Brave Babes - Barging through 2017 in style

[SweetLathyrus]

Hello, I'm SweetLathyrus (Sweet for short), and I've been hopping on and off Gerald the Brave Babes Battle Bus for three years now because, like some many of us, I struggle with alcohol.

The Bus is a supportive community at all stages in their relationship with alcohol and with lots of different goals - for some, it's abstinence, for others it's moderation, for others, it's just about getting a bit of control and perspective.

So, if you think you'd like to join us, don't be shy, flag us down and jump on board and share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with; sometimes there will be silliness, but there will always be help and support.

If you would like to know how the Bus first rattled into action, here is the first ever thread

And if you would like to know where we have been more recently, here is the most recent thread

Oh spanna big hugs x all will be well. Being ill is horrible, I get very emotional and have a cry which helps a little. Perhaps the bus should rock up outside your door and bundle in with lots of love and good intentions. Second thoughts- that might not make you feel better!

margie that is a very brave decision and a good one. The thing about money is that there's never spare money or the right time to do something, sometimes you just have to jump in both feet first.

This bus is amazing. When my life was busy falling apart I couldn't post because the horrible things which happened belonged to a family member and I didn't want to write any details. Mostly I just felt so bewildered and knocked about. Things have moved on, thankfully and I'm glad to be back.

I'm reading and watching tv all the way through to the end now. Anyone catch taboo last night? That was goooood- I likes a bit of spooky, gothic. Usually I'd have crashed out by 9 ish. This time last week I was working through a hangover. I am a bit ashamed of how quickly my drinking habits crept up again, I only stopped bf in October but the small glass of red quickly became 2 large glasses.

Yeah, I'm glad to be here and getting the support of a bus load of erm....well I'm not quite sure how to describe the inhabitants of this bus- laydees? Deviants? Miscreants? Thank you anyhow.

I can't believe how productive I've been today. Normally I'd be shuffling around the house. I've bathed the dogs, cleaned the kitchen, bathroom and done two loads of washing. I've just turned down an invite to the pub too . Normally that would be my Sunday afternoon into evening. Being busy is keeping from drinking that bottle of Barefoot I can feel calling me from the dining room.
Luxury I think that's the way to go. I've spent far to much time in PJS at home. Next up is to tackle my caterpillars eyebrows. And dye my hair.
I had a really bad 2016 that started off with phoning the police on Christmas Day as we couldn't get my Mother on the phone. They broke in to find her in a coma. Fast forward to this Christmas and she's so much better . It took from March to August for her to walk again. No wonder my wine and gin intake went through the roof. My Uncle thinks I may have had some sort of PTSD.
This bus is exactly what I need right now.

Just on my way out the door but wanted to send you a squeeze Spanna, you sound like such a strong supportive mum, it would break my heart too to see my child feeling isolated. She has you, which is a blessing.

To the rest of you lovely lot, keep fighting that wickedly witch. Laters x

Second what Beaches said Spanna, you sound like a lovely Mum and I think it's very brave of your DD to go out and face her fears. Big hugs to you.

Wow Mint, sounds like you had so much to deal with last year, as you say, no wonder you turned to booze for a bit of relief! Let's hope that 2017 is a much calmer, happier one for you.

Fox, I hear you on the aged parent front, my Dad just left after two weeks with us and now I'm full of remorse that I could have been nicer to him but OMG he does my head in!!! In the nicest possible way...but he follows me around the house aimlessly like one of the kids!

Guggs, I like miscreants personally .

Lux, I am going to take a leaf out of your book. The other day when I was rooting around at the back of the bathroom cupboard looking for the bloody face mask I came across all kinds of body scrubs and body spray and bath salts that I'd totally forgotten I own. Tonight I vow to exfoliate or scrub or put a mask on at least one part of my body.

I've managed lunch with the in-laws and it wasn't too hard to say no to the wine today...could it be that the cravings are starting to ease off???

Well I managed my exercise today - a simple sounding jog for 1 min, walk for 1 min, repeat 10 times. Damn near killed me! I am now chewing my way through a bowl of natural yoghurt, mango and low sugar granola. Just yum!
Inspired by luxurywoman I have also bought some razors and plan some major de-foliaging tonight. Should have bought a machete!

The wine witch is swooping... had some shit news, and have been SO productive on the batch cooking front today. Serving up a roast when DP and DD get in and really feeling a combination of I deserve it and I've done 7.5 days so one wouldn't hurt...

Not going to but the booze cupboard is singing a siren song.

Mip smack WW right in the saggy tits with a saucepan, that should sort her out for now

Beaches flower, thank you, trouble is I can't stop thinking about the things I could have, should have done Tomorrow is another day, as they say.....

Margie thanks babe - huge well done for inlaws lunch, that would have me necking wine from start to end, in the day....

Lux I hope you're gettng ready for your scrub off

Ma very constructive, healthy day babe - you go girlfriend

Mint move away from the Barefoot - it will still be there tomorrow and you my lovely will have no hangover

Still feeling icky and knackered. Back laters x

Sorry for the shit news mip. Hope not too awful.
Hang in there everyone.
I'm so sick of lime and tonic I am having a Bavaria no alcohol "beer". It's not bad.

