Thanks MarkLange55, I was just told the same thing by another person who saw my rod and gave me a few pointers...he said a graphite rod would be much better for a beginner, not that I couldn't learn with the Heddon, but that it would just be easier. I did go to the Cabela's site and I did find a 4pc 9' 8-9 wt, and it should be in transit now.
Now I am thinking about signing up for some lessons when it comes in.