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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

The Brave Babes Battle Bus - In Search Of Sobriety, Sunshine & Survival!

999 replies

Mouseface · 01/08/2014 15:59

Hello, I'm Mouse :)

Welcome to the thread, or our mythical Bus called Gerald! Grin

There is room for everyone. Always

There is help for everyone who wants it. Always

There is unconditional support and kindness. Always

We have two sentences that we believe in here -

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

No matter what it is that you drink, how much, how often, we've ALL been in your position at one point or another...... so most of us WILL know exactly what it's like to be YOU

If you'd like to read the last thread, it's below -

THIS IS THE PREVIOUS THREAD

And if you want to read a pretty sobering thread and the history behind these many, the reason why we are all here, fighting to stay/get sober is here -

FIRST EVER BRAVE BABES THREAD

Hope to see you soon :)

Mouse x

OP posts:
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7
babyjane1 · 15/08/2014 13:16

Hi fabulous people,

joey I'm glad your glad about your period IYSWIM, I remember doing the test with dd2 and wasn't sure if I wanted it to be positive or negative, I would normally say I'm thrilled it was positive but the way she's behaving at the mo!!!!! (Only kidding) it's as the lovely wry says what's meant for you will not go by you. Also stop showing off cos you still "do it".... Anyway you have a baby on the bus ME!!! In name and petulant nature both. I hope you have a lovely weekend xxx

looking I iften think I wouldn't be surprised if I found a new version of penicillin in dd1's room, have found many fungus slushy items I can't even decipher what they once were. Good luck my lovely.

wry I continue to read your warm and humorous posts and smile every time, your just smashing, you really are.

guggs how are you my splendid friend?

ma I hope your job is safe, you clearly have many assets (grunts at childish innuendo)

venus you continue to amaze me with your dignity and grace, I find it hard to comprehend you were ever not in control of your life, I'm so glad you've found your peace.

spanna your pure hardcore doing cigs and booze together, I think your amazing and always so kind to others, your a credit to us.

Well another sober weekend looms and I must really commit to SW, it's kinda embarrassing to pay someone to be told you've gained weight, need to get myself to the gym next week, no excuse now the kids are back at school and nursery.

Thanks for all the hand holding this week, the pygamas are ironed and nails and tan restored... Today is a good day!!

Love to all of you xxx

VioletWillow · 15/08/2014 13:23

Happy Friday all!
Spanna thank you it's a little whimsical for a name but fun :) and thank you for the welcome :)

Hope, Ma, Wry and Guggs also thank you for the welcome :)

Ma I hope life clears a bit for you, it's hard to keep trudging on when life seems to be stamping on your face for good measure! I don't have any advice for you, but I do have a jug of Virgin Mojito in the fridge if you'd like a glass/pint/bath of it?

Guggs yes perspectives comes when you've had time away from a situation and after pottering around on maternity leave for 10 weeks I guess I've had a lot of time to ruminate! There's no point in kidding myself anymore, I've been a drunk for almost 20 years, I can't sugarcoat that :)

Joey I'm glad for you that you're not pregnant! But it always is a little bittersweet too, I understand that one. You can have snuggles from DD here anytime, she snores like a troll but still has that great baby smell, and will already climb mountains for a prolonged snuggle!

Spanna yep DD can have a spot on the bus, she just survived my German lesson so she's a hardy lass! I'm not responsible for the nappy explosions though - I will of course do the disposal but the smell lingers awhile,We may need to waft regularly :)

Apologies to anyone I forgot! I'm typing one fingered while holding my Kindle - it's not the most literary of positions!

VioletWillow · 15/08/2014 13:31

Beaches that's a great attitude! The WW (I love that name) is good at working her way in, it takes a lot to keep breaking those associations. Friday was always a killer for me, from getting up I could taste the booze, frequently I had to stop out for a lunchtime tipple to bring the evening quicker!
Baby I'm with you on the health kick! I need DD to sleep longer (and in her chair!!) So I can get back to running again. I find a good bit of exercise helps my head too, it clears the nasty thoughts away and puts me in a better state of mind. And I need to stop eating cake and ice cream and yummy German chocolate...

babyjane1 · 15/08/2014 15:55

Hi violet I really admire you for posting so soon after the birth of you little one, huge congrats on your dd.

