well guys the fermentation has started! She is bubbling pretty good so I must have done a couple things right.
I went with a lawn-mower ale for the first batch, figured a simple pale ale would be a bit easier and arrive just in time for the start of yard work. I hope it has a little more flavor than the big brewers rice stuff like mentioned above. An Irish Red is next in line as soon as the primary clears.
Thanks again for all the suggestions