The Brave Babes Battle Bus - New Year? So, Let's Go Up A Gear!

[ChristMouseTimeMistletoeNoWine]

Hello, tis me, Mouse (normally Mouseface but I'm wearing my festive name )

Welcome to the Brave Babes Battle Bus, to a place of solace, support and sanctuary, if that's what you seek of course. It's also a Bus full of bloomin' chatterboxes, waffling on about life, love and all things from school reports to laundry!

The journey into 2013 is going to be an ass kicking one as we're moving up a gear to give the WineWitch a bloody good slapping, and the BoozeBeast a kick in the bollo.............

Some of us drink in moderation, some of us drink. Some of us are sober, some of us are trying so very, very hard to be.

Some of us have been dry for days, weeks, months and some of us years...... some of us are just starting out and are scared of what stopping drinking means. It's not forever, it's just for today if that's what you want.

We have a saying on the Bus One Day At A Time. Or ODAAT

Take each moment, each day and each blip as it comes. The support on this Bus has kept me from ruining my life time and time again. The experiences of others shared here has helped me to change the way I see alcohol, the way I see what it does to me.

Although some Babes have been here a while and kind of 'know' each other, we all have different lives, different roles to play, different places to sit on the Bus, but we ALL have or have had abusive relationships with alcohol and we're here because we want that to change; for the better.

Everyone is welcome here so don't be afraid to just jump right in and say hi. Post as much or as little as you like!

So, come say hi, grab a seat, an eggnog (non alcoholic of course ) and a mince pie, or chocolate chip cookie, and meet some lovely, genuine people who are just like YOU.

Also, HERE IS THE PREVIOUS THREAD with a link in the OP to the first ever thread, and the reason why after more than two and a half years, this thread is still here, supporting those in need.

I've read all of you're replys, on a soddy blackberry so can't reply that quick, overrated..not much! Tbh I'm a little bit shocked by the replys, I felt like I was the only one. Isolated, thanks so much for welcoming me I do need the support, I'm worried about loosing my 2 kids. :(

Decided to look at the financial benefits to me of not drinking for the last 3 weeks and boy no wonder I have massive overdraft, and credit card bills still to pay off.

Here goes

Bottles not drunk 63
Money not spent £332

So even if I factor in my £50 first week treat haircut and my £85 new boots 2nd week treat I'm still £182 up!!!!

Oh and now lost 8LBs BONUS

Hi Baby Holding your virtual hand all the way Babes.

Pippin is there anyone who can have the kids over the weekend while you detox and keep yourself safe and quiet ?

Money is a good motivator - I've also stopped smoking since October and with that and the drink we should be able to feed the new cat

Pippin that is too much to lose to the wine witch you know you need to take action now.

You are not isolated - Milflaw, Help JWN are you out there? can you come to talk to Pippin about AA or the lovely babe who mentioned SMART Recovery the other day?

Pippin you need to gather your arsenal and all the help you can muster this is so much to face on your own even with the babes virtually handholding. Be kind to yourself allow yourself to seek help.

Baby - you've had the reminders about "the costs" hitting the bottom can give you the bounce to get back up again - I hope your hangover eases soon x

Koala, yes the kids go to dads at wkends, I've been so shit I don't even know what a dettox involves.....I'm so setting up a money jar, better be a big one! 15 pound a day?

Koala, yes the kids go to dads at wkends, I've been so shit I don't even know what a dettox involves.....I'm so setting up a money jar, better be a big one! 15 pound a day?

koala that is one shitload of booze not drunk. You are AWESOME!
baby I have had my lightbulb moment too hence this being day 3, Haven't got to day 3 in ages. Am worrying about this evening but have planned a walk at 7pm with my new walking buddy so by the time I do that and then get back and have a shower etc, there won't be much witching time left....
pippin are you in the UK?

Sorry, meant to say thank you Clutter for your positive vibes but I think I'll pass on the offer of a lively toddler! Just the thought is exhausting!

Koti glad to hear you've got a good 'un. I've been dating, on and off for about 2 years now - but have long periods of time where I really can't be bothered. Think I might be too picky?!

You are right, Green. The difference between me now and me a year ago is that I'm not nearly as down as I was then. I even phoned the Samaritans a few times. I can and will get back to sobriety.

My laptop is driving me crazy today!! Keeps freezing but I cannot be arsed to short the bloody thing out. Might just hoof it out the window though!

I can hardly keep up with you lot!

pippin welcome! I may be wrong but I suspect that most of us have a few drinking stories up our sleeves that would make your hair stand on end- might just be me This is a new start and we're all in this together. Can you read back through the threads? Try to drink lots of water and rest you will feel so much better.

green and kotinka I need to do the pro/ con exercise- will do in a bit. The smart site is interesting but I found it hard to navigate (thick emoticon)

holly smudge sounds gorgeous, please keep us updated.ma ollie is lovely.I have an old lady of 16. She and ds rule the roost here.

baby I think i'm finally there too. I don't want to go through another hangover like the one I just had. Hold on we can do this.

koala If there was a bus medal/ trophy/sew on badge- you should be awarded one. I hope you feel really good about yourself

purple maybe just treat tf just as a friend for a bit, nice if you see him but not bothered otherwise kind of thing? Sounds stressful for you. If you still wish joey to be a bridesmaid please remember that she looks her best in custard yellow and prefers leg-of-mutton sleeves. And a hooped skirt.

