Pretty things

What is it about pretty things?  I always feel like I'm going to ruin them so I don't use them.  Do you use your fancy China, or do you fear you will chip a piece?  I have these beautiful journals that were given to me as gifts, yet I somehow feel like I'll ruin them with my poor penmanship or the crappy feeling that might find it's way onto the page.  I think I'll take a journal on my next trip to California.  Maybe It will help me to start writing... here we go!