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

PS a good thing... After extensive combing found no real nits. So also either it was just a psychosomatic itch, or (and I prefer this theory) Wry has magic powers and healed me with her virtual combing and letting them off at the next bus stop

Eccles stick with us.always a seat for you on the bus.
baby that made me wobble. I'm not devoted to my family at all. I would be a better wife and mother if I was.
The wankbadger has upset me no end tonight. Not going into details but am in the bedroom thinking "is it me?". I wish I had the courage to just call it a day...

Oh ma wish the Bus could just whisk you away to the man place of your dreams

babyj hmm, was I struggling? I didn't think so... Last week yes, I was feeling a bit weird. I think my moods fluctuate wildly depending on hormones/sleep. Another thing to remember and watch out for...

No it's not you ma. You've have shown tolerance, compassion, understanding, humour, perseverance, adaptability and gritty determination on this bus. If someone has pushed you too far it's either because they wanted to or they didn't care if they did.

We care. Stick with us, in the sidecar if need be. You can have a whole bag of green opal fruits and a big squashy cushion and you can snuggle in between Spirit the dog and Mouse's Wolf, cuddling Barrie if you want to. Don't come out until you want to. Let the world go away for a bit.

But stick with us x

joey sorry babe, this was me just following up last weeks posts, I recognised your comments on feeling fed up and lethargic and feeling things need to change, you should be so proud of yourself for getting this far and even more so for watching out for triggers, that's the smartest way, your doing fab xxx

mouse your simply awesome, truly you are.

spanna your a fantastic babe and mum, dd's can be horrid, hurtful and spiteful but it's just the hormones talking, your fabulous xxx

Hi to all the newbies, I'm running a bit behind but catching up and look forward to getting to know you better. The first step, making the brave decision to put your thoughts and feelings "out there" is mega brave, it shows you have the courage to make changes and that's a great start xxx

Hugs to every single babe, your all amazing xxx

Back again, in bed now. Didn't finish the bloody application form, don't even want the job anyway. Will do it tomorrow in work. All my colleagues across the country who are having to do it are all moaning on Facebook about it right now (it's open in my other tab). Black humour abounds - my colleagues are wonderful women (they are mostly female) and I will miss them a lot after this reorganisation, whichever way it goes.

Beaches, Joey, ds is 14 and dd is 11. I am menopausal and they are having puberty. Wankbadger is a grumpy old git. I also have horrible neighbours next door. All we need now are a few maladjusted pets and we would have all the ingredients for a war.

Baby, thanks for your long post. You sound so similar to me. I can be over sensitive at times, and I am an only child who didn't grow up with conflict (apart from when I caused it, think my teens might be getting back at me karma wise!). I am also a bit of an all or nothing person whether eating, drinking, exercising or buying stuff (don't even like shopping but when I'm in a certain mood I can buy a lot. You don't even want to know how many bottles of nail polish I have, it's bordering on obsessive )

Your story about your friend was inspiring. I strive to be like that. And fail miserably. But we can keep trying. At the moment I have so many worries in my life, but I do try to stop and enjoy something every day - even if it is just watching I'm a Celebrity with dd. I do need to get a wider perspective on life. I actually hate being middle aged. I'm only just noticing how old I am . Despite scarlet streaks in hair and stubborn refusal to wear grown up clothes that aren't vaguely goth/hippyish. I can't bear to think about having spent over half my life not doing what I want to do, but of course that's not an option yet, with having kids and responsibilities. But you are right, tackling small things might lead to feeling in control enough to tackle big things. I am trying just to get 30 mins exercise a day at the moment. Previously I would aim for 60 or 90 minutes, do it a few times, then give up. Always all or nothing. But am plodding on bit by bit with the support of this bus. although I can't even fill in a bloody application form over 5 hours ... ahem

Ma - sorry you are feeling so low. You do put your family first, and you are a rock for them all. You are also a wonderful support for everyone on here. Would like to kick your oh's arse for upsetting you, especially with all you do - and give up - for him. Here are some and for you. Hope you sort things out.

Soc well done on 200 days sober (well, it will be more now!) You are the bus figurehead at the moment (don't worry, we won't glue you to the bonnet like a mascot) - please keep popping back to rally us all with your achievements. I haven't gone past 6 days in so long. But am glad not to be drinking every night at the moment.

Well, it's four minutes to midnight, so Happy Friday everyone. Night night all xxx Sorry for waffling on.

