Bear, check your PM's.
As an addition, vulcanpilot's early experience sounds v. similar to my own now. Have to disagree with Whirly's comments about the 6K though. Even if you blew that amount and couldn't afford it afterwards, it'd still be the most enjoyable 6 grand you could've blown.
But given you're a fairly successful businessman in your forties, you can afford it.
Can't say I'm successful at my age but I still manage it somehow!