yeah watch out for those dropping nuts, they can really hurt when they hit you in the head! Well seroiussly one thing I was taught is that when you drop something stop everything and find what you dropped right away. This is really important if you are working outside, as whatever you dropped seems to get harder to find the longer it sits there.
I know that you are not supposed to work on your car at most auto part stores but everytime I go to the local autozone there are people there sometimes doing brake jobs and other involved repairs/maintanance.
By the way, buy parts online at fcp.groton.com or from NAPA. A lot of parts from places like Autozone are really not that good of quality, but can do in a pinch. Actually a lot of their parts will void a car warranty.
Autozone does have a tool loaner program where you can use their available tools for free.