Also, thought this might cheer you up Ma (it made me smile today). See if you can guess what animal this is? I had never even heard of them and they are ridiculously cute ... (you can see why I didn't finish my application form, ahem. Easily distracted!)

soc is that day 202?!? What are you up to today? xx

soupey how are you today sweetheart? How did your social thingy go? Well done on plumping for a water the other night, now that's strength! You are making the changes, xx

joey I'm glad you enjoyed our virtual day out ma quine, you sounded so homesick I thought I'd take you out for a jaunt. I love walking along the railway line, the café at the Camphill Community is a welcome wee pitstop. Their cinnamon swirls... Ooooooh and Books and Beans on Belmont for their home made soup....and Aitkens Aitkens Aitkens a rowie or 6. Oh joey you have a Waaaaaaaaitroooooooose. marks's teeny tiny bottles stay with me now and again. They help with my mushrooms. It's just after midnight, you are on 6 weeks! Have a t'interbuttery, xx

beaches are we on day 6?!? xx

Anne How are things going lovely? Are you conquering day 1?

venus check you out with your lemon and soda! I hope your dreams were suitably sunny after being so virtuous and that you woke up rested and smug! P.S How's your paperwork mountain? xx

ma you are not a failure. Quite the opposite, in fact. The shite that's been flung at you this year and look at ye, yer still standing, and riding with us. And a gorgeous man looks at you and thinks you are beautiful, inside and oot. And your bairns are exploring the world, you gave them the same spirit that's in you, they are a credit to you. And you raised them to have kind hearts, empathy and baking skills. I for one, smell a proper success. P.s Re WB? It's not you. Word. xx

Faire I could only think of rudity to cheer ma up. Rudity and a tardis. xx

Eccles oh me, I have missed ye, how are things? You can always be yourself on the bus, always always. No secrets here. Love and trust only, if you need an ear, this bus has shoulders and ears in abundance. We are here, xx

baby oh you lovely thing you, I thought of you first thing this morning. I was chatting to a lovely woman, her daughter had just bought a lovely horse lorry. All cream leather interior, room for 4 horses, a shower, a bedroom... it sounded the bollocks. Do you think soc will let us tow a horsebox behind the bus for our ahem stallions? Ooh and then we won't cause offence with our pile of sweaty tack, or we could nip there for a quick sniff of hay and horseflesh when the world gets too much, I'm already there my friend, and I have a flask of proper broth. And butteries.

I loved your positive friend story, living each day in the now is a good move. For us, every minute which passes AF is a minute hoofing the WW's arse, always a winner. I live to 'just be', tis my favourite time of day. xx

hope Aww, you raised a lovely lad as well. 2 days isn't bad at all, I would say that was a relatively speedy apology, I would fester for days but how lovely he was so sincere. I repeat, I smell success.

I have been there with the ridiculously wordy job applications. I feel your pain. I am not a fan of wanky, wordy waffle. I was once given a job for being Scottish. That was my quickest interview process ever. And for my longest employment period. I didn't have to write a thing.
Hmm. Hmmm. xx (psst) I know what the beastie is Mighty cute!

spanna are you still making cards with your lovely crew? Sending you a right big t'interbosie, hope you are keeping fine me dear, thinking of you, on your 19th day, xx

70, Phrase and popcorn hello hello hello, big bosies for you, how is everything going? xx

And lastly, but never least, Mouse tooters, have you been keeping everyone entertained at the bingo? How are things at the House Of Mouse? I had a wee smile to myself today, all the supermarkets are pushing their fantabulous cheese selections for Christmas. The Comte, the Stilton in the earthenware pots, the little gift sets. It's a cheese fest. I have snuck some on to the bus, they are on the roof rack, awaiting your biscuit of choice. They have really fine thins in Mellis's, and at the Breadmaker in Aberdeen. The Breadmaker does the finest loaf. Crusty, lovely loaf. perfect for dipping into baked Camembert.... xx

Best head to bed, turn round to earlies tomorrow, but off the weekend. Works night out on Saturday night. I really want to stay in and watch Strictly. Day 6, it's a struggle, but I am haudin gaun.

Bosies one and all with gusto and love, nighty night, xx

Is it ok to drop by and say hi?

Its Thanksgiving here in New York, and no celebration of this year would be complete without thanking the Brave Babes who got me here. You saved me, in all the ways one can be saved, right when I needed you most,without judgement. My DH and DS thank you all too.

Still sober. Never looked back, in fact.

As always when at a loss to fully convey the emotions I feel, I turn to poetry. Heres Kipling, on the females who save. If she have sent her servants in our pain
If she have fought with Death and dulled his sword;
If she have given back our sick again.

And to the breast the wakling lips restored,
Is it a little thing that she has wrought?
Then Life and Death and Motherhood be nought.

Go forth, O wind, our message on thy wings,
And they shall hear thee pass and bid thee speed,
In reed-roofed hut, or white-walled home of kings,
Who have been helpen by ther in their need.

