hey tom, been a while since you posted. glad to see you back! i am guessing that the bamboo
plant you got was one of those lucky bamboo's that are so popular right now. they are fairly easy to care for, general instructions include keeping the water covering the roots until you decide to
plant it in soil. giving it good light (an unobstructed north window is enough, but more is better as long as it isn't in direct sun) and rotating in regularly to keep the growth straight are about all that is needed. I personally planted mine in soil, but had to take it back out because i over watered it and the roots started to rot,
but that is just me. it is fine now, back in water and in a northeast window. good luck with yours and have a great new year.
oh, and if you do a forum search on bamboo, you will find lots more info.