months and this thread has really made me think. I've had none for the last few nights. I really enjoy a drink but its worrying to see from reading this how easily alcohol consumption can spiral out of control.

I want to say congratulations to all involved in this thread for making such an impressive effort.

diana I should imagine it takes a bit of reading from start to finish. The thread moves very quickly. Glad it has helped you.
greyhound how are you doing?
lemony are you still with us?
thurso my friend, are things ok?
INDIE come back and tell us about the wedding!!!!!

Hello everybody! Didn't mean to hi-jack thread with talk of hounds and their filthy habits but I'm crying with laughter. Venus I don't think I was a dogaholic until I got one. Mia we're feeding him Arden Grange cos the rescue had him on that and recommended we carry on but said we could switch if we wanted. Have discovered he loves carrots and thanks for the advice. Joey yes you did (urge me to get a dog) and you're absolutely right - he's been with us for a total of 5 days and tis LURVE (and I know it's mutual because of the way he looks at me, licks my face and never leaves my side). If only I'd met a man like that (actually human face licking, yuk - I hate it when a man sticks his tongue in your ear, gross).

Now, back to more serious matters, such as drinking. Obrigada get thyself outside and go for a walk! Do you have somewhere nice near you? Being out with the dog is a great thing for me, it makes me walk and that's part of the reason I got him. I'm not even thinking about drinking and I actually forgot to take my antabuse last night but it's far too soon to stop it. Limit how's it going with you?

And need your advice girls - have arranged date with seemingly nice online guy and just discovered he's about to launch a SEX TOY into the market! He's got a lot going for him - DD same age, same breed of dog, can spell, attractive, funny etc but am utterly spooked! What to do??

Diana it's nice to get your post. I suppose most people would consider you quite a controlled drinker but if they're big glasses that could add up to quite a bit over the recommended weekly limit. My friend drinks like that, never gets pissed but was worried about the weekly amount so have increased her AFDs. You're not like me though, once I start I find it hard to stop so it's usually at least a bottle (and a bit) for me when I drink. That's why I decided to try and knock it on the head. Maybe just reduce your drinking days to say 3 a week?

Well, must concentrate on the footie now, I'm not terribly fussed about who wins but tomorrow night will be nerve-wracking as I'm a Germany supporter (mum is German) and I get VERY excited when they play. Usually it would be an excuse to drink a bottle but I'll treat myself to some chocolate instead. Wow, this has turned into quite a ramble, sorry! Laters babes xx

Soma do you think he wants you to do some market research with him?

soma how did you find out about his, umm, launch?

Did he tell you?

Or did he not admit to it and you found out somehow else?

Do you have a link to the, er, product?

Yes definitely need a link!

seriously though, I wouldn't write him off without further ado, I think there's no harm in getting to know him a bit better and finding out where he's at. I think it depends also on what the sex toy is - ball gags, nipple clamps, devices that deliver electric shocks... You might want to rethink things.

Thank you faire and ma for the mention of the ipad pillow. What a bizarre and ingenious idea! The headphones don't bother me at night really because I just pop one very loosely in one ear. The only time I wear them properly (and they're a bit uncomfortable) is when I used to go to the gym. Luckily I'm a great lazy lardbucket and don't go any more so my ears are safe.

soma is this the same guy who likes to treat the ladies nicely?

Does he have a gold medallion?

Also - don't laugh - what's the name of his dog? Dog's names are an interesting clue to the owners personality.

day 5 x

Joey indeed, tis he. His dog is called Tekkers Mia he told me he was about to launch this amazing product for creative, sexual people and I replied by asking him to reassure me that it wasn't a sex toy and he said I was spot on! Do I ask for more info before (if) I meet him? God, online dating's a minefield.

Well done on day 5 Silver. I can't tell you how good it feels to climb into bed knowing I've done a good day's work, looked after children and animals, talked to a couple of friends, talked to you lovely lot, managed to squeeze in the football and ALL WITHOUT A DRINK. The only thing I didn't manage to do was repaint my toenails - how often does everyone do theirs? I never do my hands, just my feet, it jollies things up so much for the summer don't you think?

I can't quite get my head around the iPod pillow idea so will stick to the one ear like you Mia. Have three social occasions next week so wondering how I'm going to handle the "I'm not drinking" scenario. All close friends who don't know I'm on the wagon. Perhaps I'll suggest we do something like go to the cinema instead! Nite nite laydeez :)

Hi Ma - not doing that well, I'm afraid, thanks for asking. Drank more than intended last night and annoyed with myself. Will try harder tonight.

Soma - the guy may be perfectly fine, but then he may not. Having said that, perhaps he will invent the new Rampant Rabbit and make a fortune! Strange name for a dog. As for treating ladies right, it is rather patronising but it may mean he has manners rather than being the kind of guy who barges past you to get through the door and that sort of thing.

sobasoma Thanks for the advice. I think you are right and I can't afford to be complacent. I found this last week without alcohol that it is mainly before dinner when I think of it. I enjoy having a glass while cooking and sometimes one during dinner. That was the only time in the day I missed it, and I had to remind myself not to go and get a glass. Like you say I better be careful to have enough alcohol free days in the week.
Good luck with your continued efforts and congratulations on doing so well. You and the others have really made me think. BTW I would be totally scared off by your new man because he mentioned his sex toy so quickly, but maybe I'm too cautious!!

soma its impossible to tell about your guy, because people are just so different online to real life. Eg. I am actually a beautiful Russion millionairess, but you wouldn't know that from my posts eg?!

Am really bored and fed up. Miss my wine.

Diana I would be scared off too

silver day 5 - well done, stay strong

Hi ladies, I'm back here, been keeping up with your posts but not had time to post.
My resolve is already faltering. It's been a beautiful day here, and I couldn't help thinking about a glass of wine or beer in the beer garden. I haven't had a drink today and wouldn't have anyway, but just the thought of not being able to do it makes me think about it and want it more! Contrary? Moi?!
Anyway, hope you are all well. Had a couple of manic days back at work after having been off on Monday and Tuesday, however I got my bonus letter today which helps! Also managed to get some new trousers in a whole size below what I normally would have got! I guess that is the upside to the controlled drinking that I have been doing of late, is that I've lost over a stone in weight. Silver linings and all that...

Thanks ladies, wary of man now, may not meet him unless he fesses up to what it is before we meet!

Had brief craving for a big glass of chilled white this evening when I was on my regular route with the dog past a lovely old pub near the park but then thought to myself, after having one I'll just want another one and when I get home I'll have to buy a bottle blah blah. I must practice thinking like that even though I'm on the antabuse.

Looking forward to cooler weather tomorrow, don't you just love the UK and its crazy weather! x

Mia thanks for PM, have replied x

Hello

has anybody got any experience of Salvia divinorum? For those who don't know, it's a herbal drug that has very powerful hallucinogenic effects, but also has anti addiction properties.

some interesting links:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_divinorum
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kappa_opioid_receptor
www.salviatruth.com/

Unless you're into getting completely off you head cgno, I'd steer clear. I haven't tried it but it's a powerful hallucinogen as you say and seems to be taken purely for that effect. Ever done LSD (I did many many years ago), I'd say it was on the same level as that and I doubt you'd want to take that now! The Eowid website will tell you more about its effects (ie as the experiences people have on it)....

Sorry that's Erowid.org.

Morning lovely ladies

D-Day today, got my GP appt and will probably find out the results of my LFT. Feeling more than a bit nervous.

soma Id be totally intrigued too, Id have to know. Have you made any arrangements to meet with him yet?