Answer:
   
   Coming from a background of nothing, the best thing you can do first
   is to find someone who is already observant with whom you are
   comfortable and discuss the issues involved.
   
   Join a directed study group designed for "Baalei Tshuva". It is
   impossible to be a practicing Jew (of any type) without the knowledge
   of what you are practicing. There are groups within many communities
   which are set up to do this. Examples include Chabad Lubavitch, Aish
   Hatorah seminars, and NCSY youth groups. Non-Orthodox Jews also do
   outreach, but in common parlance, baal teshuvah refers to someone who
   adopts Orthodox Judaism.
   
   The best advice is often to go slowly, decide what you are going to
   do, and don't let difficulties with particular levels of observance
   cause you to drop the whole matter. Find a sympathetic rabbi who will
   help and advise you. Avoid the "All or Nothing" syndrome.
   
   Most of all remember that you are not alone. If you scan the list of
   mailing lists in [5]Section 20.3, you'll even discover there are
   numerous Baal Teshuva electronic mailing lists (there is at least one
   on Shamash).