A friend of mine sent me a bass guitar a couple of weeks ago - I came home one night, and there was a 6 foot box on my front doorstep (I thought it might have been the mail order Russian Bride I ordered in 1993, but alas it was not). It was a Fender Squire (low cost bass I believe). (don't ask why he sent it, it's a bit of a long story)
Anyway, took my first lesson last week and going back this upcoming week. I also have been on youtube looking at bass guitar riffs for beginners, and following the tabs.
I strongly suggest doing this, CF. I have been able to pick up a few "famous" riffs for bass (Another One Bites the Dust, Seven Nation Army, etc) fairly quickly. Still have to learn the rest of the songs but working towards it.
I think you will enjoy it.
Tying this back into the theme of this thread - our majors (for the most part) are the first step towards defining who end up being as adults - and in my observations, educated professionals (especially men), tend to let their jobs and professions define who they are. From the perspective of someone who majored in the sciences/engineering, having musical outlet, or writing or painting for (attempts) at creativity are a great balance to that defined role.