Crappy day at work here, just sat down for first proper break since 7.30. Major beer cravings again- want to do day 7 but so want to look forward to getting home and drinking. And sleep, sleep would be good too. Feels a massive let down to think I have to go home to ginger beer and herb tea, and yet another night of no sleep. Sorry- very self absorbed post, not had a chance to read back at all, just wanted a moan. Hope all ok

The WW has been banished with a saucepan in the tits, thanks spanna for that image And I love the sound of your 92yo client now I've had a chance to read back a bit!

Fantastic on the exercise ma, well done! The shit news was expected (parental health related) but still shit. Is the Bavaria beer-free beer okay? I have a Nanny State in the fridge which I might have later.

Elba that sounds exhausting. Following venus's HALT acronym is the tiredness fuelling the beer craving?

Well done on the exercise Ma . I've been really shite lately with it. I joined a gym in October (nobody knew but that's a whole other thread) Went religiously four days a week but didn't go at all in December. December consisted of a permanent drink haze due to my Birthday, Christmas and Hogmanay . I aim to start again tomorrow.
spanna41 I have firmly shut the door to the dining room and am ignoring her drink me call.
It will be lovely to not have a hangover tomorrow.

Lol mint that is it exactly!
Have just cooked dinner for everyone, done all the dishes with no help, and am knackered after a weekend of de-cluttering.
But, I have put fresh bedding on(dh is working tonight) so just for me, and strung some wee fairy lights and am looking forward to a tranquil evening.

Im a great believer in the power of fairy lights. And Candles. Nothing better on a cold dark night to lift the post Christmas blues away.
I've discovered a new drink! Pink lemonade with homemade elderflower cordial over lots of ice and a spring of mint. It's delicious.

HI all - posted yesterday but it mysteriously disappeared! Anyway, great to see so many of you doing so well - we are definitely kicking the wine witch's arse this month. Day 8 here too.

Been running around all weekend shopping, cooking, ironing (it's 'back to school Sunday' in our house) and finding uniforms and gym kits. Took ds to two races. Also working as have mega week ahead and need to catch up.

Venus your description of the WB in his garret doing pointless projects is about right. I married a Casaubon (for those of you who like George Eliot). Pah! Though he did go to the supermarket for DD's food tech ingredients earlier as I was on a teleconference. (I work with workaholics!)

Talking of books, Ma and co, I like anything by Kate Atkinson and Helen Dunmore. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is brilliant. And Wild Swans by Jung Chang, or anything by Amy Tan. Am currently reading the second in the Elena Ferrante series but struggling with it a bit - so many characters, all alike! I keep getting them mixed up.

I am jealous of all your lovely homes. I am just about keeping us in clean clothes and food and tamping down the worst of the dust, forget having a clearout (which I would dearly love to do).

However on behalf of Laura and I - and any other spider fans - I am setting up a spider sanctuary on the bus. I will care for them, and it is behind a curtain so you don't have to see them, but I will not allow any adorable arachnids to come to any harm. Spiders are our friends. And they won't spit at us like the camel (who now seems to be several camels!)

On the Lemon and Ginger tea now and two papers to write before bed so got to go, but sending you all hugs, especially those of you going through hard times - sorry not to NC but am reading all your posts and marveling at the individual and collective strength that gets us through each day!

A spider sanctuary on the bus!. No way José!
You will have to put them in the sidecar and if that doesnt keep people on the straight and narrow, God knows what will.The camels can wander along behind the bus, they are getting very smelly. Who the hell do they belong to anyway?
Back to school for the boy here tomorrow too...It will Bea shock to his system going to bed before midnight tonight.

Evening all, not too bothered by spiders, not my 1st love but not scared.

I have read all posts but despite my marathon sleep I'm tired and squints eyed.

Went for lunch and was sorely tempted by a cold beer but stayed firm so day 8 complete.

I'm sorry to those that have had a crap day, will catch up properly soon.

Hope everyone has a restful, twinkly evening.

You're all fairy light to me at the moment

Lux Day 9 tomorrow (sorry I know we can all count) That's just Fabulous

Ma Hope you're hilarious sorry the camels seemed to have multiplied when I found the one hump and two hump versions on my phone I just thought they looked so cute. Ma there's nothing like a bit of camel spit

I think it may be a good idea to get some really yummy AF drinks for us to share - new ideas are always good and very welcome. Love the sound of that drink Mint.
Tescos were doing an AF San Miguel which was yummy but seem to have stopped selling it . I'm personally sick of Becks Blue. Balvaria is good.

Hope everyone is ok x

🐫🐪🐫🐪🐫

the camels spanna

I had some delicious af cocktails in Florida, I guess you can buy ready made ones here, I must investigate, a lovely cold mojito flavoured drink would feel a real treat.

Fentimanns Rose lemonade is gorgeous.

hope did you read The Mermaids Chair, also by Sue Monk Kid?
I love the CJ Samson Shardlake series if you like a mediaeval whodunnit.

I have got AF San Miguel in my fridge Spanna! Come on over girl.

Off to bed, sober for the 8th day in a row, starting to feel less sad and more proud. We've just accepted a dinner invitation to our neighbour's next Saturday night - he's a total wine fiend so I know it will be a challenge but I'll worry about that later. One day at a time! Night night to all babes, camels and spiders.

Well done Margie ODAAT, night all x

Here you go. AF Mojito!
livelikeyouarerich.com/non-alcoholic-mojito-recipe/

Am in bed here with tea ( and toast!! Don't tell dd1)
Can't believe we have done 8 days. Wish I could see more of a weight loss but face is less puffy, belly less bloated and am sleeping better so hopefully weight loss is still to come.