Here's my .02 cents. Look up some beater bikes off craigslist/ebay. Go to the LBS and ask them which one looks like the best deal and if they will give it a once over when you recieve it. This is not penelope just yet.
Go to a parking lot, take the pedals off and scoot around on the bike until you can glide without having to step down. Once you have the balance thing down you should have no problem adding the pedals and pedalling.
Ride around for a few weeks and get to know your beater. Meanwhile do some research on bike styles, culture, construction, gearing etc. I imagine at this point you will know what you want in Penelope. Find that bike, unload the beater, and buy the new one.
Good luck!