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

Happy birthday Ma . Hope you have a lovely day.

How is everyone today? Sweet thanks for the reminder re never regretting not drinking - that's definitely how I feel today, boingy and positive, and I came v close to giving in last night. Even powered through the kids homework without weeping or shouting this am.

I've noticed how much I enjoy cooking, when I am not too pissed to decipher the ingredients. I'm not at home often enough to cook properly during the week so it's a bit of a treat to make a proper meal for the family at the weekend. (I know I am super lucky that DH does all the weekday meals). I've decided to buy a new cookbook with my wine money from this week. Any suggestions? I'm usually a Nigel Slater, Diana Henry, Ottolenghi (for posh) kind of girl so any ideas along those lines would be much appreciated!

What are you all up to this grey day?

Nigel Slater's Appetite is good, and the Hairy Bikers ones are also good but my all time favourite is still Nigella's How to Be a Domestic Goddess.

Happy birthday ma waving to you from across the water x

Isn't it lovely to wake on a Saturday morning and feel ok And for those who were partying with the wine witch last night ..... there's always tomorrow morning to appreciate being hangover free.

Have a good day all.

Morning all! Not quite as good as a sea view but still not bad! Just been for a 5km run & definitely feeling the boing! Why oh why do I inflict hangovers on myself when it's SO good to start Saturday without one?

Lovely to see you Venus. Waves to the birthday girl, Dubh, Mint, Lux, Fox, Sweet, Beaches, Lunk, Elba (you ok hon?), Spanna, Elf, Faire, Joey, Tiger, Mouse and all other babes fighting the good fight.

Morning all, and happy birthday Ma!

Love all the gorgeous views (and Margie is that your pool?! Looks amazing)

Been at work the last two nights, so did two days af but ashamed to say that the left over beers got the better of me this morning. Turned down an invitation for tonight as I didn't trust myself not to drink, and have ended up drinking fucking Stella on my own at 10am in my pyjamas . Sounds even more pathetic now I've written it down.

Lots of you must be at the two week point though today which is absolutely amazing!

Happy Birthday lovely Ma xxx

Happy Birthday ma! Have a fabulous day!

Brrrrrrrr - that'll waken you up, a nice brisk walk on the beach! Crossing my fingers you will find the piece, a beautiful, unique, purpley chunk of gorgeousness. A true reflection of you. Bonne chance ma,

mint ooh thank you for that heads up, not sure I can give up the toast completely, so that is exceedingly good to know!

sweet my girl is insured by PetPlan too, I reckon she used up most of her £12,000 last year just on her elbows, and like you say, not a peep or one quibble. Just a speedy payment straight into my bank account. Gentle's policy was an unlimited one back in the day, I can understand why they don't offer that one anymore. (Noel, I'm looking at you! )

Her little face this morning, the robin was pissed off I had a lie in til 7.30am and gave her a shrieky flypast when she was out for her pee, he was raging. He has his own spot on the kitchen windowsill for his snack and will flutter about around all the windows until someone pays attention.

I didn't have to go in to work, which was an unexpected treat, I'm going to read, and do a bit of t'internet shopping. No walk today, it's quite icy and I daren't risk her slipping. It'll be a bit of training in the garden and perhaps some find the liver in the snow.

elba now listen you here to me, nae beating yourself up, do you hear? It's not just a day at a time, break it into hours, minutes, seconds. Every moment in time is a victory. Have a rest today, try to relax, cook a little and have some quality you time. You sair need a rest, wrap up cosy and watch some tv or read. Busy your mind and your hands. I am rooting for you quine, x

The Jane Austen Book Club is on later, I might give that a watch, hope it's good. It'll while away a couple of hours. Might break out the knitting.

Have a lovely day everyone. x

Happy Birthday ma hope you have a lovely day

Dubh I presume Noel was Prof. Fitzpatrick? I think you're right, he is responsible for the limits they put on now . He sorted out a French Bulldog Puppy I know who trashed both of his front legs. The man is a GOD.

Joey! How are you doing, lovely babe?

Elba I hope you've got some sleep. You know the drill, day one, you can do it. Just make sure there is nothing in the house.

Small I admire you for taking on Ottolenhgi, I haven't refreshed my portfolio for ages. You have inspire me!

Aye sweet I think Noel upped the whole game and everyone else is frantically playing catch up. I've already done some research about his practice, and would travel there in a heartbeat if need be.

I have just been playing with her for the past couple of hours. No housework, nothing. Must get my arse in gear.

Drinking coffee today. Don't know what to have to eat. I'm having a not very hungry day. I really need to make a plan of what I'm going to eat next week.

Ooh I love Noel. Sexy as hell and loves all the wee beasties.
Look what dd1 made for my birthday out of sea glass.

Oh Noel, how I would...

How's the birthday babe ma? lovely picture from dd

I am out later, there will be temptation all around,, but, I think I've got this.
If I wobble hopefully I can escape to the loo for a quick talking to here.

Have a good evening all.

Oh ma your bairn has the eye, that's bonny, what a lovely present!

That's really lovely, Ma.

Noel is on my list with Adam Hills from The Last Leg

Little bit of a wobble earlier - gin again. But really, unless its a really large measure, what you're really tasting is tonic, so that's what I had.

I found a sea glass sea Willy!!!

Well done Sweet. In the same boat as you later Lux - we can do it! Beautiful present Ma - clever DD. Forgive my ignorance but who the f**k is Noel? I'm pretty sure we're not talking about Edmonds.

Of course Noel Edmonds well fit

Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick - swoon

Thanks Lux - will google.

Pleased you got a penis on your birthday ma. You didn't have to wait til August Do you know what your friends are cooking for dinner?

sweet nicely dodged there! I'm still on the coffee. I'm intrigued to know if Noel is like that in real life. And if he applies that passion to other areas of his life. I do like a hairy forearm.

I am delighted to see my crush is back on the telly again. And it's all him. Not morphing into the other flavours one. Cadbury Keith. What I wouldn't give for a wee swivel on yon seat.

Noel is intelligent, skilled, compassionate,rumpled, gorgeous eyes......He could run his hands over me any day!

Oh Noel...

I think the terrorist would have quite the entourage if we ventured down to Noel's.

I daresay Gerald would need some curtains.

Lovely picture ma

I love Noels accent, and he has very capable hands...

Monty Don raves about NF in his last book (he fixed Nigel's spine when it exploded a few years ago) - don't think he is thinking about him in quite the same way though .

Now THAT is a gift from the sea, Ma!

Evening all,

Extremely frustrated with myself for this morning. Sweet is right- can't have anything in the house. If I was going to drink today anyway I so wish I'd at least done it socially with friends. Instead I've wasted the day in bed, missed a sunny day, won't sleep tonight and am dreading it, and have a hangover. Totally pointless.

Going to take dubh's advice and have a lazy evening. Clean sheets, bath and have some homemade soup cooking. That will be about the peak of today's achievements. Extra pissed off as back had been much better and was hoping to resume running next week but woken up sore with sciatic pain. So that looks unlikely now too.

lux and margie (and anyone else I've missed as lost track a bit- sorry!) enjoy your nights out- you can do this!

Sorry for all the negative posts. So weird, but comforting, how much I can put on here that I can't say in real life. I don't want to name check in case I miss someone, but thank you all for your advice, hugs and kind words. Means a huge amount.