Irish Guy
Some advice for you.
1. Get your medical early. Everyone says it. I ignored it. My personal circumstances changed within a week of getting my very delayed medicial. I was ready for solo for several hours but delayed my medical because I was worried about failing. I passed and have only flow 2 hours in 2 years.
2. Spend your money on flying. Don't waste money on gadgets or expensive books. I spent £1000 on a Garmin 496 in 2007. I had the money at the time, but I regret spending that much rather than flying. I can lend you some books/video's if you promise to send them back!
3. I don't know you location, but consider Weston. I have done 29 of my 31 hours there. Great airport. I had a great instructor (PM me for details). There is a nice mix of GA and coporate traffic. I even had a "caution wake turblance" call from ATC on a couple of occassion. Weston allows good practice of RT. Can be quite daunting contacting Dublin on 129.175mhz. I managed to screw it up a couple of times.
4. Listen to podcasts during your spare time. Best for me are
uncontrolledairspace and
airspeed. Both these podcasts and many others provide me inspiration and dreams.
Me - I have managed a total of 31 hours in 10 years. 29hrs were at Weston. I am going for one of the longest PPL's ever. Circumstances will soon allow me to complete my PPL next year. I have started revision for my gorund school exams. Still have not selected a school. I will either head back to Ireland for 2-3 weeks or select a school in the north east of england.
Wish you good luck.