Great post. I think I'm at about the 3 month point into the same rapid ascention into R/C as Shakes.
My first plane was a Parkzone Typhoon (I know, not exactly a trainer) At least I learned how to repair foam well.
Bought Realflite simulator & put in what seems like hundreds of hours practicing.
Then I bought a Nexstar, (just solo'd sunday)
bought a GP flatout (Flatana) & struggled to build it right.
bought a Tensor flat bipe & had fun building it. Flew the snot out of it until crashing bad on a much too windy day for it. (trying to resurect the flatana)
I just finished building & am now covering a Sig Somethin Extra kit.

I am however running out of creative way's to get $ out of the wife. I'm using all of my lunch money for parts on my Sig now (I'm hungry after skipping lunch again today) . My poker budget & golf budget have been completely diverted to R/C. I absolutely love this hobby & feel like a kid again. (I'm 32)

BTW, RCU has been a huge help to me!! great site

** Edit
BTW, prior to buying my Nexstar I also joined a local club & worked with an instructor. It's a lot more fun than flying by myself in a field.