The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Shaping Up For A Super, Sober Summer!

[Mouseface]

Hey, I'm Mouse

This is 'Gerald', our trustworthy, non judgemental Bus, full of a variety of posters who have travelled long and far, or even just joined us a few stops ago.

This is a place where you can be who YOU want to be. 24/7, 365. This lovely place is just like your best friend, there's no slagging off, no judging, just us.

Drinking or not, embarrassed, fed up of the way things are, or just lonely of living the way drinking makes you do, come and take a peek and see what you think.....

THIS THE LAST THREAD WE HAD

AND THIS IS WHERE THE BUS WAS BUILT, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

We can't wait to meet you, we won't bite! Well, unless you ask very nicely.

Take good care until we see you. :) xx

yup,i'm ready to kip for england too. typing one handed (squishing ds).

i'm enjoying the af nights & mornings but there's still part of me which wants to opt out and get slaughtered- just because I'm so knackered.

I'm doing well though so this isn't a complaint.

I have a peri menopause going for free is anyone would like it? It's like walking around with weights attached to me. Some one tell me that I'll be through it soon...

Hello babes Day 2 for me (I managed 12 days, then slipped up and had to go back to the beginning...)

I hope things are settling down for you now ma any progress on the dad/nursing home situation?

guggs I've been told I'm perimenopausal even though I'm only 43 - started HRT nearly 3 weeks ago, and so far feeling much better. Have you been to your GP?

I feel like pants, think I've picked up some nasty chesty, achy yuck Not ill very often and when 'I go, I go', hacking cough, sore back, sore arms and legs. Went into work and wish I hadn't as I feel worse. (I don't get paid for sick)

Guggs I could sleep for a week just wish it was possible! Completely understand the menopause symptoms. It's the night sweats and the drenched bed, so grim!

Joey glad to hear your patches are making you feel better that is excellent news

April awe thanks Babe - 28 days is AWESOME, you done good darling Keep going, one day, minute, hour at a time. I have had many moments of wanting to charge down to the COOP they've got my favourite Presseco on special at the moment, bastards!!! I've even been thinking 'buy some bottles Spanna for when you reach 100 Days' (my original target) WTF am I thinking, the bottles wouldn't last an evening in my company Stick with it babe it is soooooo worth it

Nuff ditto in our household DC in the middle of exams (SATs DD 11 last week) and DD1 had her English today. It's exhausting for them, let alone us Can't wait for half term either! the relief of not having to do the school run and I'm off work - phew and breathe. Cake!! puddings have become my new wine

Khalisi you go girl way to go darling. I can feel your fitness buzz. X

Ruby how you doing babe?

Beaches if you're lurking flower come and say hello

Ma hope you had a lovely party on Saturday. Big love x

Baby

Still gagging for some cold fizz but the moment passes and the 'fizz thoughts' are less than they were.

Have a good evening all lovely brave babes x

April big squeeze for you lovely. How you doing? Hope all ok in 'April world'

Spanna come join us on the Year 11 gcse thread.

Day 49 tomorrow you say? Day fourfeckingty nine!

You are fabby fabtastic. Try soda water with ice for a bit of cold fizz. Put lime or elderflower in it for flavour if you want it.

Sorry April that was supposed to be a message for Fox ARRRRGH I hate being sick

start again

Fox you ok babe?

I am slowly going even madder than I was

Well done all not drinking. Cat say the same here

Hey all. Hands tissues and lemsip to Spanna - poor you, babe, hope you feel proper better soon. Thanks so much for checking on me - it means a lot.

Am fine - another sober milestone clocked up at the weekend as I did a work conference without alcohol. Two big set piece dinners and a whole lot of socialising in between and it was completely fine. Astonishingly so. Plus I actually remember what happened in the daytime sessions and even had a stab at participation, for the first time ever, rather than lurching through the event in a boozy haze. So yep, I'm feeling good - quietly, cautiously so, but good nonetheless.

Haven't had a chance to read back fully but sending hugs to all and settling down at the back of the bus for a proper catch up.

Babes!!! Hello. Been meaning to jump on here for ages. Last week was my one year sober anniversary. I can't actually believe that not a single drop of alcohol has passed my lips in over a year. I don't miss it. Very rarely now do I even think a glass of wine would be nice. I intend never to drink again and it feels fucking fabulous. I like the new sober fit 45 year old me. God my life is so extremely better without wine.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that support. This bus is a wonderful thing. Xxx

Soc CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY that is truly amazing and a huge achievement So so Well Done. You are an inspiration. Thank you Please keep coming back because it really is the encouragement that we need. It really does prove that it can be done. From struggling to get to Day 3, to being AF for a few months and then being able to reach one year. You are AWESOME BABE

Fox huge achievement Babe, that is sooooo good. I've got a small festival to go to on the last weekend of the month when I will be 'sober' dancing for the first time that should be interesting

Still feel rough, Ibeprofen made me dream some fucking funky dreams, real vivid stuff about people I used to work with so weird. Not sure what that's all about. Think I'll make an appearance at work and then leave after a few hours, shows willing?

