Having a large vocabulary

Some people stare at me in bewilderment when I ask them something or relate something to them. I am usually at a loss for their lack of response for twelve nano-seconds until I realize I might have used a word or three that they did not know and were too embarrassed to ask.
If I do not know a word that is being used I do one of two things. I try to ascertain its meaning by the context of the sentence and if that fails, I ask. Someone once told me that big words are for small minds. While I do not necessarily believe that opinion, it does make me think.
Recently I was asked to write an important letter to an agency and I complied. Details are unimportant. What was interesting was the feedback. "Why did you use this word? What does this sentence mean?"
I know when writing or talking, you should try to cater to all of the segments of the populace but when I write or speak, I don't use words premeditated, they just flow on the paper or egress through my mouth.
Perhaps if people read more, did more crossword puzzles or if they came across a word they did not know, they would utilize the human language.
Maybe I am using my copious vocabulary now?

Trying to Learn Something New

Have you ever engaged in something so totally outside your realm that you questioned your competence? If so, enter my world.
I am going to ATTEMPT to learn computer programming, Visual Basic, by myself. It is a daunting task. All I have is the CD and a book. This ought to be really interesting.
In order to learn more about my strengths and weakness, I like to challenge myself. That is one of the reasons I created this, and my other blog. To see if I could do it. If you are computer savvy, it may seem like a simple task to go online, do some research and create one. That is what I did but I was in unfamiliar terrain.
Computer programming is for people that have logic, something I do not possess much of. I possess creativity and I am hoping that will help me through.
Learning a different language will take me a great deal of time because I have other endeavors that need to be taken care of too.
Does anyone know of a really easy step by step process besides VB for dummies? If so, please let me know!