The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Braving The Wine Witch & Her Alcohol Free Autumn

[Mouseface]

Hello

I’m Mouse one of the Brave Babes who ride on this wonderful Bus, called Gerald, along with all the Opal Fruits wrappers and of course Barry The squid.

We all have a wise variety of life experiences and experiences with alcohol too. We’re not admirers of hang overs and we certainly don’t do judgey pants!

We’re here to ride along with you, when life is pants but also when it’s not as well and you my want to celebrate that bit too much!

So find a seat and come take a ride. I’ll link the previous and also the very first link and the reason we’re all here.

*Mouse

Sofa pouring the gin away was a good move, that really did send your subconscious a strong message - steps in the sober direction

Thank you for lovely welcome and encouragement. I want to do this for so many reasons....want to prove to myself I can do it for a start. I know I'm stronger than I think...I've been through more than this...but it is currently so tied up to my self esteem I feel I want to conquer it and "win the battle" for good.

So......today.....I've been alcohol free.....day 1

It starts with day 1 forever well done and welcome.

Hello everyone, still ill so off to bed soon.
I would sing along with the triangle but it would probably kill me, but hey when I'm better

Ooof. This virus has knocked me on my arse . I keep dropping off for a little nap and waking up 4 hours later . Cold sore has appeared on hooter as predicted. DP is off work today and keeps coming into the bedroom, staring at me, wringing his hands. When I rang in sick for work this morning my (Lovely new) supervisor said 'Oh God. Actually you don't sound very well at all!' Which strangely made me feel a little better momentarily . Uh. Still on the bright side - I really don't feel like drinking at all so that's something.

Hi I’m sorry I’m not chatty or supporting right now. I just need to be checking in for now. I’m so worried about everything I can barely read this thread- but AF again last night so hoping to feel more human soon. I’m on meds’ that affect liver but could not stop drinking . So physically i got a bit fucked to add to the emotional shit. Well paid and supportive job that I like and kind of proud of. But on an informal kind of warning from lovely manager. Dc I cannot talk about right now. Intense studying that wanted to do for ages and now overwhelmed by. Sorry to dump all this but it’s the closest I can get to a proper post. Dp is a big drinker, but he joined in with me last night on tea. I think he’s realised I need help. He’s bloody ace! I feel tearful now and I need to get back to work. Thank you to you all for being here.

Hello everyone. Ancient old-timer here, prompted to de-lurk by the shout out from lovely Spanna (waves and blows kisses). Some of you very old babes will remember me ( Ma, Beaches, Margie, Spanna ) but not been around for ages, then caught up last night on a long train journey so wanted to pop in and wish you all well - some amazing babes on here (would say new but you have probably been here months!)

Wanted to give a special shout out and send huge hugs to MrsHoolie. Was blown away by your story and by your perseverance and bravery. You are doing amazingly. Am keeping everything crossed for you but I know you will get through this and come out stronger. And BTW, your husband is a total arse (not being smug MN LTB-er here, my husband is an arse too, so I know one when I see one, that's all!!) Big hugs and massive respect to you lady! And to the other lovely babes whose stories I am just catching up with.

Glad to see the Christmas traditions are holding strong and Ma's triangle is back for another airing! Has anyone seen my erm, Ma's camel recently???

Wish I could bounce on with inspirational tales like Superwoman Spanna and some of you other AF heroes but am in and out of the sidecar and as usual have plenty of my own domestic issues to deal with ATM. . The problems change but don't go away as kids get older and WB finds new and different ways of being a selfish twunt!

More AF than I have been for a while which I put mainly down to going to the gym a lot - can't do a class with a headache so just book 'em all up in advance. Sometimes I miss them but not often. And don't really think about drinking day to day - but I'm still the sort who will overdo it on a night out and then drink into the next day and the next thanks to the fear - less each time until I tail it off, but shows what an addictive thing it has become for me. The mostly abstinent weeks count for nothing after a blow out and feel right back at square one.

Dreading the Christmas season for many reasons, so may pop in from time to time for inspiration and a brew! Does Mouse still do a breakfast trolley on a weekend?

