The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Travelling Far And Wide, With Sobriety In Mind.

[Mouseface]

Welcome to the Bus one and all! I'm Mouse, one of the Brave Babes :)

We have a new line that we're taking with us on every journey, thanks to one of our wonderful Babes, Curry -

Alcohol Fosters Inertia.

So when you're drinking excessively, nothing changes, or improves, the sharp edges of our lives just becomes that little bit less in focus, blurred and all you feel is numb. Then like shit (emotionally, as well as physically) if you're honest! Who wants that?

You are only ever better/pacified/happy whilst the alcohol is in your system. And that doesn't last........... it's not a cure, it's a quick fix. A sticking plaster.

So, if you think you're drinking too much, and want some friendly advice, or just to come and have a chat, get to know others who are just like you, who won't judge or criticise you, then hop on board! :)

We're a really mixed bunch and all at different stages of our journey to find sobriety or certainly drinking in a more controlled, less dangerous way.

And, if you'd like to see where we've been so far, have a look at the links below :)

LAST THREAD

THE STARTING POINT AND WHY WE'RE ALL HERE

Hi babes on day 2/3/4/ whateves.

At my meeting last night a newish girl said " I wish I could do what you all can"

Honestly, it is totally possible to get past the 'grin and bare it' (bet i've spelled bare wrong) and onto to the 'couldn't give a shit about booze stage'. I think about drink but so far haven't relapsed, when or if I do relapse I'll just get my fat arse back to AA & start over.

In the first few days and weeks just grit your teeth and go to bed early- white knuckle it through. I hid in bed and sometimes had to stuff my fist in my mouth to keep my big gob closed- to make sure that I didn't BEG dh to get some boozo in.
What happened?

The first 3 days SUCKED then every subsequent day the cravings just got a little bit less, every day. Sometimes I have a spell of time when I want to drink and i have to eat/ get in the bath/ go for a walk/ call someone and then it goes. All the bad,hard times were difficult but if i held on they went away and I was left feeling a little stronger fatter.

Please just give it time, stick with your resolve and give the WW a miss.

louiseaaa hi those tips about staying away from the WW sound good- any favourites? Which ones work for you?

Tango First day 4 is great, well done. I know what you mean about just wanting to be a casual drinker, in a take it or leave it kind of way but I am not sure if that is possible for everyone. I can't speak for you but I know when a friend told me she wouldn't be drinking at a party at the weekend because she had 'a few' the weekend before and was still getting over it, i was For me, NOT to drink is a very considered decision, TO drink is the default setting.

Everytime I think about cutting it out completely I get very cross and defiant and basically think NO WAY/Why the hell should I?. So just for the moment, I am not drinking tonight. I know I have a big issue and would be better off never having another sip but that is SO overwhelming that I can't quite promise that to myself. Hopefully as day 3 passes I will feel stronger.

louiseaaa and guggenheim ( and the many others who I can't begin to name check sorry!) are inspiration indeed and proof that life can be pretty nice without the constant head wars of when/how much/blah.

Planning to beat WW tonight

.guggen I'm a great believer in "paying it forward" which is essentially one good turn deserves another. In my hour of desparate need you, mouse, green, faire, thurso, ladame, purps, inside, koala, ma, ladame, alias, thisis and many others gave me hope, showed me warmth and kindness, patiently let me fail and try again and never judged me. I am certain you guys saved my relationship, my spirit and Crikey maybe even my life. It's only right I carry on the gift this sisterhood gave me. When I think back to those days I actually shudder and that's in no small part down to you so let's both smile tonight, hell everybody reading this SMILE. Xxx

baby i don't really do emotion (am nuts) but BLUBBER!!!!

[big,sexy millionaire who loves housework & can cook]

The bus has saved my sorry ass over & over again. And allowed me to talk about STUFF that I needed to get out there. I do think about you lots & this time it's always with a smile.

beaches the really scary stuff is admitting you have a problem- so well done. If or when you are ready it will all just fall into place,though it can be a painful awakening at times.

< think I have a little dust in my eye >

sniff

tango day 4 is the killer for me, every time. Keep at it.
I am in epic fail mode yet again -AF and low carb both shot to shit. Why the fuck can't I stick to anything that makes me feel better about myself? What is WRONG with me?
I also vote for Mouse/souris for Anglo/French presidency.
alias my brother is doing so well. Still sober, living in his own little flat now with some support, working in a charity shop and community garden, joined the local'philately society and studying for a pyscology and mental health qualification.'just got an A for his first assignment. 4 months ago he couldn't walk unaided, wanted to kill himself and spent all day crying and drinking. I am so proud of him I could burst. I am a disgrace, given what he has been through and achieved.

beaches I feel the same, just think about not drinking today, tomorrow will take care of itself, guggs I'm still smiling, sober too, who'd have thought it!! I used to only smile after the first flush of wine, then followed by crying, the things we do eh!!! Xxxx

I love you Baby, I really do. YOU are a real trooper, a fighter and you deserve to be happy, healthy and here xxx

As do all of you.... here now, here before, here reading.

I too live by Pay. It. Forward.

Especially with having Nemo - we never know what we will face next, what condition they, THEY, The Powers That Be will tell us our darling boy has next........

DH and I look at things now in a different light, we expect the worst so that when that isn't delivered, we're overjoyed with the outcome :)

I know that sounds grim and I suppose negative but after 4+ years of losing pieces of him, losing battles, losing him quite literally too almost 3 times, we find that this way works for us. Sorry if that upsets anyone, that's not my intention.

Life is so very precious. My keeping this thread going? It's part of my Pay It Forward. :)

Well done to all Babes who have managed to get through tonight dry.... to those who are drinking, tomorrow is a whole new day.

And the Bus will be here for you then, and the day after and the day after that too............

Goodnight Babes xxx

Night babes sending you all good vibes of positivity over the air waves x I'm hoping for a deep refreshing sleep :) a far cry from three nights ago.. Best of all no sweats in the morning :) x for those who have not beaten the wine witch/butch bitch! Tomorrow can be day one xxx

I've got to day four, I've been here before though. It's usually by day 12 that I lose it and go on a spree.

I must admit last night was hard because DH was out and my default setting is to neck a load. The awful thing about that habit is that we're 20 miles from civilisation and if anything were to happen to the children, I'd be scunnered. Anyway, I got through but I was a bitch.

The next big challenge will be Friday because its Friday and because I'm going out. One of my friends is going late and can't drink because she's on call so I'm going to chum her and try to fly under the radar.

I told DH that I'm not drinking at the moment (haven't told him about my 100 days grand plan because I've not got enough faith in my ability to do it yet). I told him that its because I was ill over the summer (I had shingles) and I'm still suffering with fatigue so I've decided to have a bit of a lifestyle overhaul. I know it's not the full story but it's not a lie and it's a good reason why I should be abstaining.

There we go, another essay

jango you rock

"fire in your belly and love in your heart"

What a fantastic message mouse, says it all.

I've had a very strange evening.
One o my triggers is home alone boredom etc and I've just noticed its 10.15pm and I've not once thought 'ooh I wish I could have a line'.
Very odd but delighted!
It's half a day at a time babes!

Not much to add but bus hug and baby you rock.

ma you are far from a disgrace you are having AF days now and tomorrow is another day.

Keep on keeping on all, you've saved me from the WW today and feeling crap tomorrow mwah x

Good Morning! I feel like a f**king rock star this morning. I had a long bath last night and got through it.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Today feels like it will be slightly easier for some reason.
Life is so much better without alcohol.
xxx

socfish brilliant post oozing enthusiasm, so chuffed for you xxxxx

I was so close to giving in last night. I think I will hang out here a bit more. :-)

I so badly don't want to go back to that awful stuff. I can't believe how much better everything is when I'm not drunk and/or hungover.

Day 8 and I'm not drinking today.

socfish Well done! And this time difference thing really works for me - my evening begins and you post and remind me of how good it is to wake up with no hangover. Phew, urge diverted!

Wanted to post something about how the babes are all so brilliant at looking after each other and encouraging us newbies. But it sounded twee so I decided not to!

Delighted to have been of service! :-)

Well done Socfish the feeling of achievement and happiness when you beat the WW is like no other!

I have always thought the saying 'nothing tastes as good as being slim feels' to be rubbish, if it was true I wouldn't look like the back of a bus, BUT I do believe that no night spent with the WW (in whatever circumstances) is as rewarding as being sober, guilt-free and in control.

I had a dream last night that I drank a gin and tonic, I woke up in a cold sweat and felt so relieved it was a dream. I know just one drink will tip me back to the bottom of the hill again. I find it so so hard to become AF again once I have started. So actually was glad to wake up this morning for a change.

Have a good day babes.
Has anyone seen Lonnika lately? Where are you Lonnie?

Pink X

Soc very well done! I'm shaking my virtual pompoms in support!
This is a great thread cannot believe I haven't joined before reading through is really inspirational and today will be a CC bashing day, maybe she can kick the WW ass!

Babyjane Awww

Morning all babes Day 4/7 for me, today I will not be drinking. Tonight is dd's last night before her return to Uni in Bordeaux So, making barbeque spare ribs and chips and a carrot cake (not all in the same pan), getting her stuff together, going shopping for her b'day present, sorting some stuff out with my car and trying very hard not to think how empty and quiet the house will be when she's gone. The dog keeps sitting in her suitcase (he knows). So tomorrow night I can have a day 'on' and I might well need it.

Jango You sound so different lovely. So much more positive, keep it up - we're all cheering for you.

Why Can't get you out of my mind, are you ok?

This is How are things with you?

Love to all today from a very windy, rainy and grey France. x

Soc, Flumpy and beaches Well done babes

Flumpy WW and CC in a fight? Imagine how dirty that could get and how long it could go on for .....

Duck make a rock solid plan for Friday. Make sure you know what to order for your first drink. Say it over and over and when you get to the bar just order 'soda water with a dash of lime, ice and a slice, please'. Don't even think about what you could have or might have had if you were drinking.

Also, use this as your first test that you are keen to pass. It's like, you know all the theory, now it's time for the practical

Plan, plan, plan, plan, plan.

Well done SocFish, Flumpy and jango

Hi to Chongo, I agree

Pink I've had those dreams as well. I believe that it's your brain adjusting to the new lack of stimulus from alcohol and means that good things are happening to you. Your body is readjusting and getting used to the new you. That's my theory anyway.

Another shout out for Lonnika and Why and anyone else who hasn't posted in a while. Sorry to name check, I really should write everyone's names down. There must be hundreds of us now.

Don't get lost in the crowd babes. Each and every one of you is missed and thought of, please come back with an update whenever you can x