Quick Introduction

Hi Everyone,
Just joined the GR group and wanted to introduce myself. My name's Tracy and I'm just starting to learn Drupal. I've been using Wordpress for the past few years and I've got to say... Drupal is VERY different. I have a couple of questions for you guys:

1. I'm wondering when the next local meeting is and if the content discussed would be WAY over my head. I've picked up a book to learn from but it's been a real slow process.

2. I'm using Drupal 7 to play around in but I'm going to have to start designing my company's website soon. Should I use Drupal 7 for that? Or start with the less-buggy Drupal 6 and upgrade later?

3. Is anyone here going to the Drupal conference in Chicago? Have they gone in the past? Just wondering if it would be benefitical for me to go.

Sorry for the intense number of questions. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point so any input would be great!

Thanks!