Laramie,
Welcome to the board! You will like it here, and there are lots of places you can post and ask advice, if you need help.
I know what you mean about the gym, it is intimidating. I started at the gym about 4 yrs ago and kept it up. It was really hard at first but trust me, nobody is looking down at you for being there. Most of the people at a gym are just there to do the same thing as you. They probably don't focus on everyone else as much as you'd think. Give it a try again when you're ready. I have a home gym now because the gym was pretty far away. If you don't feel up to the gym yet, why don't you think about trying an exercise tape... that would get you started out!
Keep reading and posting and you'll grab on in no time.
~ Angie