Anyhooooo, Hope babe what was the film like? was it as good as the first?

Sweet darling please come and let us know that you're ok x

Have a good day Babes, sun is shining here

Yes, Soc that is just awesome and wonderful - thanks so much for letting us know how you are doing, a massive achievement and a great inspiration.

Spanna hope you feel better as the day goes on. What day is it now for you, I read back and saw a reference somewhere to 49 but can't quite tell? Want to get the bunting out for day 50!

See you all later. Feeling grumpy abut work today and urgently in need of coffee. My coffee consumption seems to have skyrocketed as my wine intake declines. Not a great substitute but I'll take it, for now.

spanna hope you're feeling better, get yourself tucked up in bed!

fox well done, another milestone, fabulous!! I also am drinking a stupid amount of coffee, I was blaming toddler induced lack of sleep but maybe I'm just substituting.

soc, amazing, thanks for the inspiration.

Morning babes,

sober my my dear dear friend I'm so proud of you and so inspired by your amazing success!!! well done on getting through a whole year and I hope one day to be just like you xx

spanna 50 days I believe!!! I remember just before you began when you were feeling yuck and lethargic and had lost your joie de vivre, baby look at you now!!!!. Very strangely I also have a sore throat and sore head and took ibrufen last night then went on to dream of someone I used to work with, how bizarre!! Let's just say it was a handsome chap, not THE handsome chap obviously, calm down ma!!!!!! Thanks for your lovely hugs too xx

ma you continue to go up and up in my estimations. You are an amazing sister, mother, friend and daughter. So glad your mum had a great birthday and hope your Dad is stable. Thanks for continuing to think of me when I disappear from the thread, means a lot... Xxx

small proud of you girl xxx

guggs your sounding very positive and upbeat which I'm really pleased to hear, again thanks for thinking of me xxx

khalisi you rock babe. Your posts always make me smile and believe me I haven't smiled much lately so keep em coming. I can hardly believe how much excercise improved my mood and fitness levels. I haven't done anything for a few weeks for obvious reasons and my sore back has returned and I'm really stiff on the morning (oooo errrr) so I'm looking to you for motivation my fit friend xxx

I'm going to go now incase I lose all this. I'm so glad to be back and sober and I will keep getting back up and dusting myself down until I win this battle with depression and booze.

Will pop back later, love to joey wry come home, hope venus april hands and anyone I've missed, big hugs xxxx

OMG, Soc MASSIVE WELL DONE, Babes!!!
Wow, such an inspiration!

spanna I read day 50 and immediately thought to celebrate your milestone with a drink. Fuck.

baby Sorry you're poorly, my darling friend. You'll be back on your fitness trip soon.

Hope Seriously, what a shithead. I hope ma could give you constructive advice and you'll be able to chuck him. It might be wise to get a solicitor. And even if in the beginning it would be hard on the kids, you might just have to chuck him out and change the fucking locks.
You are not alone, babes. I swear I would get on the plane and kick his balls. Seriously. PM me if you ever need someone there in person.

Foxy babe What's up darling? Still kicking alcohol's butt?

Waves to all Babes! Sorry not to NC everyone. Have to get back to work!
xxx

Afternoon ladies xx

Ma glad you had a good weekend. How are you feeling now?

Hope how are things with you?

Alias how are you getting on with the HRT?

Khalisi 10k in 1 hour 7!! I did a 5k "run" on Sunday in 48 minutes . There was more fast walking going on than running!

Spanna and Faire I've also got a teenager in the middle of GCSE's. He doesn't seem particularly stressed about them although he's miffed his social life has had to take a back seat!

April hope the toddler is sleeping better. Sleep deprivation is the pits

Ruby I've had the lovely red patches on my face too . I hate my appearance at the moment and my self esteem is at an all time low . Hope you're feeling ok xx

Sober one year!! . I know everyone has already said this but you are so inspirational. In fact so is everybody who's managed to go several days/weeks/months AF. I'm full of admiration for you all

Sweet are you ok?

Andy did you get to the AA meeting?

Baby how are you feeling now? I can totally understand the whole feeling like a stranger in your own life. My depression has been really bad over the last few days and unfortunately I've been drinking again . I still haven't started on the ADs. I had a bad experience with seroxat many years ago so I'm frightened of taking these new ones but I can't go on like this.

Waves to Isinde, Mouse, Guggs, Fox, Venus and anyone I've missed out. . xx

Hey all. Sorry not to name check but a bloody well done to sober socfish!
More blood tests today, feeling rough. Had a meeting at the Scottish Parliament today. I dont care if you are a Cabinet Secretary sir, you are a completely useless wanker! Give me my military chaps any day who actually get things done!
And the word is "apathetic" not "antipathetic"!!!!

You do move in rarified circles ma!

hands, I've been taking sertraline for the past few months for anxiety. After a tricky few weeks, they've really made a difference. What is it that concerns you?

