Sounds like the girlfriend in this case is the logical one. You can't fly the airplane you have, and you want to buy another one that is just as difficult. Not logical.
Invest the dough in learning, even if it means driving a ways to meet with an instructor. I love this hobby, but it is not an instant gratification activity. Invest the time and effort to learn, and you will be able to buy any airplane you want to and fly it safely.