I think your attitude is brilliant, it was god awful post natal depression that led me on the merry dance with WW in the first place and I didn't know the fab people on this bus then and felt very isolated and alone. You sound so upbeat and positive and this bus will help you sooo much to appreciate being sober and staying sober, loving your posts and I really look forward to getting to know you xxx

Well done babe xxx

VioletWillow · 15/08/2014 16:26

Baby thank you :) posting isn't such a mean feat, she likes to sleep on me and I'm a sucker for letting her so it forces time for me to read Mumsnet and books etc. Quiet time is good :) :)

I hear ya on PND! My son is 12, I still shiver at how bad it got in the early years. Granted I was isolated, his dad had checked out in the first few months, I was drinking, I drank heavily all the way through the pregnancy, I used to minimise it saying it was only a few pints, it was only a couple of bottles of wine a week, and that I'd quit smoking... Not good. I was in a different place then.

I'm very much looking forward to getting to know everyone and being a part of this fabulous bus! Everyone here is working so hard to be more of themselves, I really admire that. Every seat is holding an extraordinary woman, some shouldering far more than their fair share of drudgery and heartache, but still lending a helping hand to someone else. I feel privileged just to see that, let alone be one of the people being offered a hand up!

MaryMungoAndMidgies · 15/08/2014 16:39
littlewhitebag · 15/08/2014 17:24

I am still here but I am having a bad time right now. I am not going to linger because i can't articulate how i am feeling right now. And i don't really know why i feel how i feel. Alcohol is not part of this feeling. I can take it or leave it at the moment.

See! It makes no sense to me so i can't expect it to make sense to anyone else.

Anyway, a doctors appointment has been made for Tuesday. I expect pills may be required.

I don't want pills. I want to feel happy and normal without pills.

MaryMungoAndMidgies · 15/08/2014 17:32

little giving you a bosie and a chip, also teary here. Sorry you're not having a good time of it at the moment, xx

beachestoexplore · 15/08/2014 17:34

little a big squeeze for you. Sometimes life is an very difficult animal, even when things on the outside seem ok the inside can find itself in turmoil. Glad you posted babe, take care and if pills are the solution for now then just work with that for now, it may shift again in time xx

wry take that fez off RIGHT NOW!! You are anything but a faliure honey. A hiccup perhaps but it does not undo anything and I can guarantee that you haven't let any of us down. I also think a steak and chips dinner to mark the beginning of your holidays is a perfect choice. Sorry the twerps at work are so mean, try and forget their bitterness and allow yourself a relaxing break xxx

Love to the rest of you. Am holding my hands over my ears to ignore the whispers... LA LA LA Smile

venusandmars · 15/08/2014 17:51

Aw wry how crap. Steak and chips sounds great - now I'm wishing I hadn't bought fish for tea.....

I think that sometimes when you're about to be on holiday you realise just how tired you really are, and things that you can otherwise cope with can easily seem overwhelming. So it's not surprising that a drink seemed like the best option.

The key thing now, is not to let those two pains in the backside spoil your holiday. This is a time for you to relax, get away from your responsibilities, and enjoy being sober - you'll be amazed how much more of your holiday time you appreciate when it's not viewed through a glass.

lookingforhope · 15/08/2014 18:48

Oy!!! (snatches Fez off wry's head and chucks it down the bus). You are not a failure, how can you say that when you make all our days brighter with your wit and wisdom --and interesting Scottish phrases! You work with arrogant arses. It never fails to infuriate me that educated high achievers think their status and power means they can be rude. It doesn't. As my mum used to say, they must have been dragged up with manners like that whether they are posh or not. You enjoy your steak my lovely friend. Then get your batman hat on and go and destroy them. I will get Dd to make you a rope out of loom bands to lassoo them together and hang them out of a window until they learn to be nice. Grrrr...

spanna41 · 15/08/2014 19:31

Wry darling those 2 twunt surgeons are jealous that YOU are now on holiday Flowers they are winkle dicked, mouldy toed, sweaty arses and they don't deserve to be working with someone as lovely as you Grin
So you've had 2 drinks I would have definitely done the same SO WHAT in the grand scheme of how far you've come! Steak and chips - Yummy. Is there a dessert menu??
You've got an exciting weekend ahead, seeing your friends compete, delicious food tents Smile
You are a bright light on this here bus and we are all here to hold your hand. You are doing really really well, smile, hold your head up, and remember to get home soon to relieve Little Grin Tomorrow is another day and it will be a good one

spanna41 · 15/08/2014 19:38

Beaches Move away from the fridge and the cupboard with the red wine in it Do you have anything yummy and sweet?
Bubble bath, good book, unpack another box, you get the picture YOU CAN DO IT TWINKLE sorry that was a bit loud Flowers

dementedma · 15/08/2014 20:04

Lordy babes, we all need to rope ourselves together to weather the current storms.
Today, in my wonderful and weird threatened job, I ended up being filmed for Chinese TV dancing a Gay Gordon's in a farmyard......sigh think baby hippo dying of embarrassment while lovely boss corpsed with laughter and you pretty much have it!
ladame2 je t'aime mon amie.
indie ya there?
thurso?

babyjane1 · 15/08/2014 20:47

Right wry I'm squeezing my arse into skin tight assassin catsuit and tracking these arsewholes down, how very dare they upset our beautiful, funny, kind fabulous wry. 2 drinks never hurt anyone and yer steak and chips soaked most of that up. You've had a shit day and had a few drinks on the day you dropped for your holidays, it means nought!!!! We adore you on this here bus and we're way smarter than those fuck ups (marches purposefully and catsuit rips at the arse) we love ya girlfriend, proper love ya xxx

little some days are just shit, everything that can go wrong does, sometimes it's weeks, and sober, life can be just overwhelming. Anti depressants and this bus literally saved my life and my soul so you take all the help that available, and post anytime you need us, it's why we're here... Huge big hugs coming your way, mwah

Infact group hug, come on, all babes together xx

dementedma · 15/08/2014 20:49

Pmsl at babyjane and arse hanging out of catsuit!

MaryMungoAndMidgies · 15/08/2014 20:53

I'm home lovely babes. I shed a tear on the bus anyway. I had steak and all the trimmings. And garlic bread with cheese. I stopped at two drinks, (actually 4 as they were large ones) and had ginger beer.

Little had a cob on because I was late, my dad looks after her during the day and he said she waited at the gate for ages. We went for a walk, and she mumped all the way round. (that's me told...and quite rightly).

I think I have been on such a high all week that I so badly wanted to end the week that way. It's been a stressful old day, I usually cope well under pressure, I am brilliant at keeping a smile on, but I can't cope when people snipe and act shitty for shitty's sake. It's almost as if they like to prove a point. Bring down a happy, calm working environment by throwing their weight around then waltz off leaving others to clear the human debris.

But I am on holiday. Time to gather myself a bit.

beaches thank you, you are so kind. Thanks Let me lend you my noise reducing headphones. That'll block the bugger out. I however, left them at home today. Oops. I am not a good example today, but agree with spanna, you can do it! xx

venus, you are so right, lovely. I reckon I'm about done, and the rest of the week lulled me into letting me guard down a bit. I've not had any time off really since February. I'll see it for what it is tomorrow, I work so hard and to have that rubbished and belittled smarted a bit. No little bottle for me tomorrow. I proved to myself today I'm not really controlled around alcohol. I would have had wine but it was on draught in that pub. Not fine. Like something left too long in a bedpan. xx

Grin

looking thank you, my mam said the same tonight. She said people with true class never delight in causing another person's discomfort. She can spot when I'm upset no matter how thick I pile the slap on to hide it. Love my mam. However, speaking of discomfort...I accept your kind offer of loom bands. xx

spanna thank you, lovely friend. I ballsed up a little bit. Tomorrow will be better. Little has just about forgiven me for being late. I'm so lucky to have mam and dad on hand to take care of her. She loves their garden, even though she has burnt their lovely grass with her acid rain urination. Horse trials start on Wednesday, so have a weekend of rest and relaxation.

