The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Sipping Super Summer Mocktails Whilst Soaking Up Some Sun.

[Mouseface]

Hello, tis me, Mouse

I'm what some would call a 'controlled' drinker these day, but I wasn't always and I'm not alone on this wonderful bus, Gerald, when I say that.

We have drinkers who drink each day, those who abstain completely and those who are not sure what it is that they actually want just yet....

We won't judge you for drinking, no matter what your reason is, we've all been in your shoes somewhere along the way!! And we have ALL used every excuse under the sun too!

We have some Babes who ride on the Roof-Rack, (clinging on for dear life ) and then we have an expandable Side-Car, which some Babes use, but the bus, well, the bus, our wonderful Gerald, who takes us here and there, to pick up people in need of an unbiased and much needed ear to listen to. :)

There are lots of ears on this bus, and not a single one will turn you away and not listen!

Two things that we do believe here are -

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

If you are lurking and reading this thread, there is a reason for it, isn't there?

Stay lurking or come and say hello! We don't always bite.

And for those who'd like a bit of history, HERE'S THE LAST THREAD

And of course, THIS IS WHY WE ARE ALL HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE, A VERY AWE INSPIRING READ

See you soon x

Hi babes, I'm feeling OK today but still finding sobriety very strange, especially on weekends. Like guggenheim I felt very staid and sedate last night. I'm still thinking about not drinking pretty much all the time, but the thoughts seem to have morphed more into 'Wow, look at me, I'm not drinking' rather than 'Oh god I want a drink!'. So that's progress I suppose. I'm looking forward to alcohol (whether drinking or not drinking it) taking up less space in my head than it's currently taking up. People who have been doing this longer assure me that it will happen eventually - hope so.

wry, you put it very eloquently about nurses and the burden of caring for the people left behind. Part of my job involves pastoral care (not religious, just looking out for stressed/anxious/depressed/overwhelmed students) and even though I am glad to do it because I feel I'm doing something that matters, it can be hugely emotionally draining. Nursing must be 100 times harder as you're trying to care for people both physically and psychologically.

beaches, we both stopped drinking on the same day! You're a braver woman than I am with your all-boy sleepover!

baby, so sorry you're having a tough time with the Crohn's. My SIL has Crohn's and it's an enormous challenge to cope with.

Bon courage to you with day 1, sweet! You can do it! And welcome, littlewhitebag. 'I can't go on like this' is exactly what I was saying to myself a couple of weeks ago.

Hello all

I'm going to dip a toe in here to what looks like a really supportive thread... I'm in the 'don't know what I want yet' category but I know I'm drinking too much, have been for a year and things need to change. I'm regularly getting up to realise I drank 1/2 to 3/4 of a bottle of wine a night. It can be more. That looks pretty shocking written out.

I do a stressful job (but I love it), have an almost two year old and a DH who has always enjoyed drinking. Those things combined have meant a glass of wine when DD is in bed feels like 'adult' time. But it doesn't stop there.

I've had enough. Alcohol is ageing me, means my weight loss has stalled and makes me feel like shit. I can't imagine abstinence but achieving some alcohol free nights every week would be amazing. I've stocked up with soda water and lime and coconut cordial for this evening.

It'll be hard I think but here goes...

littewhite and margaret welcome to you both, and well done n making a first step to change things. This is a great place to be able to post whatever you feel - whether it's frustration or elation, despair or delight. Just post!

marfisa I think that part of the head-space that is being taken up is simply because you a re trying to change a habit. You don't need to think about drinking when you have a drink because it is second nature, bt now you are trying to change you are having to be more conscious of what you are doing (or not doing). As an experiment, next time you clean your teeth try holding your toothbrush in the other hand (not the one you usually use). Notice how difficult it feels, how long it takes you, how your teeth don't feel so clean, and how much you feel like giving up and reverting to your normal habit. I don't know of anyone 'addicted' to right-handed tooth cleaning, but it shows how hard making those changes can be.

I promise you that if for the next 3 months, you clean your teeth every day with the other hand, and find something non-alcoholic to drink every time you want a drink, you WILL find that after 3 months it is easy to clean your teeth with your other hand, and you will find it easy to get through days and days without even thinking of a drink.

Thanks, venus, what you say makes sense. I've read that it takes 90 days to change a habit - any habit.

Welcome margaret. If you manage not to drink tonight, that will be fab.

wry, I meant to say this earlier, and forgot, but even the few words you say about your relationship with your boyfriend sound damning. He doesn't deserve you - LTB (and I'm usually not one to say that!).

