The Stag Night
The Bachelor Party can be a very difficult thing to undertake. In many relationships today, the get-drunk, party-all-night-long in the company of naked professionals is frowned upon. Then there is the overwhelming sense of tradition that draws us towards overlooking this disapproval, often jeopardizing the very reason we are celebrating. It really depends on how much influence the best man has and how prepared he is to cover up the dirty tracks. By no means do I mean that deceit should playa hand in any of this. After all, the institution of marriage is not to be taken lightly, especially with a hooker on your arm. So, for the sake of all parties involved, we will discuss as many traditions, ideas, themes, extremities and abnormalities as possible to encompass the entire gamut that represents the Bachelor Party.
Party Professionals
Where does one begin when organizing a bachelor party?
Quite simply, turn to the professionals. Now I don’t mean those professionals, I mean the ones that organize parties for a living, and let’s face it, when it comes to organizing these types of things, men don’t want to bother. That’s why there are individuals or companies who offer their services for just such occasions.
One of the great benefits of hiring somebody to do the work for you is that it saves you a lot of time and effort as well as providing you with a well-organized party that you can take all of the credit for. That’s why you bought this book. You needed help.
Another great benefit of using outside help is that they will do a much better job than you can on your own. It’s not that we are idiots and can’t muddle our way through it so that everybody is happy – of course we can. The big picture is that this party represents something important to you and your best friend the groom, and you’ll want to make it something truly memorable for him (and you).
These companies, or individuals, take care of all of the details for you and usually at a fairly reasonable price, so it doesn’t have to cost you an arm or a leg. They provide everything for you, from arranging transportation, making dinner reservations and providing set menu selections, organizing various events (sporting, theatre), booking facilities (reception halls, cabins, boats, buses), getting entertainment (bands, dancers, clowns, dealers), setting up games and activities, flights and hotels, etc.
They will then give you a per person cost for all of this (depending on what you want) with their fee worked into this quote as well. They will then offer you an itinerary to follow, but usually accompany you as the driver / coordinator to make sure there are no problems with any of the details (of course, a tip is usually offered to this person at the end, in addition to their regular fee).
I have solicited the help of these professionals on a number of occasions, not only for stag parties, but also for company outings, etc. I find them very professional and reliable, but it all depends on the reputation of the company. I have also found that an average organized outing with dinner (wine included) and entertainment runs about $50-100 per person (additional alcohol is extra). This all depends on several factors and what everybody is willing to spend. The best thing to do is to find out from everybody attending what they are willing to spend and approach the organizer with this budget to work with, and they will provide you with a party to meet that budget.
If you hire someone to help you, even if it’s just a friend with great organizing capabilities, make sure they know what you want up front. That way there is no confusion about your plans when the time comes. I also find that if you and your friends continually use one of these individuals or companies, not only does the price get better, but so does the entertainment that you get for your dollar.
Bottles, Nipples, Formula OH MY!
Using formula means you need bottles, nipples, and other paraphernalia. There’s really little difference between plastic and glass bottles except that glass bottles are more breakable. What size you select is also a matter of convenience. Some parents find special bottle/bottle liner systems handier.
Nipples come in many different sizes and shapes. Some are promoted as being “more like mother” because of their shape. What’s really important is not what the nipple looks like in the package, but how it works when your baby is sucking on it. If you find a nipple that meets your baby’s needs, stick with it.
You may wonder if it’s necessary to sterilize your baby’s bottles and nipples. If your water supply is safe and clean, there’s no need to sterilize or boil bottles and nipples. Clean them with hot, soapy water and then rinse and thoroughly dry them. Some mothers put the bottles in the dishwasher.
Mixing and Storing Formula
With the concentrated and powdered formulas, water must be added before use. Except when told otherwise by your doctor, never add more formula than the instructions say. Over-diluting formula on a regular basis leads to malnutrition.
If your water supply is clean and safe, there’s no need to boil the water before adding it to the formula. As a general rule of thumb, if you can drink the water without problems, so can your baby. If you have concerns regarding water quality, check with your local water or health department, or discuss your concerns with your baby’s doctor.
If you just mix one bottle of formula at a time, you can just add cold tap water to the powder, mix it well, and feed your baby. In areas with fluoride in the water, you won’t need to give your baby supplemental fluoride. Avoid using hot tap water-it has a greater tendency to pick up lead from plumbing.
Mixed or open formula can be safely kept refrigerated for twenty four hours. If you are traveling, the most convenient form is powdered. You simply add water and you are ready to feed your baby. You should be extremely cautious, however, if there is any question to water quality-for example, an camping trips or in foreign countries.
Your Canine at the Beach
It may sound like a good idea to take your best friend when you go to the beach, but you have to keep in mind that most places have restrictions on where dogs can walk. Even if you stay back from the shore, if it’s a hot day, your dog is going to become overheated and need to cool off with a dip in the water. Make sure you know before you take your dog along with you for a day in the sun that he will indeed be permitted to join in the fun somewhere along the shore. Choose a spot that permits your dog to have time in the water without disturbing people who may be close by.
Many beaches do not allow dogs where the swimmers are, but some will allow them in the boating or fishing areas. In order to avoid disappointment, plan to take your dog when you are boating or fishing rather than when you are swimming. One thing to keep in mind is that some people are allergic to dogs, so it’s important for public health officials to restrict them from areas where people may gather in large crowds. In addition they are restricted because of their inability to lave the water or even the land area when they need to do their business. To a dog, there is no difference between a pad of dirt and sand, so to protect the public, they are restricted from swimming areas.
Lakes and ponds are good places to take your dog for a swim. There are usually no restrictions on brining dogs, and since dogs are usually natural swimmers, they will not have a problem with the depth of the water. If you have a private body of water such as a lake or pond that is outside of your property, you also have a good opportunity for your dog to exercise his swimming skills. Labradors are great swimmers and will jump in a body of water in a split second, so make sure you never take this breed anywhere that forbids dogs in the water. Be courteous of others when you take your dog on an outing to the water and make sure you have him under your control at all times.
Even if you take your dog to a beach area that allows him to enter the water, be considerate of others that may be around. Remember that your dog may be your best friend but not everyone is going to feel the same way. If your dog is aggressive toward strangers, you do not want to take him with you to the beach even if he is allowed. In addition, many people are afraid of dogs, especially large dogs, so you want to keep that in mind as well. The purpose is for you and your dog to have an enjoyable day in the water and not for him to frighten other people who may be out to do the same thing. Leave him home if you have any doubts about his behavior around people he doesn’t know.