The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Are Going To Need A Bigger Bus!

[Mouseface]

Hello, tis me, Mouse

Welcome to the Brave Babes Battle Bus, it's a place of solace, support and sanctuary, but also it's also a Bus full of chatterboxes, waffling on about all sorts!

Our aim this year is to kick the WineWitch or WW into touch and get sober!

Some of the Babes on board are doing Dry January, some drink in moderation, some just 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.

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 hello. Post as much or as little as you like! It's all up to you.

For those who want to catch up - here is the PREVIOUS THREAD

And the first ever thread, with links to the others over the last almost 3 years! FIRST THREAD

Is anyone else starting to feel sorry for the oily squid?

Trinity fantastic you!! Wow, you've been through some really tough times and here you are like a shining beacon beaming over from the 'other side' (that's Boingland in case you didn't know). You are fabby, fabby, fabby. Great to hear from you again x

Ma so sorry for your poor brother. She's really got him in her grips hasn't she, the old witch. I do think your mum is right though, heartbreaking though it is, the only one who can really help is him. He has to want this more than anything, with his whole heart and soul. I hope he ask for that help soon x

Baby have you spoken to your GP about these symptoms. Might be best to just get some advice there x

Well it's the peak of the week again. Happy Hump Day everyone

Yes Faire lots of media attention this month, possibly because of hype with DJ and other charities doing the January detox thing. Like getting sober, it's happening in baby steps, my little practice, non mainstream and non generic is being signposted by GPs now, apparently women like us are 'niche' How little they know!

But remember the early 1970s?many adults smoked cigarettes, we didn?t use bike helmets, baby car seats hadn?t been invented and we rarely used our seat belts. All of that changed drastically in just 30+ years ? simply because people started talking about and sharing the new research and taking action as they gathered knowledge. So we have to do the same with this.

Isinde I think you of you often, and when I do it always makes me smile, in a good way, you just ooze goodness to me, not poonami's!

LRD hello, good to meet you, I don't come around often but wish sometimes the support on the bus could be cloned and put in every town in the country.

Soma the heels were nearly as dangerous as the booze, think JWN is the Queen of heels, and am well past it now, good sensible Miss Marple brogues might be more fitting! Hope Alfie is still joyous.

Trinity AMAZING!! I remember the start, you must be so proud.

Ma so sorry about your bro, dependence/misuse runs right through my family in different degrees, and I know how difficult self preservation is when you want to help so very much, and you just can do bugger all.

As all the lovely babes say, please just keep trying, this is a horrible month in so many other ways, but seeing it through sober gives you the edge.

Baby Sending big hugs for today. It's tough going through the sweats, palpitations and feeling sick and wobbly. Let us know how you get on if you get to the AA meeting. I keep skirting round the idea but lack the courage to actually go. Remember - drink lots of water and take the vits! It's good that you are thinking about Weightwatchers but be careful not to pile too much pressure on yourself just now.

Ma How are things today? Any news on DB?

Sarah You are so right about the country's conception of what is safe changing drastically over the past 30-ish years. I find it odd that whilst there is so much over-the-counter help for smokers, there is nothing for people like us who want to cut down or give up alcohol. Just think if we could have a mouth spray to quell the craving? Here's hoping it will change - soon.

Faire We appear to have over-used the squid........So...I've been out and bought and octopus - just to get us all through this crappy, crappy month.

Mouse So good to hear that Nemo is settling better than expected. x

purple you are sounding in good spirits, thanks for the advice. I'm so so bored of this ridiculous "journey". I am constantly baffled that I have survived and endure a very aggressive case of crohn's, survived divorce, had 2 premature c section babies and YET I cannot beat a stupid pathetic totally unnecessary bottle of wine!!!! The mind baffles!! X x

purple What have you done with the squid?? he was my friend..
have spoken to mum on phone this morning, she is in tears and hurting about DB. She has written him a letter but I have persuaded her not to post it and just send a card saying she loves him and is there for him always. I wish I could make it better
On a lighter note I am going to try to do a link now...drum roll - here is DD2 messing about singing and accompanying with the cup trick!

ma she is incredible, I'm sitting in the car myself and I'm smiling and bopping while watching the video, I look like a lunatic (even more than usual) x xx