Hi Margaret, you're quite right! this is a supportive bus! And, whatever you decide is the right strategy for you, we are here to help.

Thanks, Marifsa, done it before! can do it again! Spent the day doing Wii nostalgia with DS, who let his generation down shamefully by loosing to me at Donkey Kong Racing (ha! In your face, kid!).

Venus, wow! just wow! I'm going to try that.

Thanks venus.

marfisa that comment has really helped. I've just kissed DD goodnight and am about to prepare dinner. Can't remember the last time I did that without some wine. This is a real trigger for me. I was just about to convince myself 'one wouldn't hurt'. But it would.

How did others let their other half know they were planning to cut down/abstain? How do you deal with others' reactions?

Welcome Margaret and littlewhitebag
This bus is great and you are very welcome here.
I am drinking tonight but have had a good week with significant reduction and I have lost 3 lbs!!! Been low carbing too which has helped although cracked last night when dh and I had a night away - a freebie from work. Fortunately dh had toothache and I had cystitis so no houghmagandy had to be endured!

Hello lovely, lovely babes!

Today I am not drinking, I have eaten my not inconsiderable body weight in Mackies ice cream but I am not drinking.

Aye aye baby lovely breeze up our way, is that you batting your fancy lashes? hope you're feeling a bit better today my lovey, thinking of you xx

Soc I never see you as a blaw, only a source of inspiration. Only now I have a picture of you in my heid as the Mother Superior in The Sound Of Music, belting oot Climb Every Mountain, while strapping everyone gently into their seats.

marfisa how are you this evening? You are doing amazingly well, you put it so well, I am glad you are at the 'wow' stage, you deserve that. You are a fab source of support on here, more than you know. I think caring for students is just as hard, especially for the younger ones. Everything seems so much more intense at that stage of your life, you hear so many sad stories where studies and life overwhelm them and they can't see a way out. Having people like you looking out for them must make a hell of a difference and I'm sure many of them will look back in gratitude for your support. Sometimes a kind word at the right time can determine the path you choose to take.

Re t'other half, I know, I'm at his again tonight, when he picked me up, there was just a cursory 'hurry up, I have freezer stuff in the boot' no hello, nothing. Next door are having a party and the lovely lithe things are out in force, the way he leers over them like they are mere objects makes me feel ill. I am very nearly strong enough to let go, he's never raised a hand, but he doesn't have to, his words, and sometimes the lack of them, wound me enough.

Hello margaret and little, I look forward to getting to know you, this is a lovely place to be

ma well done on your 3lbs! You'll be super sleek for No. 10 for sure! Although some shenanigans might have resulted in another ounce or two more...

Big bosie to you Anne, I know exactly what you're trying to say, hope you have a nice evening lass, xx

Sweet I hope you are still merrily gloating over your victory!

venus you're right about the habit thing, I going to clean my teeth with my right hand tonight just to get the feeling you describe.

On the bat phone, will catch up tomorrow, take care one and all, forgive any errors, on the bat phone again, xx

wry just take a deep breath and repeat "one day,I will".
I have this on a poster stuck inside a cupboard at work to inspire me. When the day is right, it will be.
rural are you out there? Are you OK?
indie don't make me come down there........ talk to me!

ma, I think isindie might be doing something despicable....

ISINDIE are you out killing rabbits???

(sincere apologies to everyone - this is such an in-joke from when me, and ma, and isindie had a meet up, and the (mostly) vegetarian, nature-loving isindie, ran over a rabbit)

Ha! If that doesn't get a reply from her, nothing will

dementedma Well done on your weight loss. Have you found it easier to lose? I go to SW classes but after losing 20lb I'm hovering around the same weight. The fourish bottles of wine a week can't be helping! I want to lose around two stone so I'm hoping this is the kick start I need.

I had my lime and soda, a glass and a bit of Schleur (sp?) and made some proper hot chocolate but with skimmed milk for bed. Tonight was a bit easier than I'd imagined. Making the decision not to have that first drink whilst cooking dinner made all the difference.

I'm off to bed with my book. Thanks all .

Love it Venus.
Where is that rabbit murdering apology for a vegetarian anyway?
Come out,come out wherever you are *indie"

Right, distracted chap has emailed saying we need to meet........what should I do?
Did I mention that he has rather beautiful eyes????

