Except the ride up to altitude.

I too, have had the aviation bug for years. I even worked as an A&P (airframe and powerplant mechanic) apprentice for about a year after graduating high school, as well as logged a bit of stick time with a CFI (certified flight instructor). Though I was out of aviation for about 5 years and had enlisted in the Army as a computer tech, I'm working my way back in to the aviation field 'cause I miss it so much by taking an A&P class through Embry Riddle Worldwide while I was overseas. A couple of health issues are holding me back from working towards my ticket (as well as other things).

I say that if you want it and can do it, go for at least a private ticket. Even if you don't use it for a while, it doesn't technically expire (the medical does though), and all that is needed to regain your flying privilege is to regain your currency. If my memory serves me correctly, all it takes to regain currency is 3 take offs and 3 landings in an aircraft that you have been checked off in. IE, if you trained in a Cessna 172, flew a Cessna 172 for a year, then took a 4 year break from flying you could get your medical, make 3 take offs and 3 landings, and you'd be legal to fly again. It may not be the smartest thing to do, you might want a couple of hours of dual instruction to regain familiarity after that long before getting your currency back. Don't quote me, as I'm no expert, that's just how I remember reading/hearing the requirements.

Anyway, aviation is a lifelong love. I learned this from my mother's late stepfather, who was a retired Air Force Major who flew F-86 Sabre's and B-47's, heck, he was even a Thunderbird before retiring and moving on to an airline career, followed by an FAA career. He's the one who instilled the love of aviation in me.

Happy flying, no matter what type of flying it is.