Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, ladies!
I am using the Look Keo 2 Max pedals - have heard good things about the double sided platforms though! I am experiencing some fumbling sometimes clicking in with the second foot. Sometimes I hit it just right, other times I need to feel around while pedaling with the other foot. The double sided ones seem like the way to go, as you get around that obstacle
The boyfriend has Look Keos and loves them. I have Shimano SPDs (the double-sided kind), having been using them for nearly 2 years, and still occasionally have difficulties finding that "spot".