I am horrible about keeping my camera in it's bag, well, it will be in it's bag but the bag is open and camera can be grabbed in 2 sec flat. I also just stink at keeping my lens cap on. Good intentions but I am forgetful and impulsive.
Find a safe place for your camera bag that is accessible and go for it. Just shoot, shoot, shoot. I have had mine for 4 years and I just looked in LR. I took 860 pics in 2005, 760 in 2006, 1700 in 2007 and a whopping 7200 in 2008! You will get more comfortable in no time and be a regular shutterbug!
Enjoy!!