Hi Justin,
Here is my suggestion for finding out what energy is. Go to the nearest
Barnes and Noble or other large bookstore and go to the physics
section. Then find the Lectures on Physics by Richard Feynman. Turn to
the first part of chapter 4 and read "What is Energy" perhaps this will
help you. If you find the reading interesting you might look at other
sections of the book.
enjoy
Joseph J. Bellina,Jr. 219-284-4662
Associate Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556