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.

Are you taking you vitamins Ma - like a good girl!?

Hi all, today is day 2 for me . Embarrassingly I don't remember the last time I went 2 days without alcohol Made Sunday lunch while drinking an elderflower, lime and fizzy water- very nice, not my usual routine tho! Ah the wine witch, I get it now- she's a nasty piece of work. Bad day- wine will help. Good day- let's celebrate with a wine. There's always an excuse. Purple- I used to see a man standing over my bed, bloomin scary! I slept so badly last night, probably due to not drinking. Kotinka- good idea to write the positives down to look back on for motivation. Now for my day 2 mantra- I will not drink today.

hi babes

mouse you are a very surprising person- I had no idea that you had been interviewed, although I knew you had suffered dv in the past. Glad you are here and safe. What does nemo think he sees at night? Can he explain? Very interesting.

I was fine after posting last night and it's taken me this long to understand that I can come here when I have a craving rather than the naice wine aisle in M&S.This is my 6th af day and I won't be drinking. Koti-it wasn't smug at all, I'm feeling 1 million times better than I did a few days ago but I'm still in that glow of having achieved something, for me there is a long way to go.

Hope you don't mind but I never make it to day 6 so I'm going to write down a few benefits:
Sleeping really well,skin feels nice not dry because I'm dehydrated,I'm not bloated, I love waking up without a hangover and I feel good. Pulls smug knickers up a bit,new feeling for the likes of me!

ma and Tiger hang in there, I'm hoping it will get easier soon.

purple not sleeping is horrible, hope tonight is better for you.

ma you've been on such a high the last few days and no doubt were expecting to see some benefits after all the hard work you've put in. the adrenaline is starting to fade, but you have done absolutely brilliant to get this far. you definitely deserve a (non- alcoholic) treat! you have inspired me and others to go for dry January.

were doing pest control here, we were going to wait till DDs new bed arrives, but decided to fog the room today. hundreds of tiny critters now all over the windowsill - the good news is they appear to be dying!

Blimey Joey big operation for you! Bug Exterminator extrordinaire! I so hope it (and the new bed) sorts the problem. It's been awful for you all.

Koti Well done you! Love to read about you positive results - not smug at all. x

Gugg Got my fingers crossed for you for a day 6 victory!

Make That means we are both on day two. Good for you getting through dinner without wine.

Thurso Didn't you have probs with this tutor before. Sounds so upsetting after all your hard work. Sorry to hear.

Mouse thanks for the lovely pom-pom waving! Appreciated!.

Feeling like a bad Mum. DD has gone out with friends but DS1 and 2 want to do experiments from the experiment making Christmas presents they got. I've done one with them (and one on Friday) but the volcano one needs cooking oil and vinegar amongst tons other things - and lots of concentration. They are too young to do it by themselves and I am too tired. I don't want to lose my temper with them so I'm putting them off. I think the rule should be - whoever bought these type of Christmas presents should have them at his house!

gugg smug knickers? Got to get me a pair of them!

Thanks all. Just back from a 6 mile walk with dds which was nice, as we rarely do things together now.I am very very tired. Perhaps been doing the health and fitness thing a bit, especially with dieting and no booze. My body is struggling to adapt.
I want results though, and I want them NOW!
I am starting to sleep better though so hopefully passed that phase, and feel less bloated so just have to keep at.
indie keep checking in. We miss you ya daft tart.

OK! Feeling like a good Mum (well sort of!) Re-read what I'd written and just went off and helped him out! We did the lava lamp experiment, though, as the volcano one needs to be outdoors - I'm not that good! x

Hi guys, haven't been posting simply because I'm not succeeding in not drinking, I don't want to bring down the great positive vibe you guys have going!!! It sounds so lame saying I can't not buy wine. Anyway I'm going to try again with today being my day 1. By the way all your lovely success stories are very Inspiring and keep me hopeful that
I can stop drinking. The burden of guilt is destroying me, I am not a productive wife or mother yet my family mean everything to me which
Must mean I'm just plain selfish. Anyway I'm rambling, all your help and support much appreciated

Was just going to shout for you Baby! Well done for coming back. xx

Already sent you my few ideas. The Babes will come up with more/better/relevant advice. Don't forget to keep drinking that water. xxx

Smug kickers are rather marvellous. In fact I've ordered in a job lot for the babes.

I've had to guess your sizes though My what a lot of big pants!

ma the exercise sounds brilliant but maybe you ned to rest tonight.

Hey Koti* Keep thinking about you! Why? Because there appears to be QS wrappers all round my house! Tin has only 3 left. Package on it's way soon. x

baby sorry cross posts.

