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

ma then they are idiots.
Don't let it stop you looking

dementedma
In the best tradition of MN, they are the C word!

Am de-lurking to give Ma a very un-MN style hug.

Spanna I freaking luffs you - I am getting there, v slowly, but I'm getting there. Thanks for recognizing it.

Lala, loved your recent posts, congrats on the baby & well done for articulating so brilliantly a situation that I recognize so clearly.

Venus, you are my North Star, my guide.

Big love & strength to all babes.

And Elba, miss you girl, hope you're ok.

margie was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how u were. Thanks.
Am getting pissed. I could get an interview in doing that...

Morning all, just checking in belatedly. Ma so sorry about the interview- what a shitty thing to do to you.

Lala massive congratulations. So good to hear from you, and hear you sounding so positive.

Margie lovely to hear from you too.

Had a funny week- a couple of days away at a conference, then back to work, then up to London yesterday to catch up with friends. The change has sort of helped with the self destruct streak I was on, and moderate things a bit, but have not had a totally af day in weeks. On the way to Heathrow now as off on holiday. Booked and looked forward to for months, but have to admit there has been a bit of apprehension regarding drinking (both opportunities to drink and fear of going over the top and making an idiot of myself!). Hopefully it will be ok, have sort of planned how best to try and control things, and will focus on just enjoying time with a good friend and having a bit of a break. But when I get back things have to change.

Anyway, will try and check in while I'm away. Sorry not to name check you all- am in a taxi and writing this is making me a bit queasy so I'm going to go!!

Bloody hell ma you do have to kind of think you're better off if that's how they operate. A right pisser with no support at home though. That does tend to put the tin lid on it.

elba happy holidays

I'm hoping for a more positive day if nothing else. I haven't managed af and now I'm cross because I planned a long run today but I had too much last night. The running and crazy exercise regime is going really well too.

ma I suppose it's better than going through the charade of an interview with no chance of getting an offer. Still shit though.

Elf I just wanted to repost your great advice:

'Today I am not going to drink. Simple. But not easy.'

That just about sums it up.

We cannot stop/cut back when we think about the future. About plans for the weekend, birthdays, weddings, Christmas, holidays, celebrations, commiserations...

It's impossible. Even thinking about tomorrow can sabotage today so it's so important to just keep it in the moment. Right here, right now is all that matters.

I loved this too:

'To anyone struggling - I have totally, totally, been there, but it can be done. You can get past the struggle and out the other side. No more battles with yourself over "I'll just have one" or "I won't drink til Thursday" or "one more won't hurt" or "bloody hell my head hurts" or "what happened last night?" or "how did I get that bruise?" or "do I smell of alcohol?" or waking at 4am night after night after night and being bloody exhausted all the time but needing a drink to relax in the evening...'

It's the simple truth. Thanks for the reminder x

So Dry June. Did Thursday night. Fell into a bottle of Pinot last night. I didn't even want it but it was there so out of habit I did.
Really pissed off with myself.
Dry June will start tonight. I'm determined.

Same here mint. Dry Thursday, pissed Friday.

ma and on your behalf. Hope you feel a brighter soon.

Evening Babes, tis me, Mouse

Hello to you all, old, older and even older Babes I'm sorry that I've not been around much but it looks like Elf has been doing a stellar job, I LOVE what you posted and then it was reposted too!! Being here from the start, I can honestly say that your words sent me straight back to my DAY 1

A HUGE hello to all the new lovely Babes, welcome to the madness that is Gerald, the Bus!! xx

Tomorrow, I'm going to hobble 5K in a Cancer Research, Race For Life, on my crutches, with my braces and supports on. One of my very lovely friends is going to be my buddy so if I have a wobble, she's going to be with me all the way!

Right, it's time for food in the Mouse house so I'll be back tomorrow to update you all........ I hope!!

Lots of sober "You Can Do It" wishes,

Mouse xx xx

Morning everyone, I think I need to get elf-s words printed and stuck on my fridge. Didn't promise myself a dry June but want to cut down. Had a dry Friday and drank 1 bottle yesterday and stopped. Woke up with a little sense of accomplishment as usually I would've opened another and kept going. Today is my test. Back to school tomorrow and would usually start drinking at 2 to calm my nerves. I want to not drink today but am already worried about the Sunday night nerves. I'm worrying about worrying - how nuts is that?!

Good luck mouse
My friend took me out last night for dinner and to see the Illegal Eagles tribute band who were bloody fantastic. Woke up this morning to the news from London.

