I would have to agree with moms mistake. I self taught myself to fly as well. The sim can teach you a lot more than people are giving it credit for. Take your trim out of wack a bit before take off, then practice adjusting in flight, Mess with wind speed, although it is constant in sim, and gusting in life.

I do suggest you find someone that is experienced to help tune the motor, or at least follow the directions to the letter, and run it in your drive way, testing all throttle conditions before you take off. Another person would also help check the plane for problems you might not be aware of. As for joining a club, do what you want to do. If you have an open field, use it, if you like having other people around telling you what to do, join a club.

As far as learning bad habits with sim, I know a lot of people who have learned bad habits with an instructor. Nexstar is very simple plane to fly, and if things go good, and you enjoy it, be prepared to wanting to buy another plane in a few months.

One last thing, you don't always have to land on the run way, especially if you are dead stick. As a wide open field is good place to start. Have fun and don't get too descouraged if you have a hard landing. I wish my wife would buy me a plane.. :P