Baby You've been through so much and STILL come out the other side - it just shows how strong you have been without, perhaps, noticing. The call of the wine bottle is strong and seductive but, Sweet, I think you are stronger. Keep on keeping on - you know you are worth it. some.ly/M3F5H3 Copy and past this link (sent to me last week when I was struggling by a Gorgeous Babe) x

Ma I think a simple card to say she loves him is the best idea. I can't imagine how bad things must feel for him right now. Did he get any professional help? You take care of you because this will affect you, too. As for the link! Fab! What a great voice your DD has! I so don't understand this cup trick thing - my DD is doing it too. Dry your eyes and don't worry your little head about the squid. He's recuperating at the home for Gentle Folk Squid! And is, apparently, very happy.

Right, can't sit round here bumping my gums with you lot all day! I have an appointment with Chrys (Alcohol Services) later. Not sure how much use she's going to be but I'll go anyway.

Laters p'taters! x

Woke up this morning in a panic thinking I'd had a heavy night drinking and within seconds went through all the usual anxieties wondering what I'd done/said etc BUT then realised I hadn't!!?? Please tell me someone else had done this, I think I'm loosing my marbles.
Anyway morning all and how cold is it bbbrrrrrr x

Oh ma what a bitter sweet post. I'm very sorry and sad for your family, I hope your db is okay and surfaces soon. Your DD is beautiful and talented. I'm sorry I've fallen off the path and into sidecar, can't seem to find motivation to get out, into the tiredness cycle, tired and grumpy so drink, more tired and grumpy next day and so it goes on. DS up at 5.30am - still hope to break the cycle today will get into my pjs and into bed early.

purple well done this week and good luck at your meeting. Big welldone to all babes managing abstinence and a wave to those with me in the sidecar x

Just quickly before I dash out - Tiger Dreams about drinking are common when you are trying to give up. I've had those dreams and done exactly the same as you when I woke up - feeling panic and disappointment. It may be that you just haven't consciously remembered the dream but just the feeling?

Thanks Gorgeous Koti! Feeling a lot more positive today. Don't know why but I'm not going to question it. x

Green Thank you. x

kot yes we are of Irish descent, both my parents are Irish.
Her hair is fabulous when it is down, all curly and lush.
I will try and post a video of her singing properly one day - if I can figure out how to do it!

Thank you purple and kot very wierd but feel better knowing I'm not alone with it!

DD wanted to watch "Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents" last night but the answer was a firm no. Had a quick look to see what it was about and was absolutely appalled at the level of binge-drinking (and this from a binge-drinker). Shots, things called "fish bowls" and worst of all an inhalation device which allows users to inhale a mixture of oxygen and alcohol which goes straight into the bloodstream.

Why is this condoned? As far as I'm concerned it's far far worse than a load of ravers getting off their heads on E and the danger it puts young people in is frightening. Don't the authorities care?

day 12

good luck with the meeting purple

ma hugs to you and your your brother and poor mother. my kindle won't let me watch videos, I will try and get on the proper computer later

babyjane I think dealing with alcohol is actually harder than all those things you listed. because let's face it you don't have any choice with illness or divorce, you just have to get on with it. people used to tell me how 'brave' I was when I was ill/having surgery, and I would think, umm, what's the alternative?!

whereas with you have to make that decision to not drink Every Single Day. hope that makes sense...

Hi everyone.

Hope today is treating you well - purple, so glad you are feeling better now.

I am another one who knows what you mean, tiger. I've not done this recently, but a while back I got in my car and I felt a horrible headache come on. So I instantly panicked and thought, shit, am I driving when I'm hungover? When did I last have a glass of wine? I seriously had a moment when I thought I must have forgotten getting drunk and would need to get a taxi. And then I realized I it was actually just a headache - I hadn't had a drink for six months.

It is the oddest thing.

sarah - yes, I agree with you: attitudes have to change on booze. Especially for young people I think. If you get into it quite young I think it's harder to shake, and you do so much damage before you know.

Anyway ... after that depressing thought ... I am onto day 7. Cautiously optimistic.

Thank you!

And yes ... it was ridiculous.

Ok I haven't read any posts I just opened up the thread and landed on ma's youtube link.

Ma she is incredible!!! My toddler has come running over to see the music. Wow! What a talent. She has one of those really true enduring voices. Wow! Hope she gets talent spotted (or whatever it is) soon.