Welcome to the forum
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Well, this is fun, Ben E Lou! I want you to grow that enthusiasm into expertise that will be just as inspiring to you and those around you as your 2018 "sprint."
When I first started taking gardening seriously, I was also trying to "live in the moment." That was okay, after all, I hadn't experienced very many moments
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Several years later, I set a notebook beside the bed and began a gardening journal. It wasn't a daily thing. I just recorded a few dates and what worked and didn't work. Another few years passed and I shoved that notebook in a drawer - you might be surprised how many, many times that I referred back to those notes! ... probably living more in the moment now but ~
timing ~ is really important in life and gardens are all about life, plant life. And, it is a joy to have your health and family life fit in more naturally in life around us.
About those cheap seeds -- there is a reason why they are cheap and easily available. The varieties probably do well over quite a bit of geography, their names are recognizable to many people, and the seed was easy and cheaply grown.
Those qualities don't necessarily translate into what is best for you and your garden, although maybe. One of the fun things about gardening is exploring the varieties and choices you can make. You can carry that right into the kitchen and set it down on the dinner table!
The big box stores are not necessarily the best places for selections, nor are garden centers ... necessarily. Local can be great and you are to be commended for attending the extension classes. Check out those garden centers; chat a little with the people there.
Those places can be a little frustrating too but ... Here's an example of what I mean: I once wanted/needed bell pepper seed. The garden center had seed from 5 different companies - EVERY packet was California Wonder! I'D TRIED ... uh, I'd tried Cal Wonder before and it didn't do well. Well, that garden center is doing better and I didn't have to yell at them.
Mistakes take 12 months to correct, in a garden. Be patient with yourself. Be creative, even if it is just a little tinkering around the edges. Stuffed bell peppers? You know, a very tasty casserole can be made with delicious Italian long, sweet peppers diced up and included with every ingredient you would want in a stuffed bell! But, don't let 'em back you into a corner. There are lots of bell pepper varieties! Best of Luck.
Steve
Like you, some things do well.. some not so well.
Several hundred yellow squash. 
Plan on having any? Zoned against them?
