Yea, most folks don't understand how personal biking can get until they start biking.

I remember one day after a group ride, someone's bike was propped against a car and the car turned on. It had remote start so it turns on with a button on a key-fob, but everyone did not know that, so we all rushed to save the bike, even though there was someone standing right behind the car too.

Treat the bike well and it will treat you well. I would suggest learning basic mechanical stuff about your bike just to know - knowledge can always come in handy.

Have fun.

By the way, did you flip your stem yourself, or did the shop have it like that?