Brave Babes (Hygge) Battle Bus: Snowed in and Drinking Hot Chocolate instead of wine

[SweetLathyrus]

Hi, I'm SweetLathyrus, Sweet for short, and I've been on and off Gerald the Brave Babes Battle Bus since 2014. Over the years, lots of us have maintained the thread, most of all the lovely Mouse, who has been here since the early days, and still scurries onboard when she can.

The bus is a place of support, safety and occasional silliness for those of us struggling with our relationship with alcohol. Some of us are sober, some are trying to be, some are moderating and aren't ready to give up alcohol just yet.

So whatever your reason for questioning the whys and WTFs of your drinking, hop on board, make yourselves comfortable and join in. Driers and Triers, all welcome.

2018 has been a busy year so far, lots of new travellers as well as old faces; if you want to read back on the journey through Dry or Dryer Jan and Feb so far, here's the link to the last thread

And in case you want to know how it all started, here is the link to JWN's original, inspiring thread

We've donned the snow chains, topped up the antifreeze, and turned the heaters up to loud, so even though it's cold outside, our welcome is always warm, so hop on and join us.

Morning my lovelies.
DP has gone to stay with friends in England for a week so I get a chance for some peace and quiet. I wish he'd waited until after his check up as the meds are still giving him horrible side effects but he knows better.
The first thought I had was I could have a drink at the weekend and he wouldn't know. I have a Sunday full of house work planned instead .

Morning All.

Baking think how much good it is doing your glutes!

Another poor night, sleep-wise, I now seem to be developing sinusitis. But I am AF, and as we often say, this morning I am not regretting NOT drinking.

SweetLathyrus
I have sinusitis. It's horrible. I've just been reading a thread in the health boards about Nasaline. Think I'll try it. I often feel that smashing my cheeks with a hammer would relieve the pain!
Banking
Yay to a pay rise! Well done you.

Trust Yes that was me! I spend a LOT of time worrying I've made mistakes. I also worry they think I'm slow but I think slowness means I'm usually accurate I think I used to get wrecked a lot so I didn't have to think about it.

I think it was Margie who said a while ago about being AF not being a cure for everything. I was so hoping it would be. I'm more content and less anxious now but it hasn't completely gone away. I can't work out how much the anxiety is caused by my environment and how much is just me.

Mint Try and do something nice for yourself too and not just housework. Hopefully the time apart will do you good.

Sweet Sinus pain is the worst.

Morning babes.

5 days AF and i feel magnificent. Was up early to walk the dog and now i am ready for 9am pilates!

Last night i asked my DH what he wanted for dinner tonight. He was very hesitant and wondered if we could still have steak. We have steak often on a Friday, washed down with loads of red wine. I was going to say no but thought, why not eat the food we love but wash it down with sparkling water.? So steak and water it is! I am looking forward to really enjoying the food sober.

Have a good day all.

Blue you sound as if you are really enjoying being AF. It’s a great feeling isn’t it? Enjoy your steak tonight. I imagine it will taste even better without the wine

Hi babes, I want and need to get on this bus. I just can't keep drinking the way I have been. Last drink was last saturday night, got hammered, another awful hangover, and just thought, enough. Any tips to get through tonight? Friday drink has always been my treat for getting through the week and I don't know how I'll manage later.

Hi offre, well done on on not drinking all week. I’ve managed two Friday nights now and it’s getting easier. I plan so have tea early pots all washed and put away then last week I bought some AF beers not keen on beck blue I like weinstiener x

Hi Offre welcome. Are you into exercise at all? I always try and do a class after work on Friday. Once I have done that and go home and have dinner then a nice bath then I really don’t feel like drinking. It’s a habit. Do you drink alone or with friends? Are you working?

Blue I'm glad you feel so positive. Sometimes, if it's a really nice soft drink I enjoy it more than alcohol. Enjoy your steak.

Welcome offred Have you got any nice soft drinks to have instead or something AF like a lager or a cider? When I feel vulnerable I have an early bath, pjs on, hair plaited so I don't leave the house.

I've been ok today. Bit down this afternoon - don't know why. I've bought myself some flowers frivolous to cheer myself up. I was meant to be buying a plant to go with the book I've got my mum for Sunday. I wanted to go to the big Aldi tonight and look in there but I'm not sure I can be trusted so we may have to go in the morning instead.

Welcome to the Bus, Offre, PJs on early (I would already have mine on if I wasn't going out tonight), and an early night if it all gets too much. It's not exciting, but it will get you through the early days - you might even get to like it!

Baking, it's ok to feel low sometimes - proves we're alive and feeling it.

Mint I was reading a sinus thread too, but the thought of nasal irrigation was terrifying - I had both nostrils cauterised years ago, and anything near my nose gives me the heebie jeebies!

I went to Aqua for the first time after flu today - it was really tough, I hate how quickly I seem to lose fitness. And tonight we are all out to see some stand-up, so I will be driving and not tempted to drink.

Where are Ma and Hope? I hope you're both ok. Take care of yourselves.

