Well Kristin, welcome to the wonderful world of quilting and socializing rolled into one on the QB (Quilting Board)! It's clearly already become an obsession for you if you find yourself thinking about it most of the time! It really is a good hobby to have. Which bay area are you near? I think there's a few around the world... I'm not too far from Niagara Falls in New York state. Many LQS (local quilt shops) near me! Better to increase my fabric stash!!! I hope you enjoy many hours/years of all things quilty here!