I feel ya! I just started riding again in April after about 8 years off the bike... and previously living in largely flat areas. Now I have a 10% grade to get out of my street, what a warmup.

This morning I went for a 22 mile ride (longest in who knows how long) and climbed the freaking Alpe d'Huez! My lying computer says it's only a 6% grade but I know better...

Fortunately, once I got to the top about 80 cyclists from a local club came around the corner and passed me like I was standing still. SO I got that little ego boost too.

Keep at it and treat your self to a nice bike when you hit some milestone you consider significant...