It feels great when you pick up a heavier weight and push yourself further. I was sat at 35KG dumbbell press, I'm now on 40kg and can squeeze 42.5-45's with a spotter.
After dislocating my shoulder and ending my rugby career I put on masses of fat, in 6 months I've got myself into a position where I'm happy with my body (well kind of).
I'm squatting 220, benching 90 and can curl 20's, and that's after only 3/4 months of real hard training.
You can ask people for advice as much as you like, but I find the best thing to do is say to yourself how you want to be. No 1 training regime will suit 2 people, we all have strengths and weakness' which you can only work to in your own manner.
I think we should start a photo thread so we can see each others progression... Sounds massively homosexual I know, but when other people comment on your results it gives you a massive boost and pushes you even harder!!!