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

Hugs for elba and elf

It's a new day, I'm starting again.

Morning ladies. for those struggling.

Well my inlaws have finally left. They've been here since Friday afternoon, and with that and DS's party, it's been full on and a bit stressful.

I am a stressed anyway, and the fact we live in a smallish maisonette makes having visitors a bit much sometimes! 4 adults and 2 lively kids kicking around the place can feel a tad claustrophobic, and also I like OH's mother, I do find her irritating in many ways after a few days (I'm sure she says the same about me!)

Anyway, DS had a great birthday and so now I have the house back to myself and can tidy up/strip beds etc...ahhhhhh!

Just sending love to Elba and Elf.

Thanks, smallfox. I'm feeling a bit better again now. I keep reminding myself that at least I don't have my head in the sand about it, and I'm getting professional help. Things won't be this bad forever - soon they will be much, much better. I just need to plan over the next few weeks for some alcohol-free activities for the evenings (or go to bed mega-early of course!)

(Sorry all my posts are very self-centred. I'm at a crossroads with this, which is quite overwhelming, so I don't have much left for helping/supporting everyone else. I'll get my own oxygen mask on first... and then I'll be able to help!)

Afternoon all Brave Babes

Spanna, is that really your view today? It has been gloom and drizzle all day here.

Elf it's a process, and it will soon be progress. You'll get there. And it's always ok to be self-centred here. The feelings will flow, and change, and so will you.

Apart from the weather, good day at work, lots achieved, and still feeling fresh at four in the afternoon. - Swilling about in mint tea though, and didn't bring anything more interesting with me role on 7pm, I'll be home with a rose lemonade.

Don't be sorry Elf if it does you good to post then crack on I admire you very much for seeking help and really hope it all works out for you.

Spanna what a glorious picture.

So, it's half way through for me. I really can't believe it. I am sleeping very well, but get strangely tired in the early evening. I really don't know what's normal anymore so I plod on. Eye bags are packing themselves and buggering off which is good and my skin seems a bit smoother.

The cravings are lessening although I'm by no means out of the woods. I'm enjoying the extra time I seem to have but I can't imagine hosting an evening without drink just yet.
If it were the height of summer I think I could get away with a couple of bottles of Budweiser in company, I simply can't manage more than 3 at the most (all that gas!) and it would take away the taste for wine. Mustn't think ahead though, one day at a time.

Hope everybody has a pleasant evening.

Sweet that was just now on the beach, amazing isn't it!! Your weather sounds like ours yesterday, just all grey and drizzle.

Lux you are doing so well, you are halfway, it is important not to project ahead. Just take it one day at a time. I spent over a year trying to get passed day 3 I just couldn't do it. Keep going lovely x

Elf I really feel for you have the medics said that you need to do a medical detox? sorry may have missed you saying that. You've cut down and that can only be a bonus. Does you DH drink? Keep posting there are no such things as me me me posts. We are all here for ourselves and each other

Elba my lovely babe - please don't ever ever be worried about posting on the bus - calling the Samaritans is exactly what they're there for. I hope your hunk of a physio but a skip in your step and a glint in your eye today?
You have so much whirling round in your brain, your feelings and emotions are in overdrive and why wouldn't they be after all you've been through. Have you sorted out shortening those hours of yours, that I'm sure will help. You're seeing a counciller (sp) aren't you? is that every week? You've still got a good portion of your onion to peel, as my Gran used to say, each layer is a part of you and your experiences. You sound to me, like you're very self-aware and that you're working through your stuff that's going on. Please be kind to yourself. Are you going to join me AF this evening?

Beaches are you ok flower?

Fox always good to see you babe x

Checking in. Was AF last night so back on it. That makes 15 days out of a possible 16. Amazing. Have a posh dinner tonight but have spurned the transport provided and will drive to make sure I stay on the straight and narrow. Am staying in a hotel on my own.Bliss!

Ma that's brilliant. Enjoy the space

Ma oh yes I do love a hotel room to myself sounds blissful. Enjoy the nosh

Sweet who is that sweet thing? adorable, I want one!

Random cat, Spanna. I just googled 'starfish on a bed'! There were a few, er, interesting results .

Dave it must be bliss having your space back So glad DS had such a lovely birthday How does the rest of your week look?

Dub I hope your sausage stew was to die for, I love a slow cooker. First time I cooked a whole chicken I hadn't realised that you cook them breast down for best results, so that attempt wasn't so good cover it with wine (red or white) lush a rooney. Wine in cooking is allowed in my book, not the same as necking it!!!!! Hope you're day's been tickety boo x

Mip you ok babe? how's your day been?

