The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Kicking The Wicked Wine Witch Where It Hurts! Mwahahahahahahaha!

[Mouseface]

Hey, I'm Mouse, welcome to the Bus (aka Gerald!)

We're a mixed bunch of folk, some have been here for a while, and of course we have some new additions too. It matters not one jot how long you travel with us, as long as you get something from it.

No matter your story, your needs, your fears and hopes, you CAN come on here and talk. You can cry, scream, rant, let it all out and not be judged for anything. Ever.

We've all been so very low, some have hit the very bottom of the rock, rubbed the bruising better and picked ourselves back up again but sometimes, you need a helping hand or someone to listen too.....which is why we're here, sharing our experiences, or just reading each other's and nodding as we click along.....

The support here is unconditional. :)

There are two banners down each side of Gerald, our super duper Bus saying -

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

We have lots of food on board, but mainly Opal fruits!!! They tend to be anything other than green, as they get snapped up vair fast indeed!

If you would like to know a bit more about how we got to where we are today, you can read these threads.

THE PREVIOUS THREAD

THE START OF THE JOURNEY

Hope to see you soon :) x

Checking in. 32 days.

Trying not to feel guilty about skiving work. Am better - glands still a bit tender- but I just feel depressed and lethargic. Sleeping a lot.

Got a doctors appt tomorrow to discuss bladder. not looking forward to it pills I'm taking have side-effects and I'm worried I'll be stuck on them forever. Always anxious... And I'm taking so many pills, I rattle.

And I'm off work with a severe case of sheer laziness and pathetic procrastination.

wry well done you or saying 'NO' to the free wine. I've been on that east coast train and I can tell you what happens if you say yes..... Firstly you take a sip of your wine and your face screws up like you've eaten a sour plum - that free wine is truly horrid (and the free G&T is warm and flat). You gradually steel yourself to take another sip, and then another. before you know it the glass is empty and everything within you is demanding another. However, what has happened is that after serving the 'free' customers at one end of the train, the staff have then embarked on the long journey with a trolley full of crap to sell to the rest of the passengers. And the train is long. It's very, very long. And once they get to the end of the train they make their way back, and everyone stops them to buy something from the trolley again. By the time the staff get back to you ready to offer you another 'free' drink you'll be in Peterborough. You will have spent most of that journey feeling really pissed off that the trolley is half a mile away, your alcohol sensors will have been activated to the stage where you'd even pay for a small glass of that gut-rot wine, and you'll get of the train growling and looking around for a bar. And then because of your 'experience', when you make the return journey you'll buy a bottle of wine before you get on so that you can glug happily throughout.

Or maybe the last sentence only applied to my habits.

In any case you are much better off keeping hydrated with your sparkling wine (but not so hydrated that you have to go to the toilet on the train - what hell is that??!!), and looking out the window as the light leaves the sky and the houses speed by looking warm and inviting. You'll get off the train feeling fresh and invigorated and ready for whatever London throws at you.....

Oops sorry, I got carried away there, thinking about ma 's trip to London

Anyway what is it with us Scots? I'm at the airport waiting to fly back from London, wry is arriving the about now, and ma has her very exciting personal encounter work trip tomorrow.

alias - what is all the rubbish about SKIVING work?? You have sore and swollen glands, and you're feeling tired and lethargic. That sounds like your immune system is giving you a big message. It is screaming out "I'm doing my best here - I'm fighting some infection, and I'm using up loads of energy to do that. Help me out!!"

So do what your immune system is asking you to, give in for a couple of days, let your body fight whatever it is fighting. You are already doing the best thing by not overtaxing your systems with alcohol, now add some nourishing soup, some leafy green veg (warming spinach, cauliflower and lentil curry??), and add some rest. Not crochet or card making or business, but indulgent under-the-duvet rest. Interspersed with a slow amble through some autumn leaves just before mid-day when the light in the sky threatens a glimpse of some sunshine, and then again at nearly-dusk when the autumn dampness smells at its best, and you can enjoy returning to a warm home.

