Good for YOU, Jennifer! It's often a better idea to stay on the safe side and give yourself time to become more skillful. There are so many drivers out there who are talking on their cell phones or not paying attention. Probably falling into their path is not the best way to practice clipping out.
I want to stay alive long enough to get really skilled on my bike.

I like to think of it this way as well: I can use lots more practice stopping, hopping off and back on my saddle, and getting pedalling again- it's way good practice for me. Besides, I feel so proud of my beautiful new bike, when I walk it across a big intersection at the red light it almost feels like I'm leading a prancing thoroughbred horse across the road for everyone to wistfully admire!