You are probably describing a phalenopsis orchid...go to
www.orchids.com and look at some pics...you will find somthing to macth it against. They are a great beginners orchid! Now read on......
Some species need tons of light(Vandas/Dendrobiums) while others don't (phalenopsis/Paphiopedilums)....what I must stress is to do your reserch first....I would love to grow Vandas, but I can't because the humidity requirements and light needed to support growth and flowering are to high.....likewise I can't grow any of the Dracula because they need temps down in the 55-60 every evening along with good humidity.....
While there are other more flashy books around Orthos "All about Growing orchids" is a good book to start with.....it tells you about basic important requirements for most orchids....since you are up North I would also recomend that you give Cypripedium's a chance....they are an orchid native to the American north and can be grown outdoors year round in pots!
Also find out what the strength of light is in the area(window, corner, hallway) you intend to grow the plants....many plants can survive just fine in lower light levels but will never give you a single bloom....oh and don't forget ocrhid fanatics do everything in footcandles!
Then once you have a firm idea what you have in your house go find an expert in your area...see what he(or she) is growning, ask their advice and all around steal as much knowlege as possible from them....most orchid growers LOVE to talk about their plants so ask questions, questions, questions!
Good questions sound like this.
How often CAN it bloom?
What kind of conditions does this plant favor?
HOW FAST DOES IT GROW?
how LARGE/TALL can it get?
what kind of feeding strength is correct for our area?
How much feeding and how often for this plant?
Is the city water ok for my plants?
The feeding strength and type is different across the country. I feed with every watering following the "Weekly, weakly" rule. I also feed in a cycle of 3-1.
Many books recommend a 30-10-10 formulation at 1/2 strength but down here in Texas we use a 20-20-20 formulation at about 1/4 to 1/2 recommend strength for 3 general feedings and 1 watering of 15-30-15 formulation1/4 to 1/2 recommend strength for root promotion(the 3-1 cycle). Ask a local expert what work for them.
Here is a big one..roots are they key to orchids...if you get a plant with shoty roots you need to try get those things growing.....when we(in Texas) come across that situation use 15-30-15 at 1/4 strength for 3 waterings and a balanced 20-20-20 once(3-1 cycle again but reversed). Ask a local expert what works for them.
Where to find experts?
Look in your telephone book...look under orchids....go to one of those because orchid growers know plants better than any book---if there are no entries like that look for your local chapter of the AOS or local orchid society....
Summary-Do you reserch first.
Find a local expert(or 2) and steal their knowlege!
Shop for plants you can sucessfully grow.
And have fun with them of course!