I just started too - sort of. Had two lessons with two weeks of practice, then headed off to Louisiana for some fun playing war. I've been able to get some sort of practice in almost everyday, but it's definitely not focused practice at a table. It's tough trying to hear the notes when you are leaning on the hood of a humvee with a loud generator going behind you. At least no one complains when I miss the C hole after a grace note. My other option has been to sit cross legged and rest the PC on my knee. Can't really keep time this way, so now my timing is off. I guess the best I can hope for out here is some finger familiarity and an intro to gracenotes. Just sucks wasting 5 weeks when I don't have much time left in the states.