Can I become a Muslim?

I really did not know what put in the topic starter soo I put that instead. I want to become Muslim and have for some time now. Im 23 years old, I live in the southern part of america, think Kentucky. Where people are not open to Islam and very much pushing christianity on others. I did alot of things Im not proud of in my past, I have tattoos on my face, hands and arms. At the time I was young, naive but now Im just disgusted by my own actions against my body. I came to know Allah and Islam from a man I use to play video games with on xbox 360 over a live internet connection. He was muslim, He told me many things, encouragment and even truth from The Quran. I have not spoke to him in a long time, seems he doesnt come on the system anymore. But I will not forget him.

I just recently found out there is a mosque 30 miles from me. Recently built there which made me feel at ease and happy. I do not know how to become Muslim, But I want too. I truly feel I cannot go on any further in my and not serve Allah. But Im concerned, I have all these tattoos will that effect me from becoming a muslim? Im also concerned about what I should eat, how to pray and things like that I need to know. I havent gone to the Mosque yet nor have a Quran but Im thinking of going to the mosque and getting a Quran.