You know what? When I started (beyond when I was young), I had a steel frame mtn bike. I had NO expectations. I didn't know what was good and what was bad. I'd go on roads then duck off and go through orange groves. I didn't compare anything to anything beyond what I liked or didn't like.

Find yourself. You read roadies talking road stuff and mtn bike people and tri people and whatever...you have no idea what is fun to you! Speed isn't everything nor is distance. Where do you want to ride? What would make it fun for you?

I ended up putting "city" tires on my mtn bike. I did centuries on that beast until I decided it was time to get a road bike. To be honest, and as beautiful as my road bike is, I'm not sure I was happier back then. I like road, I like distance. I don't like speed and I do like to be able to switch from dirt to road. I think I need more than one bike

Please don't be discouraged. It'll happen...just don't expect too much before you're ready to know what you want. And even then, just go with what makes you happy.