HAM Radio- Okay ELMER where is the easy button on these radios?

[.40isthenew.45]

I want to think I am not the only one who wants HAM radio to be easy. I am not "one of those guys" who just goes out and buys the radio and to heck with getting licensed. About two and a half years ago, I downloaded the test questions for the Technician test. I studied them well enough to pass the test and got my license.

Then I bought a cheap handheld, dowloaded CHIRP and "programmed" the local repeaters. And....... I have talked to exactly one person, one time since then.

I know there are guys who really get into the theory, and complexities, but that's just not me. I want to be able to talk to other people, practice enough that I don't loose the skill, and be able to talk/help if the need arises, i.e. Fire/blizzard/search and rescue I might even consider joining the local ARES or RACES groups

In hopes that it was just the handheld making it not as much fun/not as useful as I though it would be, I asked Mrs. Clause for a mobile radio this year. She didn't read the whole list and I got the radio with no antenna or programming cable. As I started looking for an antenna, the frustration level crept back up.

DOES IT REALLY HAVE TO BE THIS HARD?

Shouldn't there be a checklist somewhere that says if you have radio A, use antenna B. And oh by the way, here is the contact number for you local club, that speaks english not radio, and will help you get set up without judging you or the equipment you bought?

We help guys with hi-points learn to shoot, before we counsel them about what to buy next time don't we?

Okay for those of you still reading thanks for your patience.
What I need help with specifically is selecting an antenna, preferably magnetic mount to go on my van and work with the Btech UV-25x4 I got for Christmas. I would also welcome suggestions on repeaters/setup if you have any.

Thanks in advance.