[Padre]

Hello again all, has been a while since I last wrote.
Received my Christmas present from the wife just the other day (mail service in Iraq is SOOOOOO behind..). Anyway, it's a Canon T-3. Like the camera and am learning the in's/out's of the system but one thing is bothering me.
I have been shooting regular film for ages (over 30 years) and loved it. I think I got pretty good at it and understood the different aspects of it pretty well (exposure/speed, etc).
Now I feel like I am starting all over again with the digital format. I have had a couple of point and shoot digital camera's over the years and thought I was pretty good with them, but now...I'm not too sure.
My pictures look like a rank amateur. I took some shots a party we had a few days ago...and was embarassed with the results. RANK AMATEUR SNAPSHOTS!!!!
I hate to send anything to the "snobby" forums because, from what I've read, they tear you up if the shots aren't "professional grade".
Have downloaded several books on exposure/lighting/etc and have restarted "learning digital".
Any suggestions from the forum??? I have (had?) a real passion for photography (if there was anything in life I could do full time, photography would be it).
Unfortunately, I am in a location which doesn't lend itself to the best subjects...and with only the kit lens, not much variety.
We do have some interesting angle shots of buildings, etc...so might start with them to remember the basics.
Sorry for the long posting, but just wanted some advice from the group.
Thanks....
Padre (in the big kitty litter box - IRAQ)