[alanmcorcoran]

I think I posted about this somewhere else, but basically, I generally agree with the naysayers (that it is dangerous, and I probably will eventually kill myself or get seriously injured) but I'm bored, it's fun and my best years are behind me anyway. I think people mean well, but it's hard for them to understand that some of us want to take risks and experience more of what life has to offer, knowing that sooner or later, it's gonna be over regardless of how cautious you approach it.

I think burkbuilds wife has the right idea - make sure your dependents and medical bills are taken care of and have fun.

It appears you are overly cautious anyway, but it is smart to take things slowly and build good habits as you are starting out. You'll feel much less nervous as time goes on, but you want to retain some healthy vigilance and respect for the risks and dangers. If you make it through your first year unscathed, which you probably will, your friends and family will be less uptight about it.