$25,000 to invest what should a noob do?

[vindikation]

I have $45,000 in my checking account and can't afford to buy a home in Los Angeles (where I currently rent). I figured $25,000 was a safe amount to do something with.

What would you do with my $45,000 if you were a complete noob who knew NOTHING about investing (stocks, cd's, mutual funds, money market, savings account)?

THANKS!