1. ..... e5 or 1. .....c5 are the best and most solid coices and you have to learn both of them to be a strong player.
Learn the ruylopez, italian, scotch and the two knights defence of 1. ...e5
Learn najdorf, dragon for 1. ....c5. There is a LOT of material on the net to help you
There IS no adequate response to 1. e4 other than resignation. I'm sorry.
Then why don't I win all my games?
Because not everyone plays adequate responses.
i just push wood .and respond to moves 
Why u no consider 1...e5?
Or Perhaps better... 1...Nf6!!
1...e5 can serve fine all levels, starting from 800-, up to 2800+ (say Aronian).
Of course you can toy with pretty much any opening you please, but open games is essential knowledge, which you cannot skip.
Just try learning sane and sound openings, and not stupid gambits which drop material for wannabe threats.
the scandinavian can be played without bringing the queen out early with 2...Nf6 (if 3. c4, then c6)
I've been liking the petroff recently, and while dry in theory, the player playing white seems to want to do just about anything to avoid the mainline stuff, sacrificing pawns and structure, etc.
the ruy lopez and italian game are nothing to be afraid of though and you should definitely try to play some games with those as well.
There IS no adequate response to 1. e4 other than resignation. I'm sorry.
Then why don't I win all my games?