I danced with the devil. . .sort of

Well I did it - I held a tarantula. And I survived, but you figured that one out. I wouldn't be writing this and you wouldn't be reading if I'd died from fright.

I took my kids to the local library for a reading program about bugs. The presenter had a few live bugs for the kids to see and even hold - one of which was a tarantula.

Now, I'm not fond of spiders and everybody knows it, but I decided to do something adventurous and hold the tarantula. When the lady asked "Who wants to hold the spider?" I said "I do!"

My kids were shocked. They were certain that Mom was going to spaz out, but I am proud to report that I did it. She set the tarantula in my hands and the critter started to shimmy up my hand a bit toward my arm and I didn't throw it across the room.

My mother even took a picture of me holding the thing - although it sort of looks like I'm smiling. That is actually a grimace.

I am proud of myself - because I have discovered that I am more adventurous as I get older. Ten years ago I would have never even considered doing such a thing.

The best part is that I proved to myself that I could step out of my comfort zone and survive.

Facing my fear: Arachnophobia

I don't like spiders. I talk in depth about my arachnophobia in an article I wrote here.

I have tried hard to relax my stance on spiders. I try not to spaz out every time one gets near me. It doesn't always work.

In fact, as part of my rehabilitation I have allowed a spider to reside in our house. This is one of those furry black (and harmless) spiders who hangs out on the ceiling. He crawls from room to room in our house on the ceiling. We've named him Larry.

But I digress. This week there is going to be a reading program for the kids at our local library and there is going to be a tarantula on display. Anyone who wants to will be able to hold the darn thing (obviously there are nutcases out there who would like to do such a stupid thing).

I've found myself toying with the idea of holding the sucker in an attempt to overcome my arachnophobia.

So, friends and readers, what do you think? Should I do it?