The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Waving Goodbye To Summer Nights, Sipping Mocktails.

[Mouseface]

Hello, I'm Mouse Welcome to the Bus. :)

Well, it would appear that Autumn is on it's way I have the heating on and can't wait to use the log burner.... shhh!

So, who are we? We're just like you. Married, single, divorced, lots of children or no children, working or a SAHM, it doesn't matter, we all breathe the same air.....

We're just trying to live our lives on the Bus, like you do each day. Well, except for one thing...

I know don't start my day with a swig, or seven, from a litre bottle of vodka (choose your poison) any longer.

And that's what has kept me here, for years now. And no doubt many more to come. Reading the stories of others struggles, wanting to say "I feel like that" or "I do that too!" but being to ashamed to be the first to put your hand up.

Well, let me reassure you here and now, there's not much that we haven't read about on here or done ourselves over the years.

We've laughed at stories of haphazard nights out, we've cried at the loss of loved ones and we've shared the pain that only an alcoholic knows when all that they want is to STOP!

Push the pause button, get off the ride, shut the door, bury yourself under the duvet for days. We've all felt that sickening feeling in our gut that makes us want to curl up and hide forever. And we've shared it all on here.

You see I don't know you and you don't know me, so we're just words on a screen to each other. Eventually, you'll get to know me more and I you, and the other fantastic Babes too, some will stay, some leave us, then some come back.

One thing I can PROMISE - here you are safe, here you won't be judged, turned away (unless you're not genuine) and we even have a huge stock of Opal Fruits but that's all down to Ma.

So, if you think we're you're kind of lovely bunch of people to help you stop drinking, slow down, hold your hand while you decide what to do, then come find a seat!

OUR MOST RECENT THREAD

AND A VERY SOBERING READ, THAT LEAD TO THE BIRTH OF THE THREADS THAT FOLLOWED

Well done wellies I have been horribly aware of the white wine in the fridge and was planning on having a glass when dh had gone to work. But he hung around and has only just fine now so I'm thinking if I have got this far.....
It's been a bloody struggle though.
Will go to bed soon to avoid temptation.

Gone, not fine

Well done ?? I'm on tea now ....then off to bed .
My husband is away this week ...not sure if it'll be harder or easier when he's home

The ?? Should have been a !

Yes,well done because you has less than usual. Sometimes even a mouthful less is a result. In fact,its always a result.
I made it too,for the first time in ages, and am in bed with a hot chocolate and a hot water bottle. Cosy, cosy

Morning Babes.

I'm back - sorry for disappearing again. The new academic year got insanely busy - and difficult. I made it to day 41 then picked up again , and now I'm on a new day two. I haven't read back yet, but hello everyone, hope you're all ok.

Just been reading back, I won't remember everything, but . . .

Small xx. Thank you for thinking of me. How are you doing today, poppet?

Mouse, you poor thing, feeling any better today?

Obrigada, you can't mention a puppy then not give us details

Cat how are the demanding ones?

Khalisi, how did fella do in the race? Coming to terms with life being ok is not nearly as easy as it should be, just let DD keep reminding you, it sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders.

Faire you are brilliant.

Pop, glad to hear your DF is on the mend.

Ma, chocolate is the best bait, and make sure the trap is against a wall, the little blighters will always run round the edges.

Hello Wellies, Melbourne, nice to meet you.

Sorry I can't name check everyone. Currently avoiding writing several emails about things that should have been done to help my return to work, but haven't been (for the third time of asking); do they not get how difficult it is to keep asking for help when your brain is telling you that this is evidence that you don't deserve it?

Hello Sweet, great to see you back lovely and of course you deserve the help, we know it - you just have to firmly tell that little inner naysayer

Ma brilliant start to the week, well done babe.

welcome to the new babes, hello to the old ones, a squeeze to Spanna and a poke in the ribs to Guggs - you popped into my thoughts and I realised you haven't posted for ages.

Take care all xx

Hi Beaches, how are things with you?

I sent three of the emails, although they were a bit limp if I'm honest. I still haven't written the last one because I can't face the response - it won't be negative, but I know it won't be helpful either, and the respondent will play misery/work stress top trumps, and I will end up helping him out (sigh).

Pup has been settling down well at work, but now I miss him when I don't bring him in!

Right, off to stand in front of students for a couple of hours.

Day 1 here. Have my becks blue but really struggling because my partner and all three children are doing my head in and would love to just escape a bit.

Oh Isinde, I wish I was supple enough to get my head even half way there!

It probably doesn't feel like it now, Work, but, staying sober will ultimately help you stay more zen about those 'little irritants'! I speak from experience!

Finally managed to sit down after arguing with DS about what he would have for supper - we don't have a kitchen or dining room at the moment, so we are limited to microwave, toaster and the space of a chopping board to prepare in. And that would be fine, but he doesn't like ready meals (well brought up brat ) which would be alright if he had any ideas of what he will eat. He ended up settling on some smoked sausage I had bought for dog training treats - and has eaten the lot .

Yeah, where are you guggs?
Good to see so many oldies checking in , as well as the newbies.

Quiet bus tonight, I'll be going to bed just as soon as ds has finished his shower. That could be some hours away!

Thanks Venus and Faire for the motivational posts. I wish I was were you are now. Hope you're all OK Babes. Night night xx

Hands you are there, you know what you want, you just have to trust your own judgement. If you want an AF day, them you go all out to get it. That's it, just one day x

I've been wondering how hope is getting on too.

hope is away for a few days. I am a tad pissed.

You can tell I've been on the vino - couldn't even be bothered to spell "where" right . How pathetic is that! Yes hope you're OK Hope xx

Hi all, reading ur post had really given me a kick up the bum, but I'm really struggling. So sorry if this is the wrong place. I didn't have anything last week but yesterday I had a bottle of wine at 9pm, then another one at 12pm. Iv had another couple of bottles today and I don't know why! I genuinely don't understand why I do it but I can't go on like this

*Sorry that should have said 9am

Hi friends. It's so helpful to read your posts and check in. I'm now on day 45 and maybe in a bit of a lull. Haven't lost weight after the first bit and can't seem to keep away from sugar. I did notice all these great skin changes (and sleep) but maybe it's less amazing now that it's the new normal? I challenged myself to 100 days and am sure I'll do it - hope maybe the second half will bring more joy. All that said- I do feel much better and think I will extend the test after Dec- why not?

The cravings are definitely better but grapefruit juice and fizzy water from fridge the minute I get home is essential.

Great work everyone.

Morning Babes.

Same hop aboard, the bus is just the place for you if you want support and a place you can be yourself. Tell us a bit about yourself if you feel comfortable.

Siren, day 45 is brilliant, and yes I found I forgot how brilliant the 'new normal' was (hence day 3 ), so keep it up, you'll get your hundred days.

Woke up with a headache and sore throat, headache is a detox thing, the throat is too much building dust; I can't wait for it to be finished, hopefully just another three weeks.

Tonight is going to be a tough one for me, a work thing where the choice will be luke warm orange juice or wine, I need to start planning and visualising early!

Have a good day all, catch you later.

Welcome same and no, you can't go on like this. None of us can which is why we are here and why I feel shit this morning after downing a bottle last night! You will get lots of support here.

Can't you take your own drink Sweet. A flask of tea would suit me

It'll have to be fizzy water, Faire, though that'll be warm by the time the lecture finishes!

Ma give yourself an AF day, hope you feel better soon.