Binocs and freeware is a great place to start. Aim to learn the main constellations and names of the brightest stars. Cruise some clusters, find a comet if you can. Every astronomer should have access to a pair of decent binocs, before you need worry about which scope to buy.
Read up all you can here to see what interests you.
Try to get meet up with some other IIS'ers - have a look at the Forum area for "Stars Parties, Club and Community Events" to see if you can find something within driving distance. Most new moon is there is someone hosting something.....
Great place to check out gear, ask questions, learn what there is to see and do....
And Welcome too Infintessimal