Ooh - beautiful eyes - you could die for beautiful eyes....... [longing sigh] [wistful stare into the distance]......

But err, exactly that. Longing sighs and wistful stares into the distance. That's where you have to be for now :( Too much family at risk for anything other than fantasy (glorious fantasy). And the wonderful boost to your own self confidence - hold on to that forever.

Oh, no, I'm still up!!
Last day of school yesterday, and am running on last dregs of energy! Hopefully, a lie in tomorrow!

I have just watched "The shipping news" just my kind of film! Very slow, and (prob boring!), exactly what I need!

Love to all, and yes, beautiful eyes (swoon) , the kind you can get lost in!, and forget about stuff, remembering back.........

I'll try that with Dh

night, night, sleep tight
T xxxx

Wise words as always Venus and shall be borne in mind.....and hopefully adhered to!
It reminds me of an episode from "As Time Goes By" when the normally very rigid Mrs Bale confesses to having had a fling with " a balloonist with piercing blue eyes"...
Distracted chaps are not piercing but warm and intelligent and alive with mischief.....
OK,I'll stop now.
thurso enjoy the hols. I loved reading "The Shipping News" and actually might go for a re-read.
Well the sun is shining, and today's plans are pulled pork done in the slow cooker and a table tennis tournament in the garden with visiting nieces and nephews. What are you all planning?

Raining here but due to brighten up. Off to sell my car then a food festival. Fancy a cooking day today and a big veggie roast dinner tonight.

I didn't get to sleep too well but I woke up feeling quite serene this morning if that makes sense?

Aye venus is spot on ma, the fantasy is better than the reality. Bonny as he is, he'll have a bad habit or two tucked away. He'll bite his toenails or have hobbit feet or summat. Or he might be a feeder and scupper your plans for shimmying sylph-like into No 10.

Cling to the bonny eyes and the sighs, the grass usually isnae ony greener. I used to have an almighty crush on my boss before I started working for him. Handsome is as handsome does.

I am having an easy day today, I'm going to watch Top Hat, Fantasia and All About Eve. A touch of class before I watch the World Cup final. I hit M&S yesterday for food that just needs popping in the oven. If I stand in the kitchen for too long I will be tempted to 'just have the one' and I'm determined not too. Little and I are going to head to the river to see if our poppies and buddleia have flowered yet.

I have coconut water, very nice coffee from the wee beans shop and Rose Lemonade to drink today.

Have a lovely day ma enjoy your table tennis tourney!

Hope you got your lie in thurso!

Hello Mouse, how are you lovey? I went on another cheesepedition yesterday and thought of you. I hope you are now seeing some benefit from your pain management course.

Have a good day everyone, xx

to not too fat fingers and bat phone not best combination!

Just off to the gym to listen to the Archers omnibus (podcast) in peace. Feeling very sniffly, so hope some endorphins will help.

I love All About Eve, Wry what a lovely day you have planned.

Have a good day everyone.

Another plate of veggies consumed.trying to resist having something sweet and unhealthy.
All the washing flapping on the line in the sunshine so just got to keep busy. If I head out into the harden with a book, the ww will come calling for sure.

Feeling the same about the garden, ma. If I go and sit down with a book, I will want wine. An hour ago, I was thinking to myself, how lovely to be AF and have a nice cool glass of water. Right now, I am just trying to get through the next five minutes without opening a bottle - WW is just bloody evil.

Hello folks. I still feel hideous after my binge on Friday. I spent the whole day yesterday in bed and i was very, very sick with a mega headache. Today i still feel nauseous and dizzy.

Right now i feel like i will never want to drink again. I can't imagine what damage i have managed to do to my body.

I want to eat healthily but right now it is all i can do to find something to eat that doesn't make me want to hurl. If that food is a white bread and ham sandwich then that's what it will be.

I am heading off to the supermarket now and plan to buy some nice cordials and soda water.

Hope you are all enjoying this lovely sunny Sunday and managing to combat the WW.

Have spent the afternoon in a state of constantly fending off WW. But I'm winning so far.

DH and I were trying to work out a date earlier when we realised that today was our wedding anniversary! Doh - well at least we both forgot. And we are good to each other every day.

Had a lovely day with a big family table tennis tournament in the garden. I had diet coke all day but have cracked now and having wine. Wish I had made the whole day but still an improvement on a normal Sunday. Other than wine,have stuck to the low carbing really well so am pleased with that.

Where did you place in the tournament, ma?