I got my Private in 03, I started a couple weeks before my mom died in 02 (which they say NOT to do- stressful time and all), and I found it to be a fantastic way to drain the excess cash out of your bank account, not to mention it was an outlet for me. My daughter grew up out at the airfield, from age 18 months to about three years old, and she loved it! I stopped flying almost three years ago, due to budget restraints. I simply can't afford to play bass AND fly. Interestingly enough, my last instructor (I had about 10 of them!) was from Hyderabad, India. Nobody would fly with him because they couldn't understand his accent- except me. So I had him for the last 6 hours- like having your own personal CFI at your beck and call! We got along great in the cockpit, and I believe he now flies for Air India on the Mumbai-Madagascar run.
If you want some inspiration, one of the guys here on TB has a mailing list going for propheads- PM "bmc" for details. There are a few of us here that are on it, and he has some really great stuff!
For a flying website, I'd recommend StudentPilot.com, that's where I hung out a lot during my training. Perhaps someone there can help you find a suitable school near where you are. Flying is one of my passions, has been since I was a little kid. Good luck in your endeavors, it is expensive, though...I think I spent $5400 getting my private ticket.
The last flight I made was actually to deliver a bass amp to another TBer over in Austin! That was a trip!
