I'm a couple of months shy of my first year myself but I'm having fun!
I got lucky because even before my equipment arrived I'd been told about the forums on the web -
major help just lurking and even better if you suck it up and ask your 'stupid' question.
I've had one class so far and another one coming up first week of June. You just soak up so much in a good class.
Neil I also think the power tools have one big advantage for a complete newby. Hand push or Hammer & Chisel you have to spend some time learning how to cut a line and then when you're working (at first) you have to pay attention to your technique. With a powered graver you spend 10 seconds learning how to hold it and then
viola! you're cutting a line. After that you have learn what to
do with that line, but it lets you concentrate on that rather than just in getting a line.