I see Ma has eaten all the Opal Fruits again, so nipping off to re-stock. See you all soon xxx

Welcome Night and bee. 29 days is amazing and Sofa, it takes a lot of strength to pour away a bottle of gin. That’s real determination.
Looking Thank you so much for your kind words. I remember you as well as spanna and beaches and joey. Like I said, I’ve lurked on these threads since day 1.
I’m trying very hard to find anything positive in all this but one good thing is that I have been given 15 AF days ‘for free’ ie I have done 15 days without having to make any effort not to drink because I’ve been locked up with a nurse following me everywhere I go. I would be crazy to throw that away.
I’m off one to one now which is a huge relief but I’m still only allowed a couple of hours leave a day escorted by a nurse. The other positive is that I’ve become much closer to my family, particularly to my DB who has been an absolute star. We were very close growing up but have kind of drifted apart over the years as our lives have gone in very different directions. He’s shown me amazing sensitivity and we have sat up and talked for hours which has highlighted to me even more how emotionally illiterate ‘D’H is.
As desperate as I am to get out of here, it does feel safe and I know that I’m far too fragile to even think about going home.
I really can’t thank you all enough for your support. I often wonder how many of you are doing. mouse I hope you’re ok sweetie.
Demented What is this I hear about your triangle?

mshoolies I am so glad you are feeling safe in there, you are fragile at the moment allowing others to look after gives you some time to just exist without trying to be everything to everyone else. 15 days is awesome, however you have done it, you have done it .

hope!! I KNEW it was your camel good to see you babe (even though you called me really old) xx

still keep checking in babe, sending you a squeeze.

lux, herman keep those germs over there while you both get better!

forever well done on day 1 babe.

Spanna thanks for the encouragement pumpkin, I woke up to another day with a clear head. X

Guggs fellow hamster wheeler, you are right, it is much more helpful to focus on all the af days and weeks you do clock up. Maybe I should get that app.

Love to all other babes and lurkers

Thanks for welcoming me so kindly everyone. MrsHoolies I must echo the admiration of others on here, you have truly moved mountains to get through your first fifteen days. Yes you were locked up but don’t forget you had made so many strides to get yourself on a detox programme before that happened. You have more strength than you know. I hope your poor elbow starts to heal soon.
Stilllearning you OK hun? Sounds like there’s loads on your plate and it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. It’s horrible to have anxiety, have you tried meditation? Loads of free apps and it can help to get away from anxious thoughts.
It’s day 30 for me, I should make it through the evening, DS’s school is closed today due to the heating not working so I have to go in to work tonight to make up the time. Feeling pretty chuffed to make it this far and am now looking ahead to get to 60 days, the date coincides with my work Christmas do - designated driver here I come!

Just checking for a whinge and a hand hold. Nothing's happened I'm just tired of looking after everyone. I quite fancy a high powered job in the city somewhere with a nice big swanky office. It would be all fabulous and I'd take actual lunch breaks while informing people that I was ever so busy ddahling!
Then I'd spend the evenings pissing round lovely art galleries and theatre events. Sigh.

I hate this time of year, everyone making demands. Roll on January.
Tired and grumpy.

Hey guggs have some
I know what you mean- my fantasy life involves have a cute little craft business where I can spend my days creating lovely things for people who appreciate them....... rather than running trudging along in the rat race! Ah well - another go on the lottery then!

Why have all my icons turned to gin? They were meant to be flowers and smiles!!

I see a smile and flowers doris. However at the bottom of the page the huge ad is for wine and champagne preserver/cork type doodads. Been like it for days .

I'm still snotty, aching and coughing like a good 'un. I've just woken up from another 4 hour nap and still feel like I've been run over. I shall stay away from you all and keep my germs to myself. I've just phoned work again to tell them I won't be in tomorrow. We've got a new supervisor and she is so, so lovely I got all weepy . It makes such a difference from the, 'WELL WHEN WILL YOU BE BETTER?' of the past. I don't want to speak too soon but I think she might be a human being .

My triangle is a thing of great mystery which I dust off each year when the Salvation Army join the bus for carol singing.....
I am still in Stornaway and managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Stones of Callanish this morning. Very atmospheric. Will post pics later.Off to the drill hall later...

mas triangle a “thing of mystery” ?!

