The Nightlife Checklist: What To Check Off When You Go Out

October 21, 2009 9:00 AM
by Pete Tremblay

As denizens of the Nightlife Universe, we all know that there are many different circumstances that will continually change when we set out into the night in search of the perfect venue and crowd to give us our much needed evening fix. Although we cant control everything that’s going to happen, the old adage of “Plan for the worst but hope for the best” comes to mind. Positive intention, planning, and a little bit of consideration before the great journey begins will surely enhance the night, and leave little chance of that dreaded failure of an evening. So what do we do to make sure things go as smoothly as possible? Make a plan! These pre-game rituals are as necessary as the cheap booze you will be guzzling down so that you don’t have to pay $7 for a jack and coke at the bar, and twice as useful when things go a bit awry and unpredictable! I submit for your approval, The Ultimate Nightlife Pre-Game Checklist!

1. Eat your favorite food – In order to create the perfect mood for the night ahead, we must indulge in the perfect fuel for the night. Pick up something that will fill your stomach with the necessary sponge to soak up that alcohol later so that your night won’t end with you face first praying to the porcelain god. Eat something that will make you smile. A good mood is what we are promoting here, and it all begins with your stomach.

2. Take a 45 minute relaxation period – Give yourself a few minutes to just settle down, collect your thoughts, and relax! Take a quick powernap or catch up with some music. Do whatever it is you do to get yourself in the zone, positive intention will carry over into the night and having no hurried or creeping thoughts will surely make for an amazing transition into the night!

3. Take the best shower you’ve ever had – Part of setting the mood for yourself and those you want to impress is by making yourself as visually stimulating as possible!
Give yourself the royal treatment, and spare any expense in the cleansing process. Also don’t forget the cologne. Not surprisingly the better you smell the more you will be attractive and remembered. Don’t go too heavy however, you don’t want to be mistaken for a French whore.

4. Dress to the 9’s – Dress accordingly for wherever you’re going, but make sure to put a few style points into your wardrobe. Weather you ride the vintage train, or are up on the latest and greatest, make sure what you’re throwing on is clean, pressed and stylish. Be yourself! Just the best version.

5. Perfectly tailored play-list – Like a good suit, the perfect soundtrack will only enhance your night out, and your mood. Don’t leave it to chance that the radio might have a great procession of songs to push the night to the next level. Create an atmosphere that will invigorate your senses and put you in the best possible mood. This will always carry over to the Venue.

6. Charge your cell phone – Keep connected. The worst thing that can happen is a dead battery at the wrong time. Don’t leave it to possibility, especially if you’ve been texting all day trying to get the plans secured to begin with.

7. Always have cash on hand – It’s always better to know what you’re getting yourself into and setting at least a semi reasonable budget before you hit the club. Nothing sobers you up like an unexpected $300 tab at the end of the night, especially if you’ve only got $200 left on the card. Avoid the embarrassment and hit the ATM before you get there. PS. It never hurts to hide a 20 somewhere on your person, incase the worst happens and you need a reserve to go to. Need a night cap? Condoms? Emergency Mickey D’s fund? Hide some cash in your sock.

8. Have a Plan B. – There is never a worse circumstance than to be all dressed up with no where to go. If you were absolutely positive that Johnny Wong’s party was going on and the bouncer tells you that he doesn’t really care who you are or who you think you know, you’re not getting in, all will seem lost. Always have an ace up your sleeve and a second, just as exciting, destination incase you can’t talk your way into that party (or even more likely the party sucks to begin with).

9. Have a designated driver – What’s the worst way to end your night out on the town after everything has gone off without a hitch? Seeing the flashing blue lights blurred so confusingly in your rearview as an officer knocks on your window and asks the dreaded question “have you been drinking tonight boy?” as your life, career, tuition, and personal humiliation flash before your eyes, you’d wish you weren’t behind the wheel. Worse yet your drunk ass could hurt someone else while you’re reaching for that iPod that fell on the floorboard and all you hear is the scream of the old lady walking across the street 1 second before you feel the thud of her walker under your tires. Do the right thing. Take a friend out to dinner and beg them to lay off the sauce. You’ll return the favor soon enough.