The Man Shower

Okay, please don't start singing the hook from 'It's Raining Men' nor assess this post with any sexuality contexts which society may have foisted upon you since your own birth. The topic today, as you'll find out if you keep reading, is simply a play on words for what I consider a man's right if he is to become a father. Women who are undergoing major life events such as either a wedding or having a baby usually receive a Wedding Shower/Kitchen Tea/Baby Shower etc, where they get all their female relatives and closest girlfriends over for an afternoon of 'oohing and ahhing' at the lovely gifts they are giving to the lucky lady who is either getting hitched or about to undergo severe pain for a few hours in the delivery room.

Before you interject, yes I know men have their buck's parties, where copious amounts of alcohol are consumed to celebrate the end of being single, but there is no male equivalent of a baby shower. I'm not asking for my mates to come around, tell girly stories, bring over some freshly baked cakes and bring me presents which will be useful only when the baby arrives.

Instead I would like to have a huge day/night (depending on what time we get home) out to celebrate the end of being a husband and the beginning of the fatherhood journey. Before all you ladies interject that this is simply a rort to enjoy another huge night out, let me remind you all that since a man's bucks party he has been a loving, caring, doting man who has only slipped out of the house for a few quiet beers to return home by 9pm on a few occasions since getting married. (bulls*&% I hear some of you ladies mutter!)

Regardless of your protestations, (you'll be at the Baby Shower anyway) the Man Shower will revolutionise how men celebrate fatherhood. A fellow expectant father has decided to assist me in these celebrations to ensure that I remember what life was like before children came along. While you ladies can enjoy the delights of baby jump suits, cute size 000 socks and baby's first dummy (pacifier for my American readers), the gentlemen in your lives will be living it up, as when the baby arrives we will be not going out at all for the next few years!

Man Shower Activities: Already proposed are some activities which will ensure that a husband to be will never forget his last days as a husband/partner and perhaps wish that he should have behaved himself 9 months before.

Events (listed in no particular order and can all be undertaken in the space of 24 hours):

- Day at Races (and drinking)
- Lawn Bowls (and drinking)
- Day/Night at the pub (and drinking!)
- Poker/Casino visit (and drinking)
- Go-Karting (no drinking - event to be held prior to other events)

Gentlemen, feel free to nominate your event if it isn't listed here.
Ladies, enjoy your baby paraphenalia. I'll appreciate them when the baby arrives and I'm stuck for baby clothes!