An ambitious, okay, utterly ridiculous plan

Where to start. I am trying to word this in such a way I don't sound more ridiculous than I already feel.

I want to become an international master. There, I said it, it's out there. Now that sounds reasonable to the average joe, and some of my family kind enough to listen to my chess ramblings. But those of you reading this know what a lofty goal that is. 

Where am I starting from? I am 33. I learned chess when I was around 8, by reading it in an Encyclopedia (sadly many of you won't know what it's like to thumb through a 20 pound book). I started playing with my friends, after I taught them how to play. When I was 13-16 years old, I really began to take the game seriously. I read dozens, and I mean dozens of books on chess. I went to a simul and played Larry Christansen. I even won the only tournament I ever went to, and it was one of the biggest in my state. And then I grew up.

And now here I am, 33, and wanting to be an IM. I know this isn't an overnight fix, and it is going to take years of work, dedication, and training. And even then, I may not be able to do it. But I want to, do I ever want to. I love chess. I love variants. I love the community. And I want to accomplish something that I would agree with most of you, is utterly insane. 

I don't know how I am going to do it, the next step will be creating a training game plan. A blueprint of my chess education. I don't know where I am going to find it, but that is the first step. So, if you're reading this, and want to help me, even if it is just pointing me toward a book or website, I welcome it. 

Thank you.