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A handful of things I am a little afraid of but want to do this summer because I am afraid of them. UPDATE: one additional thing added.

Otherwise known as, “Stop being such a fucking pussy, Joe.” This is really all a part of this whole introspection kick I’ve been on recently, so it’s not surprising to me that I feel motivated to do something with these feelings. Funny thing, I had a drink with Adam last night, who I referenced in my previous introspection post, and he answered the questions I posed at the very end of the post about what to do with all this newfound awareness. His answer? A very simple, “Have patience,” meaning to take a step back and check myself when I find myself getting all worked up about some stupid thing or worrying about nothing or whatever. I thought that was pretty good. Thanks, Adam.

Back on track, there are a few things I’d like to do this summer. In no particular order, they are:

  • Get a tattoo. I don’t have any, even though I’ve been thinking about getting one since I was 11. I think the main reason I don’t have any is that I’m a little scared of permanence. I’m not able to easily make long lasting decisions, and a tattoo, though mundane, is one of those decisions. I’ve never been able to decide on anything long enough that I wanted to keep it in my skin for the rest of my life. But, you know what? I think I’m just being a big pussy la la about it and just need to do it. I mean, why the fuck not? My body is already covered with reminders of past mistakes, so why not just make a choice and go for it?

    My friend Charles has planned a dinosaur-themed party for his birthday in a few weeks. Part of the plan is to get dinosaur tattoos. He sent me a link to East River Tattoo which is right in our neighborhood. I particularly like shop owner Duke’s work. His pieces look like old wood prints, which is a fairly different style. I think it’s real cool.

  • Ride a bicycle around NY. Let’s be honest, I don’t exercise enough. I know it. You know it. Everyone god damned knows it. And, now that I live in Greenpoint, a biking hot spot to be certain, I feel like I really want to get out there and just bicycle. Problem is I haven’t really ridden in like 16 years. I’m not worried that I won’t be able to ride a bike. I am worried, however, about all the street traffic in the neighborhood. Again, this is totally just me being a complete pussy. I have zero problem driving a car all over town, and that has a whole lot more potential for fucking things up. Buying a bike is no significant financial burden. I even have a spot to put it away in the backyard of my building.

    So what’s stopping me? The answer? Nothing. I’m just being a complete idiot about it. In the immortal words of Freddie Mercury….. (warning: naked girls on bikes in the video.)

  • Drink whiskey. I am a beer and wine man. I don’t often drink liquor mostly because I feel like I’ve fucked myself up on it so many times that my body just says, “No thanks.” Fuck you, body. Don’t get me wrong. I love beer and I love wine, but I need to stop feeling intimidated by good ol’ whiskey and just broaden my palette. I don’t want to do shots of the stuff, but I do want to develop an appreciation of it in the same way that I can appreciate a great beer or an amazing bottle of red. Stop being a pussy, Joe, and just drink the whiskey.

    I mean, what would The Clancy Brothers say? Probably this:

I bet there are some other things I’m worried about doing that I just need to get over and do, but these have been at the forefront of my consciousness recently. Do any of you feel this way about things? What have you been afraid of doing that you haven’t yet done but that you think you should? I can’t be the only weirdo out there that thinks like this.

9 Comments

  1. Tess Tess June 3, 2010

    joe- lets go get tattoos together!!!! i am the same way, i have been wanting to get the same tattoo for ten years but im such a wimp. but i will go with you if you want!!! misery loves company.the bike thing- ya you are being a huge pussy, if me and bertha can do it so can you!!! come on it will be fun, we can go on some adventures!!!

    • The Wizard The Wizard Post author | June 3, 2010

      The Summer of Joe 2010 needs adventures for def.

  2. Carolina Garofani Carolina Garofani June 4, 2010

    Get the tattoo, even if it’s tiny. It will take away the fear of permanence, believe me. I’m completely uncapable of making long term decisions too, and I’m more than happy with all of my 6 tattoos and very comfortable with the many more to come.

    Buy the bike. It will take you about a week to learn the rules of street traffic and get used to riding again – and it’s totally worth it.

    Much love for the Queen video. <3

    I could take you bungee-jumping or rapelling or snake-hunting if you want me to, as well.
    Or driving a jeep through S. America and blogging about it. Your pick!

    • The Wizard The Wizard Post author | June 4, 2010

      I could take you bungee-jumping or rapelling or snake-hunting if you want me to, as well.
      Or driving a jeep through S. America and blogging about it. Your pick!

      Yes to all, please.

  3. Don Diggler Don Diggler June 6, 2010

    You should get a ladybug tattoo on your ankle. Fucking rock n roll!

  4. Mike Wachs Mike Wachs June 23, 2010

    I am excited to be your friend and see what happens when you drink whiskey.

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