Hey Jenn,
Welcome to SMF! Everyone always says that Butts/Shoulders are so forgiving and maybe they are, but they take a long time to cook. I am talking about 10-12 hours. I have found whole chicken or Baby Back ribs to be easy and not too time consuming. Look in the pork forum and read about the 3-2-1 method for ribs. I do more 2-2-.5 on my smoker. This technique for ribs is no fail. Just get ribs that are as fresh as possible and they will be tender and delicious. I have been using pineapple juice instead of apple juice for the foiling part with great results. Ribs are the only thing I cook by time, and that is only assuming you know exactly what your temp is inside your smoker. For chicken your will need a meat thermometer, preferably digital probe. Chicken usually takes 2-3 hours to get to 160F. So you got ribs...4-5 hours, chicken....2-3 hours, butt/shoulder.......10-12 hours minimum.
Good luck and post some pics of whatever you decide to smoke.