talkmagic.co.uk

I'm amazed how many times a month this question comes up when there is a STICKY POST here >> http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic11429.php that answers all your questions and more. It will even give you a reasonable time frame as to what you can expect to unfold, when and how based on your STUDY habits (vs. just reading and skimming over the material and cherry picking).

Welcome to the club!

I second the recommendation of picking up some general magic books - Royal Road, Expert Card Technique, that sort of thing. It will definitely come in handy.