My sister in law had a bike as a kid, but when I gave her a bike as an adult, she had sincere questions. I happily explained the answers and she was appreciative. There are things that lifelong riders do that seem automatic, and maybe we take it for granted.
[MENTION=434168]katytron[/MENTION] - you are on the right track. I have a mantra about motivation - motivation is a fickle friend: it comes and goes. So, if you wait for "motivation" you may never get it done. You've got to decide that you are going to do something then do it. Just like with your lifting - you didn't get where you are without commitment, consistency and practice. You totally have it in you to do this. Did the bike shop help you set the saddle to a good height, adjust things to your liking? Don't practice hills as a beginner - they can be challenging and there are some techniques.

Please post back and say how it's going.