Oh my goodness, thank you so much Lavigne, Catrin, jelee1311, rubysoho, Bethany1, tbl35, and Bike Writer for your replies!!!

I told my partner about you lovely ladies, and I'm so happy I have extra support from you all!

I've now been on the trainer a couple of times, and have sorted out shifting (phew!) and have convinced myself that these brakes work even though I don't feel them gripping as-tight-as-death.

I've got the 1/2-1/2 pedals with SPDs on one side and flat on the other, so I'll try them out flat, with my lowered saddle.

And I've convinced the boyfriend that our next ride out will be a tour de parking lot. He's happy, I'm happy, it's all good.

Can't wait to update you all on my success and FUN!