Welcome to GT and the forum. And guitar.
Your story evokes my own memories about delayed starts and long breaks but you have quickly found the key... consistant and constant practice. GT provides the structure and shows you the what and how.
Always have fun and you'll soon be crossing the Chesapeak Bay Bridge and taking that short trip to the PRS factory. 
john
"It takes a lot of devotion and work, or maybe I should say play, because if you love it, that's what it amounts to. I haven't found any shortcuts, and I've been looking for a long time."
-- Chet Atkins
-- Chet Atkins