Sometimes lethargy and sleeping are a part of feeling depressed but sometimes it is simply your body telling you that it is using all its resources to heal itself. I've had a manic couple of months and this last weekend I really and truly rested and relaxed and enjoyed myself. And I had a moment in a misty wood when I felt content. Completely content. Not hyper, not excited, not relieved at tasks ticked off a list, but peaceful and aware and untroubled. Those moments are rare but when they come they are worth enjoying

venus I said 'skiving' cause I'm really not ill. DH even made this face when he got home and saw me.

I don't think its depression, more likely anxiety- sometimes I feel frozen and just don't want to face the day. but thanks for caring

Hey all.
How's London wry. Well done on the train thing. Its not a trigger for me so I'll be OK travelling tomorrow. Its tomorrow night that might be my downfall.....
joey sending you a t'inter bosie. You sound weary
Venus good to see you.
indie are you out there?

venus you write like a poet, just lovely. Your description of the train was spot on, I didn't drink, I didn't succumb. The people opposite had wee bottles of white with a g and t chaser. X 4. The other bit of the train must hae been gey quiet, I was asked if I wanted something very regularly. I had a nap in the end, safety cut out switch kicked in. Xx

Oh joey you sound really scunnered quine. Don't underestimate feeling anxious and stressed, it (as you well know my darling) can manifest itself in all sorts of physical symptoms. You are ill, your body is girning that it needs a break. I hope you are resting me dear, wishing you peace in the Land o Nod tonight xx

ma I'm here! Hotel is lovely, just had steak and chips, will be having a nice early night. I've just given myself a facial, bliss. I hope you have a rare day the morn, gaun yersel quine! Hope your meeting goes well! Xx

Away to post before BatPhone loses it, I'm coming back xx

Aha Beaches good to see you babe and WELL DONE that's one week ditto I want to do at least a month before Christmas. I'm with Obrigda wasn't offended one bit, read it as you intended How are your DSs? they must be really settled in their school now Snow, good God, loads of rain here but still lovely sunny moments. I've seen some fab sunrises and sunsets, breath taking stuff, really enjoying our location Christmas cards went well actually only got round to 3 residents in between changing music, sorting stuff for Christmas fair on Sat and having a good natter with as many of the old folk as possible 60 bed nursing/care home Glad you're back on the bus, we can spur each other on, surely we can do another month between us

Wry free wine on the train you did SO well Babe Have a lovely time in London xxx

Venus you described what used to be my commute but without the free wine, I am so glad those days are over

Ma not long now Babe good luck with the meeting and distracted chap

Hope I hope work wasn't too awful. Can you wizz your cv in directions you haven't thought of? Look at all your contacts, have they got contacts or outside contractors that may need your skills? (I'm sure you've done all this already) I so hope your dream job lands in your lap You are a clever woman with drive and ambition x

Double figures for me tomorrow. Friday is looming though

Night all x

Yum Wry steak and chips I love staying in a hotel on my own not done that in an age indulge and have a peaceful sleep Babe. There is no way I could have turned down free wine

Waves to beaches and spanna
I could murder steak and chips...

Hi obrigada well done on Day 3!!!! Are you up to anything tonight? I reached a new low first thing. Popped in for a mag to read on the train and Wh Smith at the station hasn't got a normal till anymore! I hate hate hate the self service things, am I the only person in the world who breaks them as soon as I go near them? I could see the assistant smirking so I gave a bit of a theatrical 'saaaaaake' and huffed and puffed a bit. I asked if she could pop on the till to help me and apparently the new machinery is supposed to do it without her. I am on a one woman mission now. See you Wh Smith? I am not setting foot in your shop ever ever ever again. And I won't rest until I've broken both of your machines. that might be a bit hard if I'm never setting foot in there again.