Hello all you lovelies...I'm only reading messages sInce I first joined, so I am getting to know you all slowly rather than reading all old threads which would feel a bit like stalking you all
Sounds like you have all had lots to deal with and that these days are no easier than those that have gone before.....but I hear positivity in your posts, and strength...so much determination and strength.
I feel like I have all on just keeping going at the moment. I am really not good with this time of year....run up to Christmas too...I find life very overwhelming at times and have drifting into drinking to help me cope. Not gin on my cornflakes type drinking, but still, too much. Glass of wine when dc''s finally in bed and asleep turned on a friday night as a treat......turned into a glass on a saturday and sunday too. Then drifted to not 1 glass but 2, then 3, then"might as well finish the bottle". Then turned into earlier starts on wine opening, like couldn't wait till I'd done baths and stories and asleep - I'd start with a glass whilst doing the baths. Then needing another whilst I was doing stories. Falling asleep with dcs because so tired. Waking around midnight...no sleep after that. Permanently exhausted. Cycle started again next night. Sarcastic dh making comments....me yes probably am drinking a bit much....so I'll stop....then realise difficult to break habits....then think shit I'm almost an alcoholic....maybe I am? Lots of periods of abstinence (months+++) always feel better, but eventually, slowly, gradually,drift back to same patterns.

I want to do it forever. I want to do it differently. I'm 42. I've got 3 dcs.... they are still young....
I'm on day 2 xxxx
Thank you for reading xx sorry for rambling

lookingforhope where was my mention then? But seriously, lovely too see you around.

Welcome blessedbee and ramble all you like, youll fit in well.

My triangle is a thing of great mystery which I dust off each year when the Salvation Army join the bus for carol singing..... 😂😂😂. ma.

Hi blessedbee your story is so very familiar, could have written it myself. I’m riding the bus for a few weeks myself for the same reasons - hope it helps!

Ohforever “I find life very overwhelming at times and have drifting into drinking to help me cope. Not gin on my cornflakes type drinking, but still, too much. Glass of wine when dc''s finally in bed and asleep turned on a friday night as a treat......turned into a glass on a saturday and sunday too. Then drifted to not 1 glass but 2, then 3, then"might as well finish the bottle". Then turned into earlier starts on wine opening, like couldn't wait till I'd done baths and stories and asleep - I'd start with a glass whilst doing the baths. Then needing another whilst I was doing stories. Falling asleep with dcs because so tired. Waking around midnight...no sleep after that. Permanently exhausted. “

This is me too. Welcome here and I hope those who are worse affected won’t mind me saying that they have been hugely helpful to me as there but for the grace of God I was definitely well on the way to going there and I recognise much of what you say.

With the help of this group I’ve managed to cut my wine consumption from pretty much a bottle per night to a glass most nights with the odd blip and no massive binges. I was well on the way to a big problem in August but have been moderating since end of that month so I wish you well. You can do this!

By the way, I’m not complacent, the wine witch is waiting, I know and I still don’t have enough AF days plus life is still far too full on but may ease soon. I’m a whole generation on from you but have had DGCs living here and hectic times in recent months. I’m so tired!

In the new year I’m determined to go AF Mon-Thurs and planning to stick to my moderation until then including the Christmas period.

Good luck - you can do it!

hello all - I'm back for another try! I had a couple of good weeks of being AF during the week but have found myself slipping back into old bad habits over past week or so - and massively so last night.

So, I'm starting again tonight. When I did a run of AF nights I was actually enjoying it so am hoping to get that feeling back again.

Sorry, lovely Venus, Guggs, Joey and anyone else I've missed, and also babes MIA like Baby and Dubh in case they are lurking in the ether...my only poor excuse is that I've been away a long time! For a start, there were no glitterballs on here back in my day . It's like bloody Saturday Night Fever in here.

Not yet 9.00pm and am in bed in my PJs. I am so rock and roll.

Any recommendations for box sets?

Welcome blessed
Some pics from Lewis...

Just reporting I’m in the pub drinking tea!

Have you got Netflix Hope? Mind Hunters is ace.

Well done still

Gorgeous photos ma. I've never been to Scotland - it's somewhere I've always wanted to go.