Jacques,
You ARE a Ham Operator.? You are progressing along the same lines as thousands of other who began this journey in what little time they had in their daily busy lives and learned and experimented with other modes and radios into all the different directions and disciplines that our hobby/way of life contains.? You should commend yourself for having studied and passed that 1st exam.? Thats more than many people will accomplish.? Now you have your ticket yo learn.? Have fun with it.
Look at you,? already pushing the boundaries of what you know and your "comfort zone"? taking a chance to reach out to the community for info and assistance in an unfamiliar area.
Be patient (especially with yourself) and continue to learn and experiment.? You will find that it doesn't take much to make huge strides and accomplish your goals.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Bill, NB8M
Bill Erwin (NB8M)