The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Blowing Away The Cobwebs, Brushing Up The Leaves, Whilst Travelling On The Battle Bus, To Our Own Sobrieties.

[Mouseface]

Hello I'm Mouse

Welcome to the Brave Babes Battle Bus, aka Gerald. It's a lovely place for drinkers, non-drinkers, wobblers and thinkers...... we're a really mixed bunch who all have one thing in common, alcohol.

Whether that be past or present, it can always be our future due to the nature of the beast.

Everyone can join this thread, the support is unconditional. And it is here for anyone who wants it, now or in a little while, there's always a spare seat or three!

Why not take a look at the journeys so far at the link below, it'll take you back through the last two (plus) years, and also I've posted a link to the very first thread....... the reason that we are all on the Bus in the first place

PREVIOUS THREAD

FIRST EVER THREAD

Shopping done, house cleaned, washing done, new jim jams for DS's bought (and fit!), children fed (and watered), dog fed (with left-over pizza and garlic bread! Lol!), washing up done, plants watered (and brown leaves removed - needed doing for about 2 months!), home 'safe' and jim jams on!! The unexpected, and long absent, surge of energy was very welcome today and was put to good use!

Sending warm hugs to all Brave Babes on this very cold evening. (( ))

Oh, and forgot, pile of children's clothes selected and in a neat, ironed pile ready for photographing and listing on e-bay tomorrow!

Koti, just hoping the Energy Fairy decides to visit and smack me with her wand again tomorrow! You OK tonight?

purple I know what you mean about feeling you deserve a treat, its even worse if you want alcohol as a reward for not drinking I have been eating a lot of chocolate and toffee mousses lately...

I have a tin of Christmas Quality Street (calling my name as I type!) in the kitchen but, since I've been through a whole tin already - and the DC found me out, the seal is checked regularly!! Sheesh. And yup, Joey ironic but true - I often think my reward for abstinence should be wine! . Well, to be honest, I think that should be my reward for everything. Deep, deep sigh!

just surfing and reading that thread about whether to turn up to a dinner party on time or late... and all the replies 'get there early with some bubbly, and have a chat'... 'arrive late with half a bottle of baileys' ' tequila!' etc

the hardest part is 'gossip over a glass of wine' I really crave this image?? although I dont have any friends who would do this anyway?!

I know what you mean Joey. I'm not under-confident but a glass or two of wine sure seems to help with relaxing in someone's company - and having fun and the flow of the chat! Trouble is, I have, in the past, ripped the arse out of it and ended up not remembering what was said for half the night! That awful feeling when I woke up and realise I'd made some sort of follow on arrangement with whoever but I couldn't remember when it was or where! Then, I would try and phone them to 'confirm' what we'd sorted out without them realising that I was pie-eyed and had very little recollection because of the booze! Also the embarrassment when I said something in conversation that I had already told them but had forgotten.

I have a 'first date' next Friday evening. If I manage not to drink, it'll be my first sober date in about 20 years . Not sure it'll matter as I'll probably excuse myself at about 8pm in order to put my jim jams on and go to bed - alone!

PS Like the punk likes medieval Koti.

well it is partly confidence, but also its all those magazine images of women (young, slim, gorgeous) chatting and gossiping over a bottle, its all advertising I know

Koti - love the sculpture.
Am feeling a bit better. If the head pain will go away I'll be ok

(Durrr - I like the 'punk meets medieval!)

Will do Koti - you can consider them your 'post-Christmas present' from me and mine! And now, when I'm scoffing them, I can use the excuse that it is all in the interest of art!!

Well, I got through day 28 OK and have now lost a whole stone in weight! A few more pounds and I'll be able to fit into my 'old' clothes. I've been basically wearing the same few things for ages as I really couldn't afford (and didn't want to) buy anything bigger. I'm quite excited, I've got some lovely items that make me feel good about myself, I'm looking forward to it.

Happy weekend Babes, hope you all have a good un'. x

(PS I really hope no-one minds me posting my more positive stuff (there's been loads of negative stuff, too) but you guys are the only ones who know about my fight with alcohol and also my losing weight. I really don't want to appear smug - I'm sure to hit snags again at some point. Thanks for being there and listening to my waffling. xx)

Morning all

Kotinka love the art! PM me the address and I'll send any wrappers we might have. I wasn't planning on getting quality street but if I do, I'll get collecting. Or I'll use the 'patron of the arts' excuse to buy myself a tin

Purple I've just caught up with the thread and am enjoying your positive outlook. Please do keep it coming, it's lovely to hear people discovering new ways to enjoy life without booze

Am thinking of buying that Munchkins game for ds for Christmas. It's £18 on amazon, any ideas of similar decent games that are cheaper, or is it worth paying that much?

Mouse oooo how scary xxx My ds had to have his arm manipulated under anaesthetic and I was a complete wreck just for that!! Hose had to go down to theatre with him as was too distressed . But, as ma says, it will be wonderful for Nemo and change his life for the better. Kids heal really quickly and I'm sure he will charm all the nurses and doctors too. Will be thinking of you. Much love xxxxx

Hi babes

kotinka loved the art, you are clever

purple keep posting the positive stuff, the more details the better. You have achieved some major goals there and it definitely helps me to think about having more energy/ losing weight. I've never managed 28 days.

mouse GOOD LUCK! will have everything crossed for you but I'm confident it will go well.

Purple how exciting, a first date! How did you meet him? Will you go in your jim-jams? That's a stunning art-work Kot, what else do you do and how do you find the time? I have creative spurts but find it hard to maintain. I've just bought DD a parka - I can't believe they're back in fashion but thoroughly approve. Warm, practical and still trendy! Didn't cost the earth either, it's from New Look but good quality.

Was invited to a party tonight (line-dancing would you believe) but have decided not to go. I find socialising without booze really painful so will be in PJs by 8pm no doubt. I don't know what this says about me, that I need alcohol to have a good time but I can't see it ever changing. I very much enjoy outings/coffee/early dinners with friends though and like having family over so perhaps I just need to accept that I'll never go to a party again :( I used to have a major reputation as a party animal, if my friends could see me now....

I've got the bug now! Just ordered Carcasonne for my brother & his family for Christmas. I didn't realise these board games were still so popular but we all like them so that's them sorted!

Now, I'm picking your brains again babes. I'm thinking of getting dd a kindle but would really like her to be able to download books in french and spanish as she's probably going to go on to do them at A level. Anyone know anything about it? Is it possible. I know nothing at all about them so am on a fact finding mission this morning.

Soma I want to get my dcs one of those coats because they might actually wear it! At the moment, they don't want to take coats to school because it's not cold enough, but they are still getting wet from the rain. I might buy them today and put them back for Christmas. They will just have to make do with what they've got already for the last four weeks of school. What colour did you get? I quite like the burgundy.