If you're new to these types of phones, I think the best thing you can do is install a program to make the interface easier to operate with your fingers. Some of the phones w/o keyboards have similar interfaces...
I use the HTC Home set up that you can find here on the forums.
It's also worth mentioning that I found the "kitchen" Roms to be less stable than the official ones. Until you start running out of memory, I'd just stick with Verizon's Rom & add programs you want.
That's my 2 cents, anyhoo.
Here's what Home looks like... ignore the wall paper. I'm referring to the icons on the screen.
contacts touch-dialing tab
weather tab... touch it for a 5 day forecast
application launcher... much easer than hitting start, programs & then finding the app you want to use. Just put your favorite ones, here.
Mine is from Sprint, so your mileage my vary.