Checking in, will be a quick one only brave babes, train wifi not great.

On way home from London, there to see Depeche Mode, came out of the stadium to a stream of missed calls from my petrified family. Thankfully Dave's lengthy encore kept me in a safer area. Police and emergency services were so swift in their response. Heartbreaking for all those involved and especially for families who lost loved ones.

I had a few drinks last night when I got back to the hotel. It didn't make anything any better but it did make me very sleepy which I needed. Will start afresh tomorrow. Will catch up properly later.

Love to you all.

P.S ma I am sorry about your interview. Their loss, (fuckers) they have bodged big style. And in the words of my late granny, what's for ye winna go by ye. There is a great job out there with your name on it.

made she has been with auntiedubh while I've been away. Living on organic home cooked food, and getting spoilt rotten. I have missed my hairy 5.30am alarm clock but it was ruddy fine to get a lie in!

Will check back in when I get home x

Glad you are safe dubh.
By the way, for old timers I heard from indie . She sends her love to all and especially to venus

Ma they are total idiots. You poor thing, how are you feeling today?
Elba good to hear from you, I hope you enjoy your holiday Where are you going?
Still Hi, how are you? How’s the exercise going? Am getting back in the gym tomorrow so will join you in getting v. sweaty!
Mint and Ma you can definitely do Dry January! (waves pom poms)
Hi mouse and hope the 5k has gone ok
Runs fab at stopping at the one, how has today gone so far?
Dubh thank God you’re ok, terrible news what has happened in London
I’m good . Ankle is a lot better so will go to the gym after work tomorrow, dreading to think how my fitness has deteriorated. Also lost 3.5 pounds this week (unsure how) so that’s 1 stone 9 pounds lost so far. Healthy eating is going ok and have found new low syn sweets (marshmallows) so I don’t need to miss out. Also met another old friend and had a catch up, taking my rota into work tomorrow to arrange coffee with work friend and need to arrange something with other friend
My contract at work has been extended 4 weeks (then they’ll make a decision, but have been told not to worry and unless something goes drastically wrong they’ll keep me on, so just need to keep giving it my best and working lots of overtime). Lovely girl got let go – due to one customer complaint which worries me cos you do get some funny customers who’d complain about anything. Getting back into the volunteering this week – meeting with mentor Tuesday. Also there’s a job going in the refuge which I’ll apply for (have emailed for application pack but if nothing will ring up in break tomorrow). Only 25 hours but is a foot in the door and I could work both that and Tesco I think – working around 45-50 hrs a week atm so could d 25 in refuge and 20 in Tesco for eg. Me and mam are getting on well too – unusually but a pleasant change. Am starting budgeting properly (having realised how much I wasted last month). Having got a bigger wage packet, I’ve worked out my outgoings, treated myself to a fitbit, and then worked out how much I have left. It’s too easy to spend by card so taken out my weekly budget and will buy out of that this week and when it’s gone it’s gone – should help me keep under control. Hope everyone is ok

Morning my lovelies.
Just a quick look round the door to wave Hello.
Well what a strange weekend that was. First the terrible attacks in London followed by the amazing One Love night in Manchester.
CuileanDubh Glad to hear you are safe. I'm quite jealous you got to see Depeche Mode. I saw them in Hyde Park a few years back. They are awesome! I still have all the album's somewhere on tape!

So my Scottish babes, are you going to the Scottish MN Meet up in Glasgow? I definitely am. It would be fantastic to meet you.

made
When I started at Sainsbury it was temporary and I ended up four years there. Hopefully you will find the same. And good luck with the refuge job application.

Elba
Have a great holiday wherever you go.

Elf
Wise words from you as always.

So today I'm off to my appointment at the DWP to see if I'm entitled to any benefit at all by myself. If not, I am screwed. At least it's not raining...oh, wait.

This is helpful today

made you sound lovely and positive. great stuff
mint I thought about going but am scared of outing myself!

I'm on the thread under a different name. Do that, then come

Just back from DWP. That was easy! Have been allowed to sign for contribution based JSA. Gives me a bit of breathing space.
And now the sun's out and all is well with the world.

stilllearnin
Love that! I'm going to print that out for my fridge.

mintToBe Hooray (thank fuck). AF last night and lovely run this morning - will hopefully check back in tonight if I can. Love to all.

stilllearnin
AF here too! And went to the gym to sign up for their four week boot camp!