Nearly convinced myself to buy a bottle on the way home! Off work tomorrow so I was thinking why not. It’s that nagging little voice I get wish it would bigger off sometimes.
It’s bath pjs and a film for me too baking then up bright and early tomorrow to finish getting that cupboard cleared out.

checking in. am ok
DD1 has got a job! She has set up a mental health charity based on her own experiences and has secured a contract with a company to implement their mental health policies. Very proud and relieved to see something good coming out of her suffering.

Oh well done mini ma
You must be so proud of her.
Struggling tonight. I can hear that cold glass of wine calling me.
I'm putting together a shoe rack to try and drown it out.

Morning babes - just checking in to say I'm off to the snow...back on Sunday next week. Been a manic few days at work and elsewhere (stepped into the sidecar). Really looking forward to a period of abstinence when I get back and focusing on health and weight.

rothbury - I hope you are okay?

Love to all. xxx

Morning all. Day 6 done. Steak with no wine was actually lovely. Then DH and I watched a film all the way to the end without one of us falling asleep.

I am so glad I wasn't drinking last night as the stupid dog woke early. For some reason she was sneezing her head off then started whining. She is now fast asleep on the bed beside me. I would not have coped so well with the early waking if I was hungover.

Have a good day everyone.

Morning All,

Well Done Blue, Twattage have a lovely, slippy, slidey time, yes, Rothbury, are you ok?

Ma you must be super, super proud. DD1 must have fantastic inner strength, in spite of her problems; putting yourself out there like that is brave, scary and ultimately will really build her resilience and belief in herself.

Fantastic but weird gig last night, Robin Ince playing to a half-full local arts centre (a bit of a come down after playing arenas with Brian Cox). Part lemsip-fuelled mid-life crisis, part history of art lecture. In the bar beforehand, not only did I not have a glass of wine, I didn't have anything (cheap date). We were five minutes from home and only out for two hours, why would I need an over-priced diet coke? DH didn't drink either, and it felt really good.

So, if you're worried about going out AF, I know it's not easy at the beginning, but it does get easier. I was completely habituated to gigs/theatre etc meaning glass on arrival, glass in the interval (large of course), and last night I was really conscious that it was just habit, just to have something in my hand. I still laughed, I still had a really good night with DH and DS.

Yes I am OK - many apologies.

Have a great time twat

Had to step into sidecar after unexpected family emergency led to houseguest this week.

Far too much drinking has occurred. Will update later when I have read thread.

Morning all
ma well done to your daughter. A real achievement.
Sweet glad you enjoyed your night. Agree that it is a habit when going to theatre to have pre drinks, interval drinks and after drinks. I haven’t done this one AF yet. I think it also depends who you go with. My DH hardly drinks but he is not a big fan of theatre although he will go to a comedian. So theatre trips in London tend to be with girlfriends who all enjoy the ritual.
Well done Blue you are doing great.
Twattage have a lovely time
What happened to offre? Did we scare her off with our AF suggestions?
I’m getting out in my garden today to tidy up and do some hanging baskets and pots ready for spring.
Party tonight
Have a good day everybody

I feel much more positive today. I was in Aldi & Tesco at 8am (very efficient) then into town to get a few things. We went to McDonald's for lunch (that's how I bribed DS around the shops). I'm trying to sort out my tip of a bedroom. It's a mess considering no one sleeps in it. Grey and wet today. Think we'll go the library soon.

Twattage Have a lovely time away. I'm sure you will.

Ma That's great news about DD. I bet she's pleased too.

Blue I know what you mean about early wakings. DS gets up between 5.30 and 6am every day. That time is a killer with a hangover! Well done for Friday night.

Sweet I actually resent spending money on soft drinks when I'm out. I perceive it as a waste. I never thought that way about something with a percentage.

Rothbury Hope everything's ok.

Trust Enjoy the party.

I'm at day 69 today. I won't be drinking.

Thanks Baking so glad you are feeling more positive today.

I can feel my resolve slipping this afternoon. DH has opened a bottle of red wine.

We are both feeling very sad today. It is coming up to the anniversary of the death of our eldest DD. This morning we went to buy flowers and cards for the cemetery. Without going into too much detail this isn't just about the death of DD but of others too. It feels like too much.

We are going to the cemetery with my DP's tomorrow as we can't make it on the actual anniversary and taking them for lunch for Mothers day. My own two DD's can't be at home with me this weekend and i am missing them and feel sad about this too.

Too much sadness today. I don't know how to manage it.

Hope everything is ok Roth

Trust, my garden is SO wet, I can't even think about doing anything, but I'm doing to get into the greenhouse tomorrow if I feel well enough, and start planting seeds. Enjoy the party.

Baking, glad you're feeling better today. My DS was a persistent early riser, fortunately, I'm a lark, even with a hangover ( ). But it doesn't last forever, he's now a typical teen and could sleep for England!

Blue, that must be so difficult for you. I don't have any sage advice for managing sadness that is natural and understandable, just be kind to yourself, and DH.

I haven't given in to the wine I have to say. DH is drinking it but I am drinking only water. I am too scared to take even as much as a sip.