Better Learning 1-5 is the best place to start. It will be painful for about a week, but once you have all those out of the way, the road to Mining 1-4 and the animal skills is much shorter. =)
Welcome back! What about sending mail to your friendslist or keeping an eye out for them online? Your f'list would have been retained after the reset. I'm sure you'll find some of your old gang...and there are some amazing folks who have joined since launch, too! :)
Welcome back.^~^'
I'd definately start with all the better learnings. You seriously gotta start better learning as soon as possible. Otherwise, damn, how I regret not finishing with all better learnings first!>.<'