Exit Comfort Zone? Check!

Cafe Marc Aurel home of the local 'Open Mic'

Last night I checked off one of my New Year's Resolutions which is to play at an open mic night once a month. I haven't played guitar in public since I moved here and I recently started missing it. I also noticed that because I don't have a reason to play, I don't. I haven't written many songs and I hardly ever play at all. I decided I needed motivation. I found a cute little bistro/wine bar that has open mic night three times a month. I am going to play at least one of those each month and get myself back into playing the guitar.
My biggest fear and the reason it has taken me over three years to clear this hurdle is that I wouldn't like playing without Erin and Alisha. No we weren't the Dixie Chicks, but Blithe had its day in the sun and I LOVED it. I loved playing with those girls, I may even to so far as to say that it was the most fun thing I have done (aside from wife and mother). I was afraid it wouldn't be fun alone. And I was convince I would be terrible without them. Anyone who saw or heard us play can testify that it was the harmonies that made us special. Without that? I wasn't sure.
Last night I played three songs. The first went hooooorrrrribllly. I couldn't remember the words (it was Sarah Harmer's 'Hideout') and just kept singing the same verse over and over then the chorus. I played all the wrong chords and well, yikes. I don't think it really mattered, though, because no one could hear me. The mic wasn't really great and I didn't sit too close.
Next I played Chris' tune 'Wet Windows'. That went much better. I had only planned on (and thus practiced) playing one song so the first two were surprises to me that I haven't played in years. Really, YEARS.
Last I played a new song, 'Lines' that i wrote. This one I felt good about. I still don't think I was loud enough. The sound guy kept turning up the volume then there would be feedback. I didn't care, though, at least I remembered the words and didn't screw up the chords too badly. It was fun to play that song.
All in all I can say I had a good time. It was fun to hear everyone else play, too. I wish I could have stayed for the whole thing but with a baby that wakes up at 5 am, I best be in bed by 9:30 or else!
I have decided there will be a next time but I will practice more before hand. "be ye prepared and ye shall not fear" or something like that.