I've been trying to keep up with this and your other threads and I rarely, rarely say this, but I suggest you slow down just a bit. I can't believe I'm saying that because I have a similar nature in diving in with both fins. There is lots to learn. Just as a for instance, this post has so many things to unpack and many are whole subjects unto themselves. I'll just take one and it's off topic to the thread but on topic to the need to slow down and recognize that scuba diving benefits from a zen like approach.
When you say "This is another topic my buddy won’t stay next to me so I'm constantly turned around" I experienced that and I was wisely counseled that the pace is set by the slowest diver and I was trying to go too fast even when I felt like I was going as slow as I could. This turns out to be analogous to my entire approach to diving and as I overcome that, I become a better buddy and a better diver. My buddy is my wife so if I don't get a handle on that, I may lose her as an excited participant and that would be a shame since it has been a great boost to our marriage to share something that we both love and can both do.
I find your excitement contagious. Have fun but recognize that your tendency to push ahead quickly and do everything at once may have costs in many ways that aren't recognized until later. I tend to spend too soon, go too fast and wear out those around me that aren't as "motivated" as I am. In my case, one man's motivated is another man's intense or obsessed. My friends are nodding right now. It's great to see your level of interest. I can relate.
