The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Swinging Into Sobriety!

[Mouseface]

Hello there,

I'm Mouse, one of the Brave Babes travelling far and wide, stopping off here and there to collect lovely folk, just like you, for a natter all about booze and the blues that come with being a drinker of whatever quantity.

We don't wear or sell judgey pants here, although a G-string or two (Oooh Matron!) has been known to sort the fan belt out on the Bus as we've been driving for such a long time now!!

In short, we've regular posters here, lurkers, those who have managed to keep their drinking to 'social' occasions, some who are really struggling on an hourly basis and some who are completely dry!

Whatever your drinking 'status', you're welcome here in the new bigger Battle Bus, (as requested) whilst we head far and wide, listening to one another, as we face each day that comes our way, whether it be good, bad or downright ugly, we really have seen it all and don't mind one bit. Lurk or chat, it's up to you but one thing you will always find, is a warm welcome, Opal Fruit wrappers (Looks at Ma bosom push up! ) and of course, in complete confidentiality.

So, if you'd like to look what happened on the last thread (a bit like catch up TV) you can look at this link which will take you there - JUST HERE

And, if you would like to see where we started driving this wonderful Bus, over seven years ago, you can have a look at this very honest thread - RIGHT HERE

Hope to see you soon,

Mouse xx

still this is sea glass collected today.

Elba how are you?

Ma good going, squats are great

Mint hello, how are you today?

Dubh yay well done! I’ve got a few exercises lay on the floor but with your knees hip width apart and bent so knees are highest part of you, feet on floor. Move your upper body but keep lower still to make your left hand touch left heel, then right hand right heel and so on until you’ve reached 25 then rest. Then another 25, and build on doing more. After it gets easier, do it with a 2.5kg weight on your tummy, it really works your middle! Also I like getting an exercise ball, holding a weight (5kg I use but can use smaller) against tummy (I kind of hug it lol) then do weighted sit ups on the ball, be careful not to push too hard though cos the first time I did it I couldn’t laugh for days afterwards! Another one is the ‘dying beetle’ which is on your back, knees bent but legs up in the air, lower one leg slightly (still bent) but not quite to floor, then back up, repeat with other leg. Looks easy but really not

Wills I am so so sorry for all you’re going through. I’ve had a quick look at the other thread, and please believe me when I say it’s not your fault, none of it. You are a nice person, that’s clear, he doesn’t deserve your kindness. How are you holding up? Have the police given you victim support? Can you go to Women’s Aid? They will be able to help and support you, I promise my love. Huge well done on reducing/stopping drinking too, especially during such a tough time, but if you do slip up please don’t beat yourself up over it. You’re stronger than I ever could imagine being, and to take such a huge step in leaving an abusive relationship along with the big step of stopping drinking is so brave If he turns up, please ring the police. I presume he’s on bail, and I presume one of the conditions is not being in contact with you, so if his car is on the drive he may be in breach of his bail. Due to the nature of the crime, this should be the case. Even if for some reason he’s not, by turning up he is threatening you (a witness) and because of what the crime is, you absolutely have the right to ring triple 9 and expect them to turn up.

My manager was really nice about my change in shifts, and I’m working 7 until 3 which although bleurgh early does mean I get the evening to myself (could get used to this!) I got made service superstar for april! It means that based on customer feedback and managers feedback I delivered the best customer service out of everyone in the store last month so am now Miss April Have a shiny new badge (mam had tears in her eyes when I showed her) and a thank you note from manager of dept. and store manager, and a certificate which is on the wall in the staff room along with my photograph!

mint glad you had a good day out, love a bit of jock rock Sounds like a fab lineup!

ma wish I could take the credit for my weight loss, but it's a side effect of my new meds. Loss of appetite is a big thing, so I'm making sure I put quality food in when I fancy eating. Mainly salad, oily fish, steak, eggs, yoghurt, mozzarella, tomatoes, baked potatoes, tuna.

Look at all your lovely sea glass!!! It was bloody miserable here this morning, drizzly and grey. Got called in at 5.30am but have been off since 9am. I've been a lazy besom today.

made thank you so much, I will be up at the crack of dawn to intoduce those exercises and pray that I'm bendy enough! Check you out Miss April, how lovely to get recognition for your customer service skills! And making your mam proud, that's the icing on the cake.

lux I am having a good pamper session at the moment, hair has a platinum toner on it, body hair has been dealt with, feet have a footner on them, and face has a moisture bomb on it.

