Hi, Kase, welcome to Susan's,
I haven't done one of these canned greetings in a while, so I'll just add this bit to it. I think the fact that you're supported by your family and friends, your girlfriend are major items in your favor. It's very tough to go through the process without feeling supported and although internet forums are nice and the people tend to understand, there's nothing like home-cookin'.

Great for you!! Yah for your family. They must be super.
Now for the canned piece: (the information is useful though so try to heed it.)
Please take some time to read
The Site Rules and on
The Main Page you can discover Links, Chat and Wiki for your use as well. You might also want to go to the "Announcements" section and read the two posts "Post Ranks" and "Reputation Rules" to help you with some knowledge about when you can apply your own avatars, PM, and what those lil stars mean beneath all of our names and how to get them for yourself as well!!

It's great to have you here!

Enjoy your stay.
Nichole