Looking for direction in Michigan ... long post

I've been researching via the Internet and scouring these forums looking for answers to what direction I should go. I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was in my teens and even tho I'm over 50 - I've decided to do it. I also like the idea that I can work in a field where I can work whenever, and wherever, and as much as, or as little as, and in whatever area I desire. What better field than in nursing!
I just need some advice - do I go fast and get a PN? or get an associates / RN? or the long route with a BSN / RN? ... so confusing ...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but so far I've come up with these three paths:

Going the easier access / quick route - PN certificate like they offer at Everest Institute in Grand Rapids
~Classes start in January 09
~currently around $30k, but lots of financial aid and/or loans available
~BUT you can get in right away, as opposed to a 1-2 or 3 year wait
~takes only 1 year to complete, but you can't miss alot of days (like 3, I think)
~AND they strongly suggest not working while in school as the classes are intense so you have to have backup income while attending (spouse, etc)
~once completed can sit for the NCLEX-LPN
~most of the classes from Everest don't transfer to colleges so if you want to pursue an associates or bachelors / RN later, you have to start all over
~But once you are an LPN you can be working while continuing education for the RN - and maybe get lucky and the place you work at will pay for the RN bachelors degree!
~Can be working as an LPN by Jan 2010, but at only $15 / hour to start (in the Grand Rapids area)

Or take the middle road and attend a community college like GRCC
~currently around $12k
~but have to wait - about a 2-3 year wait for acceptance into the nursing associates / ADN classes
~meanwhile take some of the prerequisite classes
~At the end of the rainbow (4-5 years when include the 2-3 year wait time) I'd only have an associates degree
~BUT can then sit for the NCLEX-RN exam
~then continue in the RN / BSN classes at maybe GVSU (Grand Valley State)
~Can be working as an RN by 2012, at around $25 - $30 / hour to start
~If I was a Everest / PN certificate graduate I will have earned about $60k for 2 years working - but as an RN I can make that up in one year

Or just bite it and take the long road – and attend GVSU from the get-go
~currently around $25k – (may be different $ for others – I already have degree in another area so I can opt out of some of the pre reqs)
~start the pre reqs I don’t currently have – Chemistry, Biology, etc (my other degree was in computer science so didn’t take any of those type of classes)
~apply for nursing in about 1 ½ years (they have a wait time of several years but if I take the pre reqs at GVSU – and get good grades there is a better chance to be “bumped” up the acceptance line
~if I really push it, and start classes Jan 2009, can graduate in 3 years–maybe fall of 2011
~Will be 2x as much $ to go for my BSN, but should be working in 3 years
~Can be working as an RN by 2012 – maybe even 2011
~With bachelors degree, can then go on to a masters or even nurse practitioner!

Well…Putting this all down on paper - I guess I’ve talked myself into it – I think I’m going to take a deep breath and go down the long road. Onto the GVSU site I go … Saga to be continued...