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

Wry what is it with some people? Why can't they just play nice? Hold on to that first sentence, and the feeling that went with it.

wry your boss sounds like a prize shit, don't let the bastard grind you down, your a sparky, charming, totally engaging woman and don't you bloody well forget it lady, I've a good mind to track your boss down and give him a Glasgow kiss, just say the word..... Xx

Sweet, I'm trying so hard to. I was so happy, so proud that I'd got through it despite everything. Part of my job is to help people with their pain and distress. I'm a master at exuding a calm exterior when I'm churning up inside.

baby thank you, you've just made me smile I know if I can just keep going all this negativity whirling round and round will ease. I'm like Samson with a buzz cut at the minute. I feel like the gobshite on my shoulder™ is sapping my strength. I took your advice to another poster, I'm booked in for a session at the hairdresser on Saturday as a treat. I might pay them extra to scald the little shouldershite with the straighteners.

Do I let everyone see me? One of the other staff let me know a few months ago that one of my peers never wanted me there, she was happy the way things were within her own little gang. Knowing this and trying to fit in has been hard but I'm nearly there. I am a bit older than them, (who am I kidding, there's almost twenty years difference) so never expected it to be easy.

I've just read back your racing mind post, Sweet and god, I could have written that myself. It's like I'm overcompensating in some way, trying to cover all bases instead of letting myself be a human being. Your other post made a lot of sense to me too, the one where you got through the day so you deserved a "reward". That's what I feel like. I really do. Even though in it's own way, it would be more of a punishment.

Bosies all round for the Babes, you have been my salvation.

I am on day 16, and please help me, I will not be drinking today xx

wry have a bosie. Seeing as you introduced them to the bus, you might as well have one yourself.Do you know there are 7 billion people in this world? Don't let just one spoil your day!

Right babes. I have been invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street! Seriously! In two weeks. As I can't lose two stone in two weeks I need something to wear. Invitation says business wear.
I normally wear T-shirt/blouse and trousers for work, plus jacket if need to be more formal. I need a smarter suit! Or dress with jacket. Help!!! Limited budget, size 16. Decent Norks and legs but big tummy. And purple hair!

ma wow! Are you excited? Eeeh, I live in scrubs and dog walking clothes so therefore no fashion maven

FWIW I think dress and jacket, get yer lovely legs oot. I'm excited for you, are you getting fed and everything? Gotta be quality nibbles at Number 10!

Load us all up with the lovely details! You must be proper proud!

xx

16 Days is brilliant, Wry, and I recognised your calm outside and churning interior. Give LittleLab a tickle from me (I SOO wanna dog).

Ooh, Ma how exciting. The term 'business wear' always makes me laugh - such narrow assumptions about the nature of professionalism.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_020010236545_-1..this Indie?
With a long jacket?
And yes, I do have fabulous Norks
But thank you for your kind words!

I will do a canape reveal never fear!

That frock is so pretty ma.

Gotta say, I will roar if they serve silverskin onions, cubes o cheese, pineapple and cocktail sausages in a hedgehog.

Hello guggs

babyj I sent you a PM

ma wow! Sounds fabulous! Remember to book yourself a hair appointment. And if you wear a dress, I recommend Evans comfort shorts - they are magic and soooo comfy

Ooh yes, hair needs to be cut and re-purpled!
Shorts for chub rub?
Whatcha tryin to say? Huh? Huh?

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+202483415_-1
This?

wry your reward is your very previous sobriety and the knowledge that you WILL NOT given them the power to make you unravel.. I reckon you could charm the birds out of the trees, from what I've read and the number of times you made me smile and laugh out loud, I know your a very special lady. Hang in there and you always have us, there all jealous bastards cos your so FABULOUS, ye hear me!!! Xxx

ma the dresses are gorge, you'll be a bobby dazzler for sure xxx

ma I think, the 2nd dress rather than the one with the belt across the middle (that's not where you want to draw attention to - now a sparking set of fairy lights across your boobs might do the trick!)

And not a LONG jacket, something that is about an inch below your hip bones - with a slight waisted shape (which is different from a wasted shape).

Definitely NOT high heels (would make your bottom stick out)

What about THIS DRESS nice and bright so you look cheerful and attractive, and the kind of cross-tummy bandage (not bondage) style that is flattering to us of many babies and many years. Perhaps with a dark plum jacket or THIS JACKET

There is a plum jacket HERE but if money were no object, THIS ONE would be gorgeous.

isindie lovely to have you back with us - did you go down under?

And hi to all babes new, old and returning. I keep reading, but when I'm on my phone I can't reply properly (a combination of fat old fingers and an inability to work out how to put my log on details onto my phone )

ma sorry, not trying to offend! I'm usually size 14-16 but even skinny people get the rub! These are much comfier than similar styles called "shapewear" which just leave me unable to breathe...

Although maybe if it's a real posh do, you'll have to wear proper grown-up tights?

So ma is going to 10 Downing Street to represent the Bus..... They'll be asking us to run the country.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+202483415_-1

I love this one ^^

Morning Babes. Hit a big fat wall of tired last night, but I did not drink, and today even though DS is away for the weekend and DH and I have our first 'us' time since Easter, I will not drink.

Loving the Phase Eight dress suggestions, unfortunately, I find their clothes come up too long for me (officially certified short-arse).

It's a week since I jumped back on board, Although last Friday I was still drinking, and though some of it has been tough, it has been no where near as difficult as a half remembered week of boozy inertia.

I was a bit of a grouch here, chez sweet, yesterday, but another night of good sleep seems to have sorted me out. My skin is a revelation, I'm less bloated, breath is sweeter, all the usual things that I need not to lose sight of.

Good morning Sweet, we did good and made it to another day!

Any plans for your weekend? Xx

So awesome to hear all the positive stories!

As I had expected / planned - had 4 beers tonite over 4 hours....not bad for me for a Friday lol...

In my calculations, that is 4 units in 4 days, so happy enough.

I don't know what my plan is really...I want to be able to get to the stage that I only have drinks in the weekends. For me that would be fabulous. Well actually, anything is better than my current situation sadly enough.

I have a catchup planned with a non-drinking friend tomorrow afternoon, so that will cancel out any of my "it is the weekend, I can have an afternoon drink" thoughts

What a lovely friendly board

Fingers crossed for me today.

I also want to get to the stage that I'm weekends only.

Good morning lovelies, day 12 here, going riding this avo (steady on you lot, on a horse) it's nice to use my wine money just for myself (not so nice for the horse) and tomorrow it's yoga, who knew!!!!!

Happy Friday xxx