If someone told me about a year ago that I would get on a mechanical bull one day, I’d tell them they were out of their mind. I’d say, “Me? Me? Get on a mechanical bull? In front of people? Me? Me?”

Fast forward to this past Wednesday, at the fall fest. I watched with my friends as people repeatedly fell off the mechanical bull. It looked like fun, and I kind of wanted to try it, but I was too freaked out by being in the spotlight. Stage fright is something I’ve had my whole life, and only since I started college have I actually been trying to break out of my shyness.

So with just a little bit of encouragement from friends I found myself walking towards the table where I was to sign a waiver that stated that in case I died, QC wouldn’t be held responsible. Okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating, but the idea is the same.

I was given a blue paper wristband type of thing and my hands were already shaking as I put it on myself and took off my shoes.

It really baffles me as to why my entire body reacts to being in the spotlight. My heart starts beating, my hands shake, the blood rushes to my face. My voice shakes. Sometimes I even start laughing hysterically, but it’s nervous laughter. I have to wonder if this is normal, or if I need medication of some kind. I need a psychologist to analyze me or something.

Anyways, I got on line to get on the bull and once it was my turn I just didn’t care anymore. I promised myself I would be less shy and so I decided to just go for it.

So I got on the bull (without any difficulty, thankfully) and held onto the holder thing.

I didn’t even last 3 seconds.

The first time I got on was a blur, but the second time- yes, the second time- I got on was clearer. My friend made a video of the second time and I thought I put up a good fight until I saw the video.

Um, yeah. Not very impressive. What’s embarrassing is that I fell off after the bull stopped moving. Sad. Very, very sad. Not to mention pathetic.

I don’t mind sharing the video, honestly. Feast your eyes on the pathetic-ness HERE.

I’m calling it bull sliding because that is, technically, what I did.

To me it’s a big deal that I actually got on the thing. If that isn’t a sign of breaking out of a shy exterior, I don’t know what is.