Gets oot glitter, little bows, pathetically small clothes pegs, blunt nosed scissors, general glittery shit, teeny tiny jewelly bits and plain cards to tempt beaches. Come on lass, come away and play cutting and sticking! have you had a good 'un? Xx

spanna desperate to see one of your caaaaaaards... did you have a good day sweet pea? Are you bedded now after your long day? xx

mouse how are you tooters? Have you had a good day? I had a wee flashback today, I seem to remember a picture of a very lovely ?malamute/husky type? wouf with his head stuck in a cat flap... Have I got it wrong? probably have memory ain't what it used to be... xx

Away to post again...

Hey wry sounds like you are having fun.are you still in London the morra or will you be headed back? Our trains will pass somewhere mid country!
A night in a London hotel....can't wait!

Thanks ma hope everything goes well tomorrow

wry thanks, but really there's nothing wrong with me, I'm just so lethargic! I feel better after getting out and walking the dog - I think curled up on the sofa on my iPad stops breathing properly? So am taking deep breaths and practicing my relaxation.

And I've googled all about my bladder and written it all down (all the drugs have the same side effect, so I'm stuck with that )

Eccles sweetheart, check in if you can, worried about you lovey, pop in for a Bosie and a handhold, miss ye xx

Now then crabby where are you o wavy clawed one? Are you okay? Selfish I know but I need to high five your claw, it's fair been a day for a crabby cwtch. I'll swap ye for a full fat bosie? xx

Phrase how are you and Geraldina? I felt my friend's bump hiccup the other day, 'twas the most lovely thing. Not for her, she's getting very big now, and every twitch seems to make her want to nip for a pee. Hope you're both keeping fine, xx

Hello to all other lovely Babes, BatPhone not allowing me to check back without losing what I've written but thinking about you all, xx

wry I was having a similar kind of meltdown in a computer shop today....

Shop 1
The lovely venus "You have computer x and computer y, can you tell me the difference?"

Silly boy in shop 1 (as he reads out the information on the labels) "err this one is a bigger size, and this one has a longer battery life, and this one has a mini-port (whatever-the-hell-that-is)..

The lovely venus (TLV) "ok I'll take y computer. Where do I get the keyboard"

Silly boy in shop 1 (SBS1) "over there"

TLV "errr... the keyboards are twice the size of the computer... so there is no advantage in having a small screen if I still have to carry around a large keyboard...?"

(SBS1) "Yes that's right. There are smaller keypads but we don't have any. I could show you one on-line"

TLV "hmm, that doesn't really work for me. No thanks, I'll leave it for now."

TLV "do you have xxx type of computer (advertised here)?"

Silly boy in shop 2 "no, but I can show it to you online, and you can order it"

ffs - am I missing something here? I am going to a SHOP because I actually want to see what the damn computer looks like, and actually see how it works and have bloody conversation with someone who can do more than read the damn sales card (ffs I can do that for myself!). If I wanted to buy a computer online, I'd bloody well stay at home and buy it, I wouldn't come and ask you for your pig-ignorant knowledge.....

BUT it would make your fucking blood boil

I'll wave to you on the way up the road ma I'll be the one with the girny face scowling oot the first class window.

What's with that really Feckin annoying banner over my post? I can't scroll past it? Hope this reads okay as can't check it...

Pure poetry venus! and there's the banner again FFSAAAAKE. why can't I move it?!?

I know what you mean venus, service can be shocking sometimes eh? It saddens me that some folk take no pride in their jobs, just coasting through. Selling is a real art form if done properly and with respect. The receptionist at my hotel was really helpful today, quiet, efficient, resourceful, she is so getting lovely feedback. As is the lass in the bar, equally helpful. A big conference had block booked for bar food and no tables were left, she found me a quiet nook, rustled up a comfy seat and a table for one without batting a lovely eyelash.

I remember an ace drapers in my home town when I was wee, they had thousands (literally) of little wooden drawers with socks, gloves, knickers, training bras, school badges etc, etc and they knew where every single item was and could wax lyrical about said product until you gave in and got your purse oot now that was service.

