getting started takes alot of planning. get a ride or drive up to that club or contact someone in it. and ask any questions you can think of they will help you alot. and an instructor is a must have they will set you up with someone younger you can relate to and not feel like its a class at school. my first plane was a full build and I learned alot by building it myself and that made repairs after crashes easer. also figure how often are you going to fly, don't go and spend alot on new equipment if you don't plan on flying but every so often. I started cheep and worked up as I got better at the basics. If I was you I would get a almost ready to fly (arf) combo so you have everything you need minus field gear. that way you know it will all fit just right and save a few bucks too. tower hobbys has some great starter combos. with all you have going on it may be hard to do a full build an arf or rtf will help you get in the air sooner. and a bad day flying, is better than a good day at school,
Jeremy

take your tx to camp with you and practice manuvers in your head.