I've been praying and meditating over this for the past week. I came to my decision yesterday, but today still wasn't sure I'd go through with it. But I did.
As some of you know, I went overboard on bass guitar, quickly adding three to my collection, and an amp to go with them. I've had a lot of fun with them.
But over the weeks since I started, I've come to the realization that bass guitar isn't just two less strings and a couple of octaves lower, it's a completely different instrument. And I've stretched myself too thin.
For about half a year now, I've been taking weekly guitar lessons, and even though at times I feel I'm not where I want to be, I also understand that I have to go back to the basics before I can improve to the point I want to.
Trying to work a full-time job as well as a part-time job, and practice two instruments is beyond my capabilities and time constraints. In addition, I'm having to increase my physical activity because my new doctor thinks my cholesterol and blood sugar levels are too high. That last one troubles me, as I'm far from overweight, don't drink sugared drinks, avoid fried foods, and feel I'm generally healthy. I digress.
This morning I met with the band leader and told him I had decided to not pursue joining the band.
At first, he tried to persuade me to reconsider, but I held firm. Guys, this was extremely hard, as the opportunity to join a band as a "green" bassist doesn't come along very often, I'm sure you'll agree.
We left the door open for me to change my mind, and I appreciate his willingness to accept me. But we all know doors don't stay open forever.