don't be afraid of a manual transmission. once you get the basic idea of clutch/shift/gas/release...it'll be a breeze. After 5 years of driving manual - to me its like breathing, I don't even think about it, just do it.

About practice...ask your parents if they know anyone with a manual that would be willing to help you practice. I've taught 3 of my friends how to drive a manual - at first they didn't like it because they couldn't get it. But, after I pushed them to keep trying they turned around and bought M/T-equipped cars

Oh and girls find guys who drive manual sexier (according to a girlfriend of mine)