Actually, Jeffro, I bought a handheld Baofeng 2-meter ham radio for $36, new and I'm taking ham lessons online. The whole course is $26. Hell, you bounce off a repeater and you can talk to astronauts, or Mee Fuk U in Taiwan. :p
Ever think of taking up a hobby like Ham radio? Morse code is no longer a requirement for any class license. I think you need a hobby. Just sayin'.:rolleyes: