Beginner

Went on a road trip to North Carolina and a friend introduced me to cross stitching. I was quick to dismiss it... "That's so girly." Continuing on the trip, I saw a 2 dollar cross stitching activity in a Cracker Barrel... this is where the addiction began. I feel like I'm a rare breed to be interested in cross stitching for the following reasons: 1) I'm a guy 2) I'm 15. Right now I'm working on some Christina Aguilera-related things. I haven't ever used a pattern, I sort of plan it out as I go. I only know a basic stitch... Like the title says, beginner. Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated!