The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Wading Through Winter Blues Without The Booze!

[Mouseface]

I'm Mouse, nice to meet YOU.

This is a thread for those who want to give up drink completely, or are maybe thinking about doing controlled drinking, or cutting down slowly, it's all up to you. And of course all addictions, so if you are taking drugs of any kind, prescription or otherwise, you're very welcome here too!

You know your limits, you know what is required, it's all in YOUR hands.

Whatever your goal, you'll find unconditional support here. Always. :)

There will be talk of drinking quite often and those who fall off the Bus will post about it, so if that is going to jeopardise your chances of complete sobriety, then maybe the DRY threads would suit you better, as they are complete abstainers, but EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE :)

There are two sayings that we rather like here -

1. • The Vulnerable Need Our Support, Not Our Judgement
2. • Alcohol Fosters Inertia

For those of you who'd like some history, here is the very first thread and the reason that we're all here now. FIRST EVER THREAD

And the most recent so you can work your way back through time IS JUST HERE

The Bus may be 'mythical', but the support is real, it is honest and it will help you to achieve what it is that YOU seek, as long as you are honest with us, but mostly, YOURSELF

Mouse xxx

shared a bottle with boyfriend. feel crap today, not hungover, just bleugh and disappointed - absolutely nothing gained.
I need to get through the holiday before I can do this properly.
on a plus note, I'm meeting friends this afternoon and DRIVING. Afternoon drinking is a big no no for me, cos when everyone leaves after 2 or 3, I go home and crack open a bottle ( having already drunk more than everyone at the meet up). we end by 6 and historically I'd be half cut by then. got no problems doing it, this genuinely is a situation where I don't care whether I'm drinking or not.
Dd is at a party tonight and I'm going to offer to pick her up after, if she accepts, I won't be able to drink at all today.
I know that's not a brilliant way to look at it, but it's still not drinking on a Friday night which would be great as I am playing tennis in the morning and I'm sick of doing it feeling like I'm going to pass out / throw up

onwards and upwards babes.

play was mega brilliant!

Morning beautiful babes

looking I've been thinking about you because I know you appreciate the true horror of crappy workplaces. Is there any way you can freelance/ supply/ go part time? It feels so good to be out of it all,the anxiety is pretty much gone. I spent some of yesterday checking my phone and email for snotty messages before remembering that they can't get to me anymore wheeeeeeeeeeee! My workplace was broken beyond repair thanks to mr Gove. Really recommend leaving.

flumpy and tortoise congratulations on fighting the battle. It's not easy but the only way to be sane and happy is to stay away from bastard booze/drugs.

ma oooh what will you read? That sounds wonderful and well deserved.
mouse how adorable. Did you have a little (proud) cry?
'Lo there faire end of term is nigh!

isinde it's fascinating talking to long term sober people. That kind of serenity only comes with really long term understanding of life. Hmmm.From what I've seen,if you can get to about 2 years sober then people seems to be much stronger and sorted without any cravings or curiousity about booze any more. I didn't make it that far,I don't think I have the strength to make it that far. Bloody booze manages to trip me up again and again.

Still I went to bed sober and today I will not be drinking. I don't care that it's friday,I'd rather have a good night's sleep than a crappy,calorie laden drink tonight.

Hi little it's hard getting through that 'I need a reward' feeling. But you had quite a few af free nights- so well done. Good idea to drive today,drinking in the afternoon is fatal. I always used it as starters and then went home for more

Really not worth drinking and playing tennis- lol!

Mouse do all the children sign, or is it just Nemo? And do school teach it, or do you? At our school, we all sign, especially the little ones. It helps them to remember the words when they are singing.

Tortoise well done on 28 days, it's so great to hear from you. Anytime you want to pop in and remind us all of the merits of not drinking, you are more than welcome. Bet you are as bright eyed and bushy tailed as Nemo this morning.

little I think these small strategies you are putting into place for each day, or even just part of one day, are really valuable and are going to help you so much. You are taking control one day at a time, one hour at a time, one outing at a time and it's working for you, don't knock it, it's a great way to deal with it. Every single day without a drink is a bonus

flumpy so glad you popped in last night, that is exactly what this bus is for. It's here and there will usually be someone around fairly soon if you give a shout out. You have done so well and you know that's just the weed witch whispering in your eye, telling you lies. Don't listen to her, you are doing great. Do you feel better this morning or is the lack of sleep holding you back? Have you seen the gp for any help with sleeping?

Hi guggs, I'm ready for end of term now, I'm on my knees. Egg hunt today (if it stays dry) and then the hallowed 'golden time' this afternoon

well I've text her, so no going back now..... just hope she says yes!

Morning babes Hey, it's Friday - we made it through the week You sound so positive guggs it's lovely to hear!

Yesterday I made an appt with GP, but it's not for 10 days and presumably will take longer to get HRT and start it working. So in a panic I rushed off the the health food shop to look for black cohosh. They didn't have any, and somehow the shop assistant managed to sell me some sage tincture instead. At 8 a bottle.