Home made body scrub awaits when I shower then it's just my eyebrows and tache to deal with. Looking forward to my funcy salon appointment at the end of the month, I might do a before and after if I feel brave enough...

will stay strong my dear, you can do this. How are you coping this evening? Keep your mobile charged, have a mate on standby in case you have a wobble, we are here for you too. One day at a time, it will get easier, you'll see. The most important thing is that you are safe.

42 I hope you've had a joyous birthday weekend and that the sun stayed shiny for you! x

Away for a shower, laters taters x

Good Evening every Brave Babe

Welcome to all our new Babes, you're in the right place for unconditional and non-judgemental support

Made well done what a good way to acknowledge good work

Ma great haul of sea glass - love the blue, we don't get any blue down here Have you been to your 'do' yet ma'm? Hope the decorating's coming along lovely thing to do for you Ma

Beaches I saw you back there flower How you doing?

Venus *Nuff always good to see you x

Baby awesome job my darling, you must look amazing I hope that you find contentment disguised as happiness soon, enjoy the now.

Margie keep posting babe, I can feel that you're turning a corner. You've done some head scratching, soul searching, belly button pondering. Wine is not your mate and your mates will understand and they will still love the sober you. It's you that has to get used to you. Drinking is so easy and it feels like the answer to everything, it's sociable, fun, you can let your hair down, have a laugh and relax, it's normal, everyone does it, it's the way life is, summers coming, bbqs, sangrias........and the years roll on......

Dub it's so lovely to hear your tales of terrorist, she sounds so adorable I love your loch what a beautiful pic. Your work sounds manic! hope your air do looks edgy and sleak sooo well done on the AF I'll leave the bru for you, just give me a tin of fat coke

Lux babe how you doing? You are such an inspiration you came on board and set your path and went for it - you sound so free from the wine, it's a great feeling, isn't it? How's your back? x

It's taking me an age to type this! I hope everyone is ok - Mint did you say it was your Birthday? Happy Birthday if you did? Lovely blossom

My DD1 was 18 on Friday we went out for lunch just the 2 of us, I phoned ahead and asked them to make a fuss but not too much, as she's shy. So we sat down and they came over with 2 delicious looking glass of cold procesco (sp) we grinned at each other and I said ' I don't actually drink' to the waitress. DD said it's ok mum I'll have it! So she had them both and a vodka/lemonade It was one of those moments that I thought - fuck I wish I could drink like other people and be able to have just one glass with my daughter - sadly I know the end of that film very well

Elba Huge congratulations with the Marathon awesome Babe what you going to do next? any holiday on the horizon? I used to love a lunch time drink but not the hangover at 7pm! Hope you've had a good Sunday x

Dub I've cross-posted and not read back - Arrrgh!

2 days of crashing off the bus and clinging onto a sidecar for dear life. This IS a bumpy ride! I am really trying to make the gaps between drinking longer. Last week I had 5 days pretty much AF apart from not quite a bottle of beer. Today I helped dd make some bread. She really seemed to enjoy kneading it and it was delicious. My (D)H has been sulking like a small child all day after saying it was my other dd's fault for starting an argument. I was shocked that he could behave so stupidly towards a child. I often think my husband is a pitifull specimin. Another reason not to drink, or I am only doing to myself what he does, and there are lots of good things in the offing.
Well done, Spanna! Girl done good! I can't drink at lunchtime at all.

spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnna! What a treat!!!!!

I will gladly swap you fat coke for my beloved Bru. I'm also drinking summat called QCumber, which repeated on me initially but with a bit of pomegranate, cranberry juice and fresh fruit it ain't that bad. Can almost think it's a bit Pimmsy.

Happy birthday to your daughter! Did you have a lovely lunch? I'm glad you rewrote the ending to your film, I love a happy ending! She would have been so proud of you and how far you've come. I love when you board the bus, it's so good to hear all your news. And I can bask in the glow from the Smock Of Smug, you wear it well my lovely friend!

