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

well done elf. Inspiational.

Well done elf. I had a crappy day yesterday (although nothing compared to the sound of yours) but went to bed sober and woke up without a hangover which was bliss amongst the crap

Well done Elf! I've yet to go to a physical AA meeting - I use the Skype ones, people from all over Europe are on those - there aren't a huge number of them where I live. I did call the AA helpline to see if anyone in my area could go with me to my first one, but nobody ever called back after the initial conversation!

Went on a 6 mile walk with DS2 in the buggy earlier - I've put on a couple of pounds since my withdrawal related junk food binge over the past week or so! It was a good distraction, plus it means I'm getting my money's worth out of the new Fitbit I drunkenly bought and didn't really need

Are the Skype ones listed on the AA website like the others? I might have a go at them as well. I like being physically in the room with other people who "get" it though.

Been on the holidays thread and am so pissed off that I can't afford a holiday and that Ds will spend all summer doing fuck all. Feel like a complete failure. A friend emailed today and mentioned his two week holiday somewhere fab with teen/adult dcs because it's important to spend that quality time together as a family. Well fuck you and your six figure income. Does having money make you a better parent? It would appear so. Sorry Ds.

I think, like many of you I have been hiding in the bottle. Hiding from relationship, work and grief. Need to find another outlet. Would really like to cut down as drinking at least a bottle of wine a night. Last night just over. I know it's not helping at all. Yet still do it over and over again. Must somehow press the reset button.

ma that's a crap feeling but don't let the 'outside' view of someone else's life get you down. Your ds is a teenager - he might prefer to have a summer full of mooching around doing fuck all, rather than 'quality bonding time' with wanky self-satisfied parents

Last night was a fail. I went to band practice and my instrument fell off its stand. Couldn't play so came home and drank a bottle of wine instead. I missed a really good thing and made up for it with a really bad thing. I knew I was being stupid but did it none the less. shit.

Ma - are you into camping? My experience is kids (even teenagers who think they are uber cool) love camping and hold those memories dear far more than a week all incisive in a generic sunny place.

Easy - today is another day, looking forwards not back x

I resisted last night (had my DD staying which is usually a meal at home and copious amounts of booze). She has an important interview today so wasn't drinking. Made it easier but still had to try hard as there was a bottle of wine ice cold in the fridge. Plus OH kept saying he fancied a g&t or a beer or that bottle of wine is asking to be drunk. He resisted too which was good. Getting through Wednesday Wine Night tonight is going to be my first big test especially if DD doesn't get a good outcome today.

Hello, I am afraid I'm feeling a bit battered from dd's hospital stay. Really sad. But made it to yoga last night and AF. Feel better for that at least.

wills how are you? Congratulations. It's a lovely thing. I hope you can work it out somehow.

ma how old is ds? Is he into music or arts stuff at all? I spent my previous life at festivals . I mean 20 plus per year. There are some great free ones. Yes you have to get there, but if you plan it could be cheap. Cambridge is particularly good, but there are others. I also agree with Venus' comment tho. Would probably want to watch box sets with his mates in the dark while it's lovely and sunny outside

tiger have a better day. Do one thing that's good for you and move on. I am a yoga and exercise nut. Try Adrienne's yoga on you tube, she does short sessions for when you need that.

Yes ma camping. Take mates. One for him and one for you.

betterrr plan a distraction? I am hoping to take dd for dinner tonight. She was up yesterday in post suicide attempt positivity. The crash is probably coming. God, I feel sad. Time to get outta bed. Thanks for the chats babes.

stilllearnin I can't believe I didn't see your post about your dd's od. I am so sorry. I'm glad she's ok though, even if it is a bit of an artificial high at the moment. Are you both getting support?

dementedma I totally agree with everyone who says camping. I took my DDs for the first time last year and we enjoyed it so much we went three times. Taking them for the first trip of the year next weekend for the princely sum of £28 for two nights. Gotta love it! Getting the kit takes a while and isn't necessarily cheap - but eBay is a great source of bargains, and end-of-season camping shop sales are also fab. Or borrow a tent and sleeping bags?

(Sorry I get a bit carried away talking about camping as I heart it.)

not into camping and don't have the money to buy the kit. At 15 he's not into anything any more, but am sure he would love 2 weeks in a villa somewhere nice like other people's kids. Or anything at all really.
The thought of him spending all summer cooped up in his room like a fetid cave troll while his parents are at work is totally shit. I've actually been in tears over this, which is stupid as lots of people have less than me and a holiday isn't the b all and end all, but I just feel I have failed him by not giving him these sorts of opportunities.

To your point "...don't have the money to buy the kit" I was actually trying to say it's not an expensive pastime. Your post comes across unnecessarily rude IMO.

ma you sound low. Teens and holidays are quite tough but yes, money certainly helps. If you can get leave you may be able to find something cheap to go to together. Even if it's day trips. Me and my ds went to Cambridge festival of ideas last year and had 2 days in Manchester (art and museums).

Thank you elf Camhs are being quite good and I have an excellent counsellor. My main problem is I have such limited access to her as her dad forbids her from coming to my house and listens in on our conversations. Still seeing her tonight and planning AF.

Off the waggon well and truly. DD has not passed this latest stage for a career she's set her heart on. It's her first real rejection and she's so sad. She's gone home to her OH and mates and I'm feeling sad for her. Any excuse eh? Will at least try and keep it to one bottle. I hope...

elf I apologise if that sounded rude but you said yourself getting the kit "isn't necessarily cheap". As I don't have the money to go on holiday, I don't have the money to buy camping kit, obviously.

Ma any chance he could get a part time job? Something to get him out of the house in the holidays, get some work experience and a little bit of cash to spend on himself?

My ds got his first job aged 14 washing up in a restaurant.

Sorry to hear about your dd things. Can she re-sit/re-do this stage?

I quoted £28 for my holiday and suggested you might borrow or eBay the equipment because buying it new is not expensive. I am sorry I was not more precise.

Thanks for the apology.

buying it new IS expensive

FFS. Typos!!!

whatever. I just intended to show it was a way of having a fun holiday at little expense but it's clear you're not into it and neither is your son.

Oh my lovely Babes, so much stress here and I'm sorry for those feeling low. It's so fucking tough, raising kids, lack of funds etc.

I wish I could join in more but I am in bed with pneumonia (again) so I'm worn out.

No arguing though please, we're all on the same side. Lots of love to all.

Fair - unfortunately not. She has to apply again next year. They did encourage her to do that and said they were convinced she could do it which they didn't say to the others that failed so that's a bonus. I'm just looking for excuses to break my AF week tbh :-(

Thingscanonlygetbetterr - I found there is always an excuse. DD has a setback, DD has a success, not knowing about DD, etc. I would drink on all these things, but that's my alcoholism. It tells me that a drink will make things better. It's all an illusion. Drink never helps my problems. Try and get through the next 1 hour, and then decide if you want to drink, or will do another hour.

Wise words Neutrogena so true