Part One: Trying

So, according to my crazy doctor, the reason I'm frequently afraid to try new things is that I'm insecure and fear failure immensely. And so, she says, it's easier to pretend not to care about something instead of actually pursuing it - that way I can stay safely in my comfort area and avoid the pain of failing, the pain of my insecurities being confirmed.

It may be a bunch of psychohooey, but I think she's right and I've decided to do something about it.

Flash back to Friday, January 28th. I get a message from my friend Tim, the bass player for the rock and roll outfit OKGo. Apparently their guitar player quit and they need someone new to do a six week tour. Do I know anyone? Well, Tim, I said, I know myself. FXA is recording and recharging, so I have a little time to hit the road. He says great, I'll send you the new record and we'll talk about audition times. Sweet.

Now, already this was a big step for me. Normal Joe would most likely have begged off of this opportunity because he was afraid and then would have rationalized it like "Oh, I could have done it, too bad I had to be here for Brendo's arbor day celebration. Nuts." But this time I took the plunge and decided that I wanted to get this tour, quit my job and go be a successful musician.

Tomorrow, tales of bleeding fingers and tennis elbow....