I've always wondered why they call them 'training' bras. What, exactly were our emerging norks in training for?

Day 2, I drank on Monday night of all nights! Two glasses of red and I knew about it the next day. Felt tired and sickly all day. I really want to stay af until Friday, I'm struggling to do more than one consecutive day, and I know it'll only get worse in December if I don't get a grip on it now.

Day 4 today, and today I will not be drinking. Workman in house tomorrow so need to do a tidy up this evening.

faire at "emerging norks"

m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=4549ZXQ7cwM

Fifty Sheds of Grey - trailer.

Hi babes, dd2 is poorly so not had time to do a proper NC to all you lovely babes but I'm still reading and grateful to have this lovely bus to help me on my 3964th attempt at getting sober for good. Day 9 and I'm starting to feel human again. You've all been so supportive even though I keep making an arse of my sobriety. I shall keep on keeping on and I thank my lucky stars for every beautiful brave babe i have the pleasure to know on our magical bus. Xxx

Hello babyj hope your DD feels better soon

Hello ladies. Hope you are all OK. Day 2 over with here. Another godawful day at work. Our new computers arrived today but by the time they get the stuff transferred over to them I'll use it for about 6 weeks before I leave. Feel awfully unmotivated and lethargic. 14 years I've worked there and done everything right and got some fantastic results, then just wiped out by some public school twunt in London with a 'vision' (which I think involves employing 18 year olds who cost f* all) D'aaaaarrghhh.!!!

Spanna am not even up to that stage yet as we are in a funny position. If I leave now I will get no compensation and will still be well paid until April if I stay and hopefully get redundancy. I will get a fair pay out after all these years which would stop me rushing into a job I don't like. The worrying thing is they don't want to give us a pay off and may try to shove us into other jobs that we don't like / aren't suited for / have less favourable T&Cs. Although I am a specialist grade and reasonably senior so will be hard to place. And I feel so OLD. All of a sudden my age has become a thing. It was never a thing until recently. I just worry it will stop anyone wanting to employ me again ever. I feel like Methuselah

Wry thank you for your lovely comments . I quite like being compared to the squishy sofa on the advert. Although if I keep eating I will soon resemble a big squashy cushion, but I know you meant it in a nice way .

PMSL at . There is one near where I work and I swear it looked a bit cowed today! But I am with you on the self service tills. Bloody hate them, and even if I can manage them, there is always some baffled sort in front of me trying to shove a fiver in the credit card slot or scanning something upside down. They are crap, and they are putting people out of jobs (which is a sore point for me at the moment).

Equally Venus, take your point about the dimwits in tech shops. Once spent £300 on a video camera that was compatible with nothing electrical that has ever been made on this earth ever. It still has some early footage of the kids trapped in there somewhere. Total waste of money because the guy in the shop was a complete arse and when he got sick of my Paddington hard stare because he was reading off the box he simply lied to me when I asked if it was compatible with our TV and laptops (I think that is in their training manual. Greet customer in sullen manner (but don't look them in the eye). Read the box to them. Then agree with whatever they want to hear anyway)

(talking of Paddington, does anyone else think the bear on the new film looks disappointingly unlike Paddington? I loved the stories when I was a child, and I met Michael Bond at a works thing a few years ago. I'm sure he is dismayed by the film, not that I've seen it)

Baby sorry DD2 is ill. Hope she feels better soon. They are exhausting when they are ill aren't they? My dd always used to insist on sleeping with me and I was permanently exhausted until she got better. Big hugs to you both.

Faire 'norks in training' - I don't know about the rest of us but I think Ma's were in training for distracting a certain chap. (taps keyboard impatiently waiting to hear about Ma's day in London. Ma, are you coming back or have you run away with him???)

Waves to Anne, Obrigada and Joey. Sends big hugs and spells for nice weather to Mouse for her sponsored walk in a couple of days...

Off to sleep now. Sweet dreams all xxx Sorry for wibbling on...