Hair and nails on Tuesday. A pamper day. I'll get to wear my jewellery for two whole weeks. Smile I had a ring made with the last few payments of Gentle's insurance just after she died. Three small but very bright, diamonds, one each for me, Gentle and Little. The three musketeers, all for one and one for all. It's my little talisman, I feel a lot stronger when I wear it.

ma you've just made me howl! Gay Gordon's in a farmyard? At least you made your lovely boss smile, your job sounds a bit (dare I say) varied? See I would think you are telly folk. Do you remember "Why Don't You? Are you doing a remake? Grin Ooh, ooh, do you work for breakfast telly? Like Bridget Jones? xx

I'm away to make some pancakes. I fancy a pancake with lemon and sugar. Lovely babes, thank you again. Can I sit on the bus again pretty please? xx

beachestoexplore · 15/08/2014 20:59

. Go girl!!

Spanna thanks flower! it is the cupboard and the red wine that is my weapon of choice - white wine involves too much getting up and going to the fridge Blush. However, today only tea and more tea. We are going to go back to old house tonight to clean and garden and hopefully make it rentable. No internet though so will check back in tomorrow.

MaryMungoAndMidgies · 15/08/2014 21:10
dementedma · 15/08/2014 21:27

wry glad you a are feeling better.
Yeah, my job is varied but sadly not telly normally. Lots of sitting at desk dealing with emails usually.one of the wee tiny Chinese girls with the crew was clearly freezing, despite it being "warm" Scottish weather. Lovely boss gallantly removed his jacket and gave it to her to keep her warm. I love him!
(But not as much as I fancy sexy eyes!)

MaryMungoAndMidgies · 15/08/2014 21:41

ma I love a bit of gallantry, old fashioned manners always make me feel like a lady.

I remember one of the nurses having Scottish Country dancing at her wedding. 99% of the wedding party and guests were English. They thought it would be a giggle.

And so it was. For me and the band. The absolute stramash they got their arms into trying to follow the instructions for the Gay Gordon's. Grin

Scottish Country Dancing was part of our PE lessons from Primary 1. Deemed a Very Important Thing To Do And Get Right.

I wonder if that's still the case? I hope so.

babyjane1 · 15/08/2014 21:59

wry I feel sorry for anyone who takes pleasure in belittling and hurting others, how very sad their own lives must be to enjoy causing others pain. I may not be perfect but I've never tried to hurt anyone, can't think why anyone would, life's hard enough, we should all treat everyone around us with respect and compassion. I know without ever meeting you that you do exactly that. As my late gran would say "they're mare tae be pitied" and your to be deservedly adored.

I love love love this bus xxxx

aliasjoey · 15/08/2014 22:24

wry definitely not the Fez of Failure or the Pullover of Plonkers.

Maybe the Bloomers of a little Bump. Hat of Hiccups. Actually, I'm not good at this game, so I'll just say Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down.

lookingforhope · 15/08/2014 23:14

Actually Joey I love the hat of hiccups! I am going to order one from Amazon. Another dry Friday for me... Been sorting out dd's room. What a ton of tat little girls collect! Worn out now, and up early to finish off and clean before decorator arrives. Tomorrow I shall mostly be wearing the dungarees of dust! Night all. Love you lot xxxxx

SoberSocFish · 15/08/2014 23:14

Those fucking fucking bastards who dare to be nasty to one of our babes. The pricks.

I'm swooping in to wrap you all up for the night in those soft blankets that feel like they may melt. Hot chocolate all round and we can tell really bad jokes (I'm good at those)

Don't let other people invade your head. Kick the bastards out. Xxx