A little party never hurt no one, we were born to be free

Party - a social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating, drinking, and entertainment.

It's fair to say majority of people love to have a good time. Most go out partying/clubbing, some like gatherings a the local pub and those who throw the occasional house party. When I was growing up my family would throw a party for all celebrations, birthday's, house warming, anniversaries etc. So you could say that I'm used to having drunk and merry people around me. However, as I grew older the idea of going out to clubs and pubs daunted me. I hated the idea of going to a crowded place with lots of drunk people surrounding me, not knowing where I was, having no idea how to act. 

My first clubbing experience was with a friend from college. She took me to Casino in Guildford after our final exams to celebrate especially as I had just turned 18. It was a great first experience as there was a whole group of us that went, I have found that clubbing is always better in groups, and even though we didn't stay out until closing (3am) we still had a lot of fun. If someone suggests a Jagerbomb, approach with caution. 

It was the first shot I've ever had and boy do I remember it. For those of you that don't know 

what I Jagerbomb is, it is a shot of Jagermeister that is a glass of red bull or another form of 

energy drink which you then have to down all in one. It felt like a right of passage when 

you first go clubbing  that you have to have one of those shots or a second favourite was Sambuca. 

Soon after this I started working full time at Thorpe Park so going to clubs and socials were common, however I was still quite a shy and timid girl and the idea of going out with people still scared me, I never really drank much or speak much either. It wasn't until I became single that my life started to change. 

My friends took me out more to clubs and the regular pub visit. One night that stands out for me was the night when I met some of the most important people in my life. I started out being extremely nervous, as I didn't know the girl who's birthday it was or any of the people that were going for that matter, even though my friend comforted me as much as she could. We got to the girl's house and at first I was standing round feeling pretty awkward not knowing anyone as the night when on I got chatting and dancing with a few people and I started to feel more relaxed, could have been due to the alcohol... After that night, I enjoy going out and dancing, having a drink with my friends. I found that the trick is as long you act confident, even if you're not, others around you won't know the difference.
After that night I have made some of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for. We go on regular outings and pub visits together and no matter what everyone has each others backs.

Granted I have been known to get a little bit too drunk and my friends have had to look after me but did get my punishment by waking up with a horrendous hangover, the most recent event being my friend's 22nd birthday party, tequila was not my friend. In light of this I have learnt a few tricks to get over a hangover. 

Steps to get over a hangover:

1. Get up, there's no use in staying in bed, even though the world feels like it's collapsing around you, you will feel 100 times better if you do something productive.
2. How to be productive? Exercise. You may get the scent of alcohol sweating out of you but that just means it's getting out of your system.
3. Have a bath or shower, it refreshes you and makes you feel better in yourself. 
4. Have a flat lemonade or Lucozade, these especially help if you've been throwing up as they re hydrate you and don't upset your stomach.
5. Hair of the dog - in other words just keep drinking!

However, being a group of mostly students there are certain drinking rules and games that you learn. One infamous game is Ring of Fire. Click the link to find out the rules of this game. Other rules that I've learnt are that you aren't allowed to say the word drink instead use the term beverage, don't not point with your finger instead use your elbow or maybe nose? And drink with your left hand only. There are others but too many to list, I'm not sure if this is just my friends that do this but I'm sure there are others who know these rules. In our group we also have a couple of well known rhymes that we like to sing to "encourage" others to drink quicker...

We like to drink with (insert name) 'Cause (insert name) is our mate and when we drink with (insert name) they down it all in 8, 7, 6, 5, 4... Until they finish their drink.

Another one is...

Here's to (insert name)

He's/she's true blue

He's/she's a piss pot through and through

He's/she's bastard so they say

Tried to go to heaven but he's/she's went the other way

He's/She's went down, down, down.... Until they finish their drink.

Parties are great, especially if you're young, but just make sure that you stay safe. Do this by staying with you're friends, keep an eye on your drinks (not just how much you're drinking but in case you are spiked - scary idea but unfortunately it happens) and also by making sure you know your surroundings and how you are getting home. Another useful tip is when deciding what to drink it is always better to not mix, either stick with spirits, cider, beer or wine. You will feel worse in the morning if you have been mixing drinks.

Feel free to share stories of your parties or your favourite games to play, I would love to read them and maybe make a YouTube video where I read some of them out loud! 

That's all from me this week, sorry it took a little longer than expected to get out hopefully the next one will be on time! 

Just remember, stay positive and go wild!