Get a membership for TER, read this board, the regional board for your area and glance at the national board once in a while. I would suggest reading for at least a couple weeks to a month. Check out the reviews of the ladies that post to your local board. Unless you prefer MPs these are probably your best bet for first time experiences. Ask questions if you have them, but don't be too thin skinned, some of the posters can be a bit harsh. Relax and enjoy.

I found this website pretty useful when I started looking at getting into the hobby.