I felt like a right mug, there's no evidence this stuff even works - that's how desperate I was! But a couple of years ago, I would have bought wine instead to see me through. Assuming I spent 5 every other day for the next 10 days, that would have been 25. So maybe, a bottle of herbal tincture isn't so bad. Actually I feel a bit better thinking of it like that. Maybe the stuff won't work, but at least I didn't default to buying wine

alias isn't it amazing how out minds work, I was looking at books in the supermarket and thought after much deliberating that it was too selfish to buy myself a book when the kids need new clothes for Spring (should it ever arrive) so a I wistfully returned the book, then without a second thought I put the wine In my trolley which cost more than the book and would give me limited pleasure and nasty symptoms afterwards and did not question the stupidity of my choice, it's actually bonkers so you enjoy whatever simple pleasures "get you through the night" GIILT FREE

Indie that sounds lovely. I might come down with them next time and come and visit!
Has massage today with the lovely Derek who made me cry with laughter with various non PC comments about life as a gay masseur...I'm sure he makes it all up but god, he makes me laugh.
Not sure what to do with myself tomorrow...a whole fabulous day just for me. Shall I drive us all somewhere nice on the bus? I'm think of maybe going to st Andrews to walk along the West Sands.

Hello gorgeous Babes - I'm off out but have done the new thread for when you need it either tonight or tomorrow.

Please stay and fill this one up first so that we don't leave anyone behind and can someone C&P the URL onto the last lage so that no-one is left wandering aimlessly :(

See you all soon xxx

THIS IS THE NEW THREAD FOR YOU GORGEOUS BABES, OLD OR NEW, COME ON, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Thank you mouse

ma hope you have a lovely time enjoying some peace and quiet, sounds like bliss. Day 5 feeling flat tonight, feel like a child who's lost their dummy, have booked a yoga class first thing tomorrow and dd2 into crèche, I put obstacles in my wyndy wine path (nearly put windy wine path) silly really but an early start driving and putting my body into ridiculous positions will ensure I remain sober tonight!! Love to all my fellow babes tonight, sober Fridays are hard, knowing
most" "normal" people are enjoying a glass or 2 is tough but then I must accept I'm not "normal"

Only one bottle of beer tonight. When I am relaxed and happy and unstressed, I don't need to drink. There's a surprise.

And maybe, there's the answer ma.

One day... has more than one meaning on this bus doesn't it. Enjoy your peace.

Night all x

Goodnight my lovlies, I made it by the skin of my teeth, thanks to this bus and my dear friends on it xxx

didn't have to transport the teenager in the end, my brother offered ( he walked to get her, just round the corner from him) and took me out for a drink. and then I drank wine at home with bf. didn't get drunk, feel fine today, I'm not even getting stressed about this until after holiday now. If I can't get myself sorted then, I have a bigger problem than I thought.
I won't drink tomorrow or Monday, I know that, but then it's holiday mode for 9 days. our friends we are visiting ( we are travelling 6000 miles) are throwing a party in our honour. can't see that going without a drink or two.

One day indeed my lovelies.....
Still bed at this hour with coffee and toast and a whole empty day to play with.
Today, life is good.

ma squidge up xxxxxx

Well, the infection has cleared up but now I'm full of cold BUT I am having a lovely restful day and going to join baby and ma in her bed with coffee, toast and a good book.

Might get up for cake but apart from that I'm not doing' nuffin.

Day 1 here, had a funny sort of a week, drinking between half a glass and a glass of wine each night. Which I suppose is sort of pointless so not sure why I drank at all. It's danger time for me the next two weeks as the kids are off school and there isn't the pressure of getting up for the school run to keep me on track.

H is back home and it seems impossible but another adult in the house has massively added to the mess! It should be easier with two of us but it's harder. I find it frustating and it demotivates me as well - if I'm by myself I just get on with things but if he's here not helping I just feel like why should i? I end up resentful and in a pretty foul mood to be honest.

Oh well, onwards and upwards

Hello all you lovely Brave Babes

It's been a while since I've been here, I've been lurking, drinking in moderation and being stressed in the middle of buying the flat. Freeholder keeps trying to change the goal posts right at the final stages before exchange little shit and I'm not havin any of itta (said in my proper souf London accent)

Really good to hear you're all doing ok. Rural lambs sound adorable

Beaches peanut, where have you been? your recent ice storm sounded horrid and no internet Hope you're ok Babe?

I'm happy birthday for whenever yours was, don't think you said? I was 47 on Mother's Day - had a great day with my DD's, Brother. Very peaceful, if not slightly tipsy

Happy Easter holidays to you all. I'm very relieved to have a break from the routine of 'have you brushed your teeth' 'do you need your PE kit today' 'what do you mean you can't find your other shoe' 'get out of the door NOW or we're going to be late' - you all know the drill I usually have my exorcist voice on and usually shout

Sorry I'm not going to NC. welcome little you are doing really well

Hugs to you all. Ma enjoy your weekend 'home alone' sounds bliss

xxx

Spanna, hello flower I have been wondering how you were. Glad you are channeling your saaaf London don't take no crap self when dealing with the seller. What a pain he sounds. Perhaps you could unleash your exorcist voice on him

The storm here passed but Spring is still struggling to load, I am drinking and lurking but fell out of the habit of posting. Quietly cheering and nodding most the time . Anyway good to see you, waves to all other brave babes

just filling up the thread here (have already posted on new one) tee hee!

Beaches yep drinking and lurking sound familiar. I feel that I don't want to post when I've had a drink I already know that I'll have a few this evening, the old 'I know this friend will drink, so I will too' how pathetic does that sound?? Urgh. I was quite determined to do a 'Dry April' and then various friends who I hadn't seen over the weekend wanted to buy me bday drinks Hopeless. Then I get to thinking, 'do I really want to be sober' , then I remember how good I felt during AF January. Anyway bit of a woffle there, just a few thoughts.....

Spanna Yes exactly, when I have drunk and have the intention of drinking I sort of feel bad posting. I am still having some af days but then I will have a run of 3 or 4 days drinking the best part of a bottle. Usually a grim hungover morning will motivate me to stop for a few days. There we are, I am waffling now (although I like woffling more ). Happy Birthday by the way.