Struggling with D7K, please help

I'm here learning right with you. I have found that the book, Digital Photographer's Handbook by Tom Ang is excellent. I even refer to the D7000 for dummies book, sometimes.

I bought my D7000 w/ 18-200mm package last month. I also bought the 50mm 1.4g lens & Hoya HMC Circular Polarizers. The camera came with the following firmware:

A: 1.02

B:1.03

L:1.006

I tried Aperture 3.0 but had cropping issues so Apple refunded my money. I do however really like Adobe Lightroom 4.

Now, if I can only get out there this weekend and take some decent shots!!!

Good Luck & have fun,

David