Props to those of you who attempted the Twitter challenge.  The consensus is that Twitter is relatively easy to use.

Here are a few pointers that will help make messaging on Twitter much simpler:

If you want to refer to another Twitter user or address them publicly use @theirTwiiterid
Ex:  Going to dinner with @lisabuck01 or @lisabuck01 thanks for the follow

Direct Message someone from the right side of your Home page.  Click the DM tab, message at top by choosing recipient in drop down box. 

Search for people using the third tab from the left at the top of the page.  Click 'Find People' and type in their name, business name, or Twitter id.