[jbpetersen]

I'm trying to get an online community together over the next few months for some of the same stuff. More generally for learning through collaborative experimentation. My email's in my profile if you're interested.

You might try setting up a simple blog and chatroom combo specifically for what you're learning and trying to get a few others to join in on some parts for the mutual support. Half your list is stuff I'd love to join in on if the timing worked out and I doubt I'm the only one if you do decide to get small groups together for at least some parts of your adventures.

Worth mentioning is also the typical advice of teaching others being one of the most effective learning methods.