Yep, I picked up the same model radio as you off ebay for right around a $100. Get a magnetic base antenna, and a cookie sheet, and you are good to go at home. With as much work as it takes to clean a gun, you can move the rig to your car and be operational. Waiting for an emergency situation to use a ham radio for emcomm is also fool hardy. Those who fall in that category, ask yourself, do you know what ctcc/pl tones are, offsets for repeaters are, and what frequency would you call on? The vast majority of people on here dont, unless they are involved in communications already, its all easy stuff to learn, but if you dont use it once in a while, you'll forget, nevermind when you are franticly trying to reach help.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Those looking for help to get their license need only ask for help. I'll gladly throw myself in to help people study and get their license.