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

Morning all
Elf well done on that decision, sounds a good move and I hope you find AA is for you. Glad you are feeling calm and determined.

I thought I had shaken the threatening bug, but my throat is starting to hurt quite badly.

Can't help wondering if the antibiotics did indeed turn Guggs wee purple!

Hope everyone else is ok, I can barely believe how fast this month is going. I have been hibernating a little in January but will have to face the world, my friends and temptations soon.

Sorry not to nc everybody but I'm reading from my sick bed (well sofa) and cheering you all on.

Todays luxury will be a hot chocolate with cream on top - small pleasures.

So real trigger point coming up. Early evening Tesco run.., normally when I pick up the beer. Has / does any one use alcohol free beers/ wines as a substitute? Or is that just reinforcing the problem?

People say Becks blue is good. I just have Cranberry diluted with soda in a wine glass, it has that dry tang I like and hits a thirsty spot.
There are af cocktails and I'm keen to try the mojito.

I'm not sure about reinforcing problems, I think of it like nicotine patches to a smoker.

If you wobble tonight someone will be here to talk.

Hello Godot - how did you get on at Tesco? Rather belatedly chipping in - I know some people don't like Becks Blue but I am quite fond of it. I am a creature of habit - when I am drinking, I get in from work and down (vast) two glasses of wine in short order before I'm in any state to face the evening ahead (of course by then I am in no state at all, and just carry on with the rest of the bottle/s): when I'm not drinking I get in from work and down two Becks Blue in about 20 minutes. That gets me over the initial demarcation of work/home which is always a trigger for me. I've then usually had enough of BB and move on to angostura bitters in either lemonade or a nice cordial. And then pukka tea. I don't like the idea of being a slave to routine but I have come to accept that's how I am, and it is for me really important to replace my usual drinking routine with an equally rigid AF one.

Tiger - really, really wise words, babe - loving your thoughtful advice. Elf you are doing amazingly, all good wishes for you tomorrow. You sound very clear headed about it all. Sweet how was the theatre? What did you see?

Waves to Ma, Guggs, Baby (yes, you are back Baby - I am so happy!), Lux, Choc, Margie and Sober and all other babes (sorry not to NC all). Any lurking babes - why not come and say hello? It took me years to do so and I am so glad I did.

Hi all. Just been trying to catch up on all the posts so not going to nc just now in case I leave anyone out. Welcome to newbies

I quite like a Becks Blue now and again. As Small says, sometimes it's enough to just get through the moment.

I went for Bravaria 0% instead. Becks is my drink of choice so I thought something different would help with the transition. It's actually a nice drink... stuck a few in the freezer and it's ok. I need that demarcation line as well. Creature of habit.

I am not sure if I need to moderate, break the habit and get some control or give up completely.

Recent liver function tests suggested that my readings were slightly raised. High side of normal. It worried me a bit.

Checking in.having a glass of wine. Sorry.

Ma, you've done bloody brilliantly. Proud of you mate x

Thank you faire. Still on 19, I will get to 20 at least before the month is out.
DS had a blood test before Christmas which showed possible low white cells in his blood. All very calm,said they would just do another one at end of Jan to check, nothing to worry about. Had the blood test on Wednesday ( yesterday) and they said we would get the results in about a week. They phoned today! Have appointment for next Tuesday which we MUST attend to discuss latest test. OMG. Worried sick!

🖐 back to you small
ma tomorrow is another day you have are doing so well, don't be hard yourself.

Oh ma try not to worry too much about your ds hope all goes well at the docs.

That's a long time to wait when you're worried sick ma

But if it was more urgent they would have had in you in straight away so hopefully a good sign?

For ma easy to say but try not to worry .
AF tonight as recovering from Burns Supper last night 🤕 Half a bottle of wine and a gin and tonic and I feel like crap......my tolerance has definitely gone down .
Did not feel drunk......brushed my teeth and took off all my make up and went to bed feeling okay......woke up feeling like death
Going for another run of AF days .......had forgotten just how horrible hangovers can be.

Aw tis although you feel rubbish, you did well not to go daft and that's about you being in control well done you. Hope you feel better tomorrow

ma it will be a long few days until that appointment, always so much to worry about with kids it's no wonder we hit the bottle

Ah tis:use the hangover as a reminder why we're doing this, you did well to not go too mad, and tomorrow is another day.

I'm in bed, chest not great so yet another early night.

Good to see choco and smallfox
I'm sorry if I've missed anyone.

Goodnight all.

Thanks choc

Yes lux a very painful reminder Can't believe how bad I feel ......I actually went to bed feeling quite sober and congratulating myself. I was the one insisting that we left the bar and went to bed ......not fair😄

Morning, I haven't read back properly yet, Just wanted o say fingers crossed for you and DS, Ma.

Guggs we went to see Ken Stott and Reece Sheersmith in The Dresser - really brilliant. Theatre is the thing I'd miss if we moved - not that other parts of the country don't have it, we just happen to live near some real quality.

Be back later for face pack/footner Friday, if I stay awake .

Good morning. I've been crap coming on here. Sorry. I've had a tough week with my eye. This morning I've woken to the discs floating across my eye again. I think the laser surgery hasn't worked. I'm waiting for the clinic to open so I can call them.

Morning babes, I had a blip on day 23 and 24, drank a bottle each night, woke with anxiety and a horrible headache, managed to think 'what am I doing?' and have been af for the next 2 nights. The temptation is so much greater once the run has been broken but I am fighting it. Also dh is drinking again.