I had a bit of a battle with the witch tonight. It was unexpected, none of my usual triggers were there. I just wanted some oblivion and to escape reality for a few hours. It's passed, she's been defeated. For tonight anyway.

Sleep well lovely babes

I dont really April. The Scottish Parliament building is a concrete horror an any of tourist or member of the public can wander it and mooch about. Most of the MSPs are fairly insignificant, although they think they are world leaders, and getting a meeting isn't difficult. As with all politicians, nothing ever comes of these meetings and nothing gets done!
Waste of an afternoon to be honest, other than getting our name out there.....

How frustrating.

I live in Edinburgh and have never visited the parliament. Is it worth a visit?

Morning All

Baby so good to see you my hugs are there for you any time lovely one x

Feeling much better but I'm masking it all with pain killers, no funky dreams last night, well not that I can remember Day off today and a list as long as my arm to get through. I've been trying to ignore cleaning the flat but I have family coming this weekend and I really don't want them to know that I truly am a complete minger Hopefully I won't get round to too many avoidance tactics

I've reached Day 50 today can't quite believe it! I was struggling so much to get past Day 2 again and again. I'm pushing the boat out today with a bottle of ginger beer this evening Yes I miss that 'release' that I feel when I've had that first glass (mind, that glass lasts less than a minute, unless I'm in company that I don't know that well) I don't miss the 'next morning' feeling of anxiety, dread, remorse, memory loss, feeling like gobshite and regret, so I am going to keep on keeping on. If it wasn't for you lot I wouldn't have got to this milestone. So only another 50 to go I won't dwell on that and I will embrace the personal success. Thank you all for your support - it means tons

Sorry for the me me me post.

Khalisi you made me laugh (having a drink to celebrate, that was exactly my first thought ) Have a good day darling x

Hands yep my DD is being very laid back about her exams (in fact horizontal!!!) They can only do what they can do. I don't think that much work is getting done at home but she's doing revision and passed papers at school. I'll keep my fingers crossed for all of our chickens

April how you doing babe? So well done with WW last night. The moment does pass, that's how I've got through. The desire for oblivion is so strong sometimes and I think that we all understand that feeling

Fox have a good day babe x

Just seen the time must get up and get DDs to school. Big love and hugs to you all

spanna bloody well done! Have the smock of smug!
April personally I wouldn't bother visiting it unless you are particularly interested. Its a spectacularly ugly building - lots of concrete and darkness.

Go, go, go, go! Go spanna!!! bloody
Well done, babes!
Wow. Am totally in awe. I have now bough AF beer and will be drinking that for a while. Not much of a beer fan but it (AF version) tastes great after a long run.

Well done, Hands! It isn't about the distance in the beginning. Just keep running. One foot in front of the other, babes.
So proud of you!
(Maybe you can join April and I this weekend? Mind you, April doesn't know yet but I'm sure she jump for joy! )

Oh baby! Would love to come do yoga with you. Get well, my darling. You really do need the exercise with everything else going on.

Sweet my lovely. Hope you're good.

Orrighty, got to get on with work.

Waves to all you lovelies!
xxx

Good morning babes,

Had a rubbish night, really bad crohn's attack, very painful and my joints are all Inflammed this morning and my ass is throbbing, sorry TMI. It's been playing up for a few days but my main worry is that I'm not absorbing my AD's, I know this cos I'm having withdrawal symptoms despite taking them regular as clockwork. Also have a sore throat and a thumping headache so all in all fairly shite!!!

Not to worry, Ive got a million things to do and because of my recent episode I've missed slimming world and I've been eating bread like a fiend and want to get back to the plan so I'm off there after school and nursery run. I can honestly say as shite as I'm feeling and as much as my body aches with 7 hours of the runs, depression is 1000000 times worse so I'm still grateful.

I'll be back later, I did a huge post for you hands re AD's and depression and lost it so will try again later.

joey so glad your HRT is helping you and looking,I feel so bad for you that you have to live with no love or support, I used to be in the same boat with dh1 but in time you will find the strength and courage to find a way out, my heart goes out to you, stay strong xxx

Hi all. Been wallowing in self pity for a few days - what a waste of time! Trying very hard to get on with my life in a positive way but I get so pissed off how hard I find life. I'm such a mix up - can't speak somedays. I'm pretty bright in a logic type way but I'm shite at communicating so I tend to feel quite isolated and then I get pissed and become larger than life.
I just want to feel 'normal' where I can hold a conversation in the street or speak up at a meeting (where I tend to have better ideas than the very Snr Mgrs I'm with but I can't articulate them). How do people learn how to do this? I constantly blame my upbringing but is that fair and at 45 don't I need to get on with my life?
My DM really struggles with anxiety and speaking (she tends to ramble on to anyone who listens but doesn't listen to a word anyone says to her)

Right I shall try to stop waffling and go and read the posts. Will be back

Just checking in, mad busy today with things. Will be back tonight to catch up, luffs to all x