Hoy Brian !
I am no longer that fresh/new. But if you take advise from strangers, let me tell you that according to your "preconditions" you might need to learn how to scream without being loud...
It is really helpfull to have some background in (linear) algebra, the term vector is not unknown and you can mentaly visualize what you want to do.
Biggest reported issue with beginners to houdini might be the procedural approach.
And finally, as Mike stated already read the docs and NEVER hesitate to ask. Try to explain to your agnostic self what you want to achieve and how. (Sometimes it even helps to get a coffee and start over again)
Robert Magee has written a
PDF [
www.sidefx.com] which is really usefull to get a picture.
HTH!