Ok. I noticed that when my car is idling, say after I start it right up, and I pump the brake, the idle jumps from maybe 800 to 11-1200. What's going on here? Can someone help me out? Has anyone else have this happen?

 

Your charging system is responding to the current draw of the brake lights and the ECU(?) is raising the idle to compensate.
The same would happen if you turned on the headlights, I should think.

Mine does the same thing but not as dramatically- idle will bump maybe 50-100 RPMs with an electrical draw.
I don't know what is considered acceptable (I'm new to this car also and have had other fish to fry so far) but you could check the manual(s) for info and how to check the condition of your battery and alternator.