The terrorist gets speyed soon, hopefully that will stop the rampant humping of the soft furnishings and the bitchy attitude. I adore her, she's hard work but hilarious. She always needs a hump after dinner, (she doesn't get that from me). I will be relaxing on the sofa when she takes a flyer up beside me and all of a sudden I have a madly gyrating arse and tail far too close for comfort.

This carries on until she has a burp. Funny way of bringing up your wind but it works for her.

Big bosie for you span, keep on keeping on xxxxx

I'm drinking my second bottle. I feel like I'm not contributing to the bus, shit weekend all round

will now listen here my friend, every contribution is welcome. Good, bad and everything in between. You are here, and so are we.

Stick the wine back in the fridge if you can, have a glass of water or juice, brush your teeth and head for bed. Watch some telly, read a book, play Candy Crush but try not to have any more tonight. Stick a nice greasy hand cream on, it will make picking that glass up nigh on impossible.

I know you are in a whole world of pain, I can't even imagine what you've gone through in the last 48 hours. Drinking might provide a temporary respite from that, but it's fleeting. Don't let tomorrow start with regrets, do a little positive thing tonight and you can build on that, x

I love the hand cream idea!

Hello everyone,

Spanna great to hear from you back is not great right now but will be fine.

I'm sorry not to post much but am frantic busy, and exhausted. I am reading and cheering and commiserating along with you.

I'll be back soon with my ramblings but I need sleep now.

Keep on going everyone, be kind to yourself. We can only really rely on ourselves in the end so let's treat ourselves well.

Lots of love to all.

I agree with dubh .
Head for bed will and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

ma how has your day been? How's that bonny tree of yours?

Just waving and thanking everyone for all the ongoing comments and experiences and thoughts. Have had three days in the sidecar, feeling guilty and have full on hangxiety and the Sunday Blues combined! But have managed to stay AF today so will start the week on a more positive note and then aim to be AF till the weekend. Sending strength to all for the week ahead

My poor DS had the traveling bear this weekend. You put pic in the book and basicysjow off how wonderful your life is. I took pics on Friday but it all went tits up....

Welcome Will - Babe you seriously need to get a grip. You have to protect your son and keep you and him safe. If social services are involved or become involved they're not going to look kindly on your continued contact with the monster that you've been living with! He has mentally and physically abused you. Scared you and I expect scared your son too Block his number - so what if he says he loves you - he could end up killing you!!! Please think about this - I cannot stress how important it is that you keep him away from you and your son. If your son means so much - please stay away from this monster (yes MONSTER) and block his number. Yes, he may be sorry now, but when will be the next time? and how bad will it be then? Your son is at risk and that is how SS will see it.
Get your son off to nursery and contact Womans Aid please - if not for your sake DO IT FOR YOUR SON please x

Broken love the word 'hangxiety' we've all been there and know exactly what you mean. Keep posting - today is another day - you can smash it x

will

I'm going to echo the lovely spanna, once that's sorted you can lay the foundations of your life without him, it will be so much calmer for you xx

Morning all and a day of work today in the sunshine!
Off to see dd2 before she goes to Gambia for two weeks with her bf's charity. Young people today really impressed me with what they do with their lives.
This afternoon,back to the decorating.

Will, please contact Womens' Aid and get an aid worker. Womens' Aid also provide help for women who drink too much. I know it can all feel like doing a handbrake turn in a container ship. Baby steps. I'm with you Broken, hoping to stay sober during the week. I have to. I am noticing it takes too long to recover.

hangxiety

morning all
thanks dubh had nice weekend, too short as always.
will I hope you are feeling stronger and find some RL support.
I have another birthday type evening, which I will enjoy, but I am feeling like something is going to change with me and drinking.
lux and spanna I am hoping this is the shift you have posted about.
I just cannot stand to drink so much anymore. It's hugely affecting relationship with H which we are trying hard to work on.
He drinks too and it is much more of a problem for him (?!) and I think I have subconsciously been thinking that when he addresses his, this will be the time for me to do so.
Have realised (finally) that it's nowt to do with that.
I need to change my habits for ME and DSs.
AND drinking less will make life BETTER and not be a struggle or a deprivation.
easy I too recognised the Reasons to Drink you posted about.
sorry not to namecheck I am at my desk, I read all the posts every day and send love and strength to all

Happy belated Birthday 42

thanks spanna, tis today

Happy birthday 42 🍰🍦🍭🍪🍧🍬