Taking the smug knickers off for a bit, I'm usually to be found lurking in the sidecar. But keep reading and posting. I'm convinced that the uncomfortable feelings brought up by drinking / not drinking WILL eventually move on to a decision to stop or control alcohol.

You're not selfish, none of us are. Keep trying, keep reading. Try the smart recovery tool thingy from green's post the other day- makes you think. I read a couple of recovery books over the christmas period and they helped me to begin to cut down. Lots of sympathy.

babyjane you are nor selfish - it's an addiction!

since I'm in charge of opal fruits I'm going to award ma first choice of any colour you like (except the yellow ones, they're mine )

Hi Babes Not a lot to report today, slept in till 1pm with no sleeping pills so I finally think my body clock is returning to normal Got appt with Doc tomorrow mornig and thinking of telling him honestly (sortof!!) about the booze as I'm feeling really positive. Its back to work for me after three months off and I'll be doing a 'return to work plan' so it'll be nice and easy for first week or two. Going to AA meeting tomorrow lunchtime as I like the routine of having stepping stones through the week to keep me in check. So it's Monday lunchtime - I call it the sofa meeting - very calming and all about keeping it simple one day at a time - Wednesday evening womens meeting - the cakes and candlelight one bit like the bus in RL and Saturday lunchtime - the busy meeting -always full of surprises a bit of an everyman/woman reminder.

I'm all alone again as both DDs are back in London for college etc but not filling my time getting rat-arsed around the clock means I have more time for outside activites - currently involved in village campaign against new housing development so will get cracking with that for the next month. Must keep busy as I know that its so easy to get complacent and think I've got it cracked when I know its really only the beginning of a long journey.

BabyJane keep trying to get past that first day - you will succeed, I'm here rooting for you. Gugg well done on day 6 absolutely fantastic you must be feeling the benefits by now. Makemestronger you are stronger feel the force baby and keep going forward.

I WILL NOT BE DRINKING TODAY.

Hey you guys, I love that you are all so so supportive and always full of encouragement, I feel better already. As I've said before the
Plain truth is that life without wine is boring, it's like wine is my friend, comforts me when I'm sad, fuzzies the monotony of the day, quietens the sound of the children and and fills the little cracks of disappointment that no one else can see, it's a lot to give up!!!!! The truth is my health and my bank balance is suffering, it's not reallly a choice, I simply cannot continue drink 1 and a half bottles per day and not expect any consequences.. My 2 girls (who are cuddling on the couch) need me to be around as long as possible so it's a no brainer, I must do this but I'm just doing one day a time, less daunting and I cannot even begin to emphasise how much having all you superbabes for support. It feels good to know I'm not alone xxxxxxx

I understand the 'boring' feeling. That's what always gets me started again - however, this time I'm going to really try to focus on the wasted hours in bed/feeling shit/moping around the next day that following the 'not being boring' evenings spent drinking. I'm going to get back into my swimming and gymming, go to the cinema, do 'stuff'. Its the end of day six and back to work 'properly' tomorrow. I've had to cope with my toxic mother today - and also watch her and dh drinking, so if I can get through that, I can get through anything - and I have my stress reducing Smudgecatmonster I hope evryone is having a good evening! xx

it's like wine is my friend,
It's like a crap,toxic friend who keeps stealing your best things. I've only been sober for 6 days so I ought to shut it but I honestly feel so much better and happier.

koala can I ask a couple of questions? Well, not actually waiting for the answers- After my aa meeting the others asked if I would like to come and have coffee with the group. I said no because I wanted to be by myself. Do most people go on to socialise after, was I being a wuss in refusing? Also I'm going to a lunchtime meeting tomorrow and a women's meeting on tuesday, do you think that is about the right amount?

baby jane you have a choice. A choice for a brighter future with you dc. Losing the booze will make you feel better about yourself. By drinking nightly you are locked in the cycle of derpession self pity intoxication. And don't think of it as missing out you are sooo not honey. It is not something to be coveted it destroys families. make your plan. Hour by hour. Day by day and don't expect too much from yourself. I have been there when the thought of not having my wine was the worst thing in the world. Drinking alcohol is a progressive activity. Now it is one and a half bottles, next it will be two and then who knows??? Unless you make some changes. This destructive cycle will get worse and worse. Time to give yourself a break hun!

Make that plan and keep posting. Xxxx

Green opal fruit for me please

Hi everyone, got past the worst time for me- yey!
ma will you share the green opal fruits?!
baby one day at a time [hugs]
guggenheim love the smug knickers, mine are a size 6
koalakube the force is strong!