I've been playing for uh... 9 and a half months. No teacher and no friends that play guitar, but I manage. Hehehe once I realized I was reading the tab upside down, that is.
Just jamming with myself is great, I find more satisfaction in that then playing other artists' tunes. I can't play that much - just riffs from here and there and a few easy songs (Try "In Repair" by Our Lady Peace if you want an easy tune).
So yeah, like he said... just fool around a bit, get a feel for your axe and then think about lessons. Pick a teacher that goes at YOUR speed and teaches you the songs you love.
That's the only way.
*shrug*