new 2010 Xb owner in SoCal...just picked it up

It's Classic Metalic Silver with a standard transmission. Only options were the floor mats and rear bumper protection. We test drove automatic, but ordered a standard....glad we did. It is a lot more fun to drive. I'm still getting used to the higher reving engine...I find it easier to start from a stop in 2nd gear...it that bad for this xmission?...traded in a '01 Volvo XC70 for this...PITA....hope to learn a lot here.