Baby if you're lurking come and say hello, we'd love to hear from you x

Dub I hear you on the Big Tasty

So I cried on hot physio as if being orange, streaky and hungover wasn't enough On the plus side, been given the go ahead to tentatively resume marathon training over the next two weeks and see what happens. Hangovers and distance running simply don't mix so at least have a bit of incentive back to not drink.

spanna lovely photo! not sorted hours yet- will get ball rolling tomorrow. It's quite complicated but rotate in march so hope to be sorted for then. Still having counselling, every Tuesday, need to extend that with work too actually. It's going to involve admiting that things arent great though, which I always keep separate from work. I like the onion analogy! And yes, will join you in af tonight...need to run tomorrow!

sweet interesting thing to google! Very cute kitten though!

Kicking myself for a day largely wasted yet again to a hangover. And last night clearly proves that drinking does not improve my mood. If only I could remember that when tempted. I always, without fail, regret drinking. I know this but yet still do it over and over again. Trying to be positive about it, I've been af 12 out of 16 days which would of been unthinkable a year ago.

Thanks as ever for the lovely posts and support. Sorry I'm not much use to anyone at the moment- elf the oxygen mask analogy is very apt. Hope everyone's ok this evening.

12 out of 16 is amazing Elba really, well done lady x

Thanks for the NC Spanna, am still on track for dry Jan. I am sleeping really well but I feel so unbelievably tired. I thought that would have passed by now but honestly I am the other end of the spectrum from boing. Mentally though, things are calmer - I seem to be able to focus on one thing at a time which is lovely.

I always read and love sharing everyone's ups and downs, beautiful photographs and strategies. I am cheering you all on, albeit quietly xx

spanna - rest of the week looking ok, thanks for asking. I'm visiting al old buddy next weekend though and wine always features heavily in our catch up sessions. I've pre-warned her though that I am not drinking this month, so it'll be another challenge but we are taking the kids with us, and it will be so nice to wake up on Sunday morning without a roaring hangover and 2 excitable kids up at 6am bouncing off the walls.

Elba I concur that 12 out of 16 days dry is an amazing achievement, so don't put yourself down. This not drinking lark sure isn't easy.

It is sooooo nice having the house back. Spent the day tidying up and doing loads of washing. Changed all the beds etc, and even fitted in an ab and arm workout.

Having a Becks blue now. They're not too bad really.

Elba, I luffs you. Please don't ever call yourself a twat again, that's so far away from what you are. You are brave and honest and amazing and you've taught me so much.

Elf, you are right when you say things will be much better, they will be because you are taking all the right steps to make it so.

More later babes...at my second job...longest day ever.

beaches that is just what I was going to say- no boing but am unbelievably tired. I thought that the tiredness would clear and I'd be all boingy by now? Anyone remember when the energy levels improve?
Oh and the baby thing- let's just say that I'm a reminder to laydees in their prime of life ( well over 40 ) that contraceptives are needed until at least the age of 75.

Well this evening's drink of choice is a delightful cystitis remedy sparkling drink. Mmmmmmm.....

I'm sorry but I'm going to wave at all you lovely babes rather than NC. Hope you are safe tonight.no matter who is driving the 🚌

Off to bed with Miss Jean Brodie.
guggs your drink sounds delish
Night all keep safe x

Back from a big dinner which blew the healthy eating to buggery.But no booze.I can do it no problem when I am out. It's drinking at home that's my weakness. Well done to all, everyone is doing brilliantly!

Well done Ma, my weakness is definitely at home where I can drink what I want without worrying about what anyone is thinking. I seem to care that people don't see me as a lush so, most of the time, I pretend I don't really fancy it when I'm out (while desperate to leave so I can get home and have a proper drink)

Guggs you have some very good reasons to be tired let's be honest!!! Hopefully we both get catapulted out of bed tomorrow with the bounciest boing imaginable. Actually, scrub that - sounds exhausting

Sending out sleep fairies to all the babes 💫

beaches think that fairy did the trick. Feeling a mini boing today. Actually, staying sober has made such big improvements that I know I need to try for being af most of the time. Therefore I don't feel the boing, because I'm sulking - only rational explanation ; )

I give up. Three long posts just vanished as I was typing!
Good morning to you all.
It's a new day. Here's to a good one.