Nice story, probably make a good movie some day

Follow aeropal's suggestion and get a simulator!!!! Preferably one that comes with it's own radio (like Real Flight G2 -- http://www.realflight.com/) ... much cheaper than buying a full radio required for most of the sims.

Consider carefully what you want from the hobby, how far you want to take it AND how much money you're willing to spend. Learn to fly using the sim and then decide what type of R/C plane (or heli ) you want to START with. Choose a radio, NOT based on what you'll be doing NOW, but in a couple of years (depending on budget). You'll be tempted to start out with smaller equipment, but believe me when I tell you that you will outgrow it QUICKLY.

Oh, btw, don't wait another second, just go and DO IT!!!!

--Hammer

P.S. Don't forget to thank your WIFE!