SFG,
Thanks for a very candid reply. I could hear from your RT that you were having a hard time and I think that London Centre handled your situation excellently as you did as well for a relatively in-experienced pilot.
The decision to call on 121.5 is a very difficult one at times and, as an ex SAR pilot, one that is often not called enough. It is far better to get help early than to let a potentially dangerous situation develop where assistance is made far more difficult. All to often I have been out to scenes that could have been prevented by early RT and assistance from LC.
The really good news about the whole incident is that you have learnt from the experience and decided to continue your training to avoid it in the future.
Safe flying and I hope the pax wasn't tooooo freaked out ;-)
W2P