....a working tripod (or the platform to attach the camera to it so I can use it), a 32" 80CM 5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Disc Light Reflector (Silver, Gold, Black, White & Translucent) ans a shutter remote. This excites me as a newbie, and I hope you can share in my joy 
More importantly though, any tips to help me out any of the above that might help me speed up the learning process?

More importantly though, any tips to help me out any of the above that might help me speed up the learning process?