Green eyed, do I have to? I'm worried re kids will they say I'm not a good enough mum etc, you hear so many stories about "secret courts etc". Don't get angry I'm just trying to do what's right... X

Green eyed, do I have to? I'm worried re kids will they say I'm not a good enough mum etc, you hear so many stories about "secret courts etc". Don't get angry I'm just trying to do what's right... X

Gugg yes the site is hard to navigate I couldn't find the tools mentioned in the video Kotinka posted.

I just googled them as in "SMART recovery CBA exercise and I found the american site where the tool chest is and all the exercises are there and some really interesting articles and videos- I signed up for the UK site but there isn't much in the online community. It also works like facebook and other users on the site can IM you like the facebook chat option wasn't quite ready for that so had to rebuff someone quite quickly - to be honest they were a newbie looking for help with the site and there were only a few online to ask - Wasn't you was it??? :)

no one will be angry with you pippin for worrying about what to do..
please dont worry about your kids being taken away while you are asking for and receiving help. Local authorities would far rather keep a family together as long as the children are being well looked after and not in danger (DH works in a child care residential unit and believe me, it takes a lot of steps to get children out of a home, unless there is serious urgency like sexual assault etc). The fact you have recognised the problem, are seeking help and want to change will be seen as a positive thing.
AA is anonymous but not for everyone. You can refer to your GP as lots of the Babes on here have done, or you can try to make changes bit by bit with the help of friends and us. You have lots of options, but if you carry on as you are and DON'T change, then yes, your children are at risk. You won't be the first Babe on here either who has been down that particular road.

Oh Pippin I'm sorry I'm not getting angry - you don't have to do anything - You are welcome here whatever route you decide to take/try - keep posting

Welcome Pippin - good luck and welcome. You will not be judged here. Alcoholism/addiction is an illness. I so envy people who don't lie awake feeling thirsty an ashamed. I envy people who don't think about wine ALL DAY and panic that there might not be enough in the house. I could go on...

Pippin can you get an emergency docs appt today or tomorrow - try to explain what you are doing and he may be able to give you something for anxiety ie valium to help you over the first couple of days.

In my experience (and you can look back at my posts 3 weeks ago) I had cravings, sweats, sleepnessness and some palpitations but nothing too dramatic, some 'bottom problems' strange pains all over (but not so bad just withdrawal pains I think). But remember everyones different and either go to doc or do some reading online to prepare yourself.

And I just took the day in little segments - even if that segment meant just lying on my bed or browsing the internet, having a bath or making myself some tea and biscuits. Baby Steps. and my mantra of course I WILL NOT BE DRINKING TODAY.

Make a plan for yourself and just see how it goes - there is a saying called play the video forward to the end. Think about taking the first glass of wine in the morning and then visualise what your day/evening will be like - remember all the shame and embarrasment, the hiding booze and secret drinking, the can't be bothered to get presentable, play with kids or interact with anybody but the bottle of wine, the feelings of helplessness- is this really all there isness. The wake up next morning and 'god help me never again' and then the trip to the shop to start all over again.

I'm off to the cinema but will check back later on.

Thanks Gugg. Good advice. I'm actually quite surprised at how laid back I've been. I haven't invested much of 'me' so I'm not finding it stressful, really. I've offered a listening ear and will leave it at that. There is a huge part of me that isn't sure I'm ready for a 'proper' relationship until I beat this feckin' drink problem. If I'm around anyone long enough they'll be bound to guess. I've made some horrendous dating mistakes through alcohol and pretty sure I 'lost' one chap that I really liked after 6 weeks because of it.

Hmmmm custard yellow, you say? Yes, yes, I can see that! I'm liking your ideas, you style guru, you! I was thinking the material should be brush nylon - that would look fab!

Deter.. I just don't know what to do, jp is freind of the family, of course he has all his marbles but last time I went I could see on screen what mother had said about me! Sleep non stop, get up, read, play and dinner, go to bed.. Nosey cow.

Deter.. I just don't know what to do, jp is freind of the family, of course he has all his marbles but last time I went I could see on screen what mother had said about me! Sleep non stop, get up, read, play and dinner, go to bed.. Nosey cow.

(Really ashamed. DD just came in my bedroom, all washed and dressed and said "Bye then, see you later" Me: "Where are you going?" DD: "To Laura's, remember? I asked you last night and you said it was OK" Me: (In a breezy, 'what a daft, forgetful Mum' sort of way) "Oh, yes, I remember". Please tell me I'm not alone in this? Deep, deep shame. I'm not going to be able to fool her for much longer. This needs to be sorted out now.)

pippin the advice from ma and others is excellent. it doesn't really matter what is written in your notes- your GP must respect your confidentiality. He /she will be able to give you a prescription if that is what you need.You've done the right thing in joining the bus- that's a great start.

Ok, if you gave up drinking now this minute,can you name 3 ambitions you would love to achieve?

aww purple yeah, I can relate to that one. My memory and speech are affected when I drink. Are you ok, lovely?

Oh purple don't be too hard on yourself - I do this all the time when not been drinking - I have ADD and find it really hard to pay attention! - also she could be trying it on - I used to do that all the time to my mum - "remember I told you last week" etc...

Sod you for all being so bloody lovely!! I feel panicked, if they tell HV etc...say I'm not good enough etc, although my house is always clean, never tidy, have good dinners etc, just so depressed from it, I know its depression speaking..but can't go on without help, so the wine is the answer, although it makes it ten fold....I'm not totaly crap, they had baths, clean beds, vacuumed, still think I'm a crap blot on their lives... Cuz of friggin wine!!!