Oh - and in terms of piloting advice since you seem to be a good kid (i.e., one who recognizes the importance of advice) - here is what Murdoughnut tells every student pilot he meets...
1) 9 out of 10 general aviation accidents are caused by people flying into weather they shouldn't, or getting too slow on climb out and approach. Never do either and you reduce your chances of dying in an airplane by 90%.
2) Airplanes are like wild animals - not inherently dangerous, just deserving of respect. Always remember that they are more powerful than you - and in the rare instance that they're not, mother nature will pick up the slack.
3) There are a lot of idiots with pilot's licenses. Unfortunately most of them spend their time hanging around airports telling you what you should and shouldn't do in an airplane. Go with your gut first.
4) Read NTSB accident reports like the bible. The information in there is more valuable than you could ever imagine.
5) Although increasingly rare, there are those of us who have never flown an airplane over max gross. Don't feel like any less of a pilot when you look someone in the eye and tell them you won't do it.
Tis all for now. Good luck to you!