Its good to know you have both a background and friends to help you. Most people would be a lot better off if they had someone helping them when they got started.

Have you decieded what you are looking for in a bow? (I.E- Recurve v. Longbow, short v. long, T/D v. One Piece, Sight v. Instinctive,etc.)

As for weight-45# is comfortable for most people, and its plenty to get through any deer in N.A

Good luck and keep us updated!