[techie610]

Everyone starts somewhere.
My start was on the side of a back road in the dead of night. Not too cool.
I know exactly what you mean by easing your mind. Scoots started as a learning toy, then a hobby, and now its a passion... and work.. -_-

Have you gotten it to stay running yet?
Something to try, when it starts to die off, give it a shot of Ether.
If it helps it a little, check your vacuum lines and intake fold.

But, lash the valves first..