All spring shall give thee fragrance, and the wheat
Shall be a tasselled floorcloth to thy feet.

Haste, for our hearts are with thee, take no rest!
Loud-voiced ambassador, from sea to sea
Proclaim the blessing, mainfold, confessed.

Of those in darkness by her hand set free.

Then very softly to her presence move,
And whisper: "Lady, lo, they know and love!"

Happy Thankgiving Babes!

WHY!!!!!!! . How wonderful to see you. I often think of you and I'm, our two heroines who hitched their wagons to the bus in dark times and made such courageous decisions and showed such bravery until they drove into the light. The day you won your case was such a high point on this bus and we all felt privileged to share your joy that day. I am so delighted that you are now happy and send the biggest thanksgiving hugs and kisses to you and your darling family. May you have many, many more wonderful thanksgivings with your lovely boy. . You are a message of hope and joy to us all. Happy Thanksgiving!

Why, absolutely delighted to hear that things are still going so well for you. You rock xx

why great to hear from you

babyj it's okay, you were right I was struggling last week, think I was feeling under the weather. Made me realise something though - I HAVE to go to Aberdeen! I feel the call of the seagulls in my head...

looking I can lend you a maladjusted pet if you want? TBH the teenage years are hard - your WB ought to be supporting you

wry have you thought of writing? A book, or a blog maybe? I'd love to read a blog of yours, you have such a way with words

This is for babyj and wry - Conversation with a Horse

cassandraparkin.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/conversation-with-horse-constantine-cornwall/

Happy thanksgiving why wonderful to hear from you

looking I'm only on day 5 of the shred, you'll soon be on the dreaded level 2!!!

wry I'm on day 3 today, furtherest I've got in a while. I feel like I am just sick of drinking although of course that's easy to say in the morning....I struggle in that my evenings are the same whether I drink or not. I'll read, watch tv, mumsnet with or without a glass of wine. I've considered leaving the ironing until late on but I think that might lead to me convincing myself I 'deserve' a glass of wine after clearing it

Well done on 200 days plus soc :)

why - so delighted to hear that you are still doing so well. Your dh and ds and you must have had a great day yesterday - and you did all the hard work xx

wry - the café at Easter Anguston community farm (Peterculter) is nice, though only open in spring, summer and autumn. They have a farm / garden shop, and in the summer you can pick your won strawberries and they are the sweetest and tastiest that I have ever had. And another place that provides meaningful work and learning for people who need support.

mouse I hope that this week has passed without too much pain - you did everything that you could to comfort you Mum and she went secure in the knowledge that whatever had gone before, you were by her side. That will have meant everything to her.

ma If you weren't putting you family first you'd have walked out a long time ago - you have been devoted to them, to ensuring that your dc have had as much stability as you could offer, to remaining there while you worked out your plans. Such tough times for you with all the worry at work, and with h's current health concerns, but never, never let go of your dream. Someday you will have that tiny quiet cottage with a roaring fire, you will fly on heron's wings.

Good morning babes,

why I had goosebumps reading your post. You are the epitamy of the magic of this bus, I am thrilled for you and you are a beacon of hope in our often cruel world. Good things happen to good people after all. Your an inspiration xxxx

Huge big hugs to all my lovely babe friends, I luffs you all xxx

why how brilliant to hear from you . I often think of you and I'm who was also in such a dark place. The day you won your case the entire bus burst into tears. Well done you.
thank you all for you kind words just now - venus fly on heron's wings is lovely. My thought for the day.
You all mean such a ridiculous amount to me and are always there and ..and...and. seem to have something in my eye

isinde !! Great to see you! How are you doing?

ma oh don't cry, you'll set us all off

Hmm. You know what I'm seeing with all these stories?

Tiredness. Ill-health, worries about jobs, problems with partners and kids, money troubles.

Sheer exhaustion and feck

Hope is it an aardvark, anteater or armadillo?

Why fantastic to hear from you and so glad you are still sober and rocking it!

I think your poetry tempted the lovely Isinde to post. That and the opportunity to be rude to ma

Hope you had fun at the park Isinde. I had such a laugh today at school when a child was trying to read the phrase 'He stuck his fingers in his ears' and when she got a bit stuck, I encouraged her to use her phonics. So she tried again, tried so hard and finally she triumphantly read, 'He stuck his fingers in his arse'

Made my day that did.

Hi Isinde. Enjoy the park. We have an ugly naked guy in the flats next door
He always showers in front of the badly positioned, inadequately frosted bathroom mirror and we can see him from our kitchen while eating breakfast

Joey, yes! Absolutely!

And Faire - no, none of the above! But I did love your story about the phonics. . How did you keep a straight face?