First time changing guitar strings- should I go for it?

Yeah.

It did have them in the nut, but not in the saddle. *smiles with relief*

how have you managed to play guitar for five years without changing your own strings? I'm genuinely curious. :shock:

Of the three "teachers" I have had, the only two who have led me to a string change have been more willing to do it themselves than see me muck it up. :P