Anyway, Ma hoping it is nothing too serious with ds, waiting is torture when we let our minds free fall.
Baby fantastic to see you again and hear you so positive. Well done on the weight loss too, hope you are feeling super svelte and sexy! I often think of you when I say to myself 'what is meant for you won't go by you' (I think that was it)
dry January babes last weekend approaches! Well done!!
Waves to all babes

Ma, just checking in to say hope all turns out ok for your DS xx

Hello everybabe,

Hope everyone is ok today. Mint sorry to hear your eye I so bad, hope it gets sorted soon.
Ma how are you today? Beaches most of us have had a blip or two, it happens, just got to carry on.
Hello to everyone else babes and lurkers!

I can barely believe this is the final weekend of January. It's been an eye opener, reading around the boards just how many people struggle to put the cork back in. That wine witch has a strong power and influence, I can see how easily I could jump back into a bottle next weekend but I am enjoying the deep sleeps and clear skin so much. I guess habits take time to form so they will take time to break.

I haven't really admitted that my habit was/is fast sliding into addiction. Sneaking out bottles to the recycling bin to hide the amount I had already drunk. Pouring some of OH's into my glass when he left the room in fear that there wasn't much left in the fridge. Waking up and planning that nights drinking, I know many of you have done these things too and understand.

I have my facepack ready for tonight, and a new nail varnish to try out. I want to remain a luxury woman, not the old wine raddled, gin soaked old boot I was becoming (had become in fact)

I know I've missed people out, apologies, I needed a bit of a ramble, and it helps to write down thoughts sometimes.

Catch up again later.

ma I know it's easy for me to sit here and say try not to worry. Please don't google, some things really aren't so scary. You've done bloody well this month my wee thistle heided pal, dinna let this slide ye back. Thinking o ye quine, xx

baby it's right fine to see you back again. What clothing item of Smugness have you chosen to wear now that spanna is welded into the Smock? I'm still wearing the Tabard Of Try xx

margie I'm right with you on the counting down the days. this wasn't how it was supposed to be. I was supposed to forget but I can't. After you with the tentacles please. Xx

sweet Ken Stott?!??!? oh my. I would love a go on him. His voice is like molasses. His gorgeous craggy chops. I know he's hiding a beast under yon breeks. A beast I tell ye. Love him. Now Alan Rickman has passed on he is my go to man. I went off Damien Lewis a bit. I am so jealous. Was he good? Please tell me he wis amazing.... was he in his pants at all? Xx

I'll just give a wee wave to everyone else for just noo, at work.

Still on the fuck all fine diet, struggling but doing it. Not really less bloated, if anything it's given me my worst lupus flare in an age. Skin is awful with rashes, I do not feel like a LuxuryWoman.

Do I persevere? Or do I do a Father Ted at Lent with his lovely fags? Surround myself with coffee, toast, jam and wine? The first of February will be a bad day for me, it will be two years since I lost Little and I still find it so hard.

Hence the counting down. There's two lots of counting. I used to have a Guinness on her birthday, St Patrick's Day, do I try to hold on for that? I'm rambling.

Baaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeee!! Get your tentacles to the back o the bus. I sair need a skelp roon ma fizzer.

ma it's easy to say but try not to panic- if anything too alarming had shown up he would most likely of been seen/referred much sooner than Tuesday.

margie I will join you in trying to restrict my drinking to once a week in Feb. I know it's probably not ideal for me, but far better than daily drinking.

dubh your diet sounds quite hardcore! Don't be too hard on yourself though- you need some treats.

I drank last night, far too much but I had sort of planned it and enjoyed it at the start. But then got to that horrible drunk, tired but can't stop until it's all gone stage. Ive lost track so will have to look at my app later, but I think it's only the 6th 'drinking day' this month. Not great, but not too terrible I guess. Work has been horrendous the last few days and sort of felt I needed the reward. Wasted most of today though as a result.

My marathon vest arrived this morning I've stuck religiously to my training plan the last two weeks and my back is actually improving so starting to think it may actually happen. I've even been out at 5am before work- if was minus three the other morning! Going to try an 8 mile run tomorrow. If it goes ok and doesn't aggravate things then the next goal is a half marathon on the 26th Feb. Think running is as addictive as alcohol!

Sorry not to name check everyone, but been reading all your updates. I've not managed to get dressed yet so off to have a shower and try and do something vaguely productive with what's left of today.

Hi babes (chucks Barry in Dubh's direction).

Elba think we might be the same person, except you can clearly run a lot further than I can, you perky young thing. I decided yesterday that I'm going to do a half marathon on my birthday in October - that's how long it's going to take me to get ready for it! When's your marathon? I agree that running is addictive! I know that whole "drink as a reward" thing, that is my definite favourite fall back thought. I could murder a glass of wine tonight - long stesssful week, work a nightmare, kids doing my head in, DH with man flu, etc, etc. But going to have an AF beer and hope the craving passes.

I do understand Lux, I've done so many of the things you describe. I know I'm a borderline addict too, and even scarier than having alcohol in my body is having it in my head all the time too.

Beaches, blips are bastards but they're all part of the process I reckon. Be kind to yourself.

Thinking of you and your DS Ma and crossing everything for good results.

Dubh my love, don't know who Little was but I do know that anniversaries are a killer, I fall apart on one particular one every year, doesn't seem to get easier with time.

Elba, one drinking day a week in Feb - we can do this.

Happy Friday babes.