The pattern suggestion is a good one. I have an Osirius and a Miss Winds 50. Both are easy to fly and very predictable. The Osirius is lighter the the MW and as a result doesn't feel as precise on a breezy day. I think something with a bit higher wing loading and speed would be a better step to a jet.
One good thing about pattern flying, as Jack D suggested early in this thread, is the discipline to fly the circuit, not to just go and punch holes in the sky. If you work on planning a bit of a routine or stick to a set circuit it will help you be ahead of the model, and not just flying around with it. The latter likely won't bite you with a pattern plane, but it can quickly cause a problem with a faster, heavier jet.
Ali put together a couple very informative DVDs (available from Traplet) that I have found to be full of tips and experience that really focuses on the mental side of preparation and flying. It's a great resource.