I have 78 hours, with 21 PIC XC, and 5 hours simulated instrument (private training). My goal is to get my instrument rating this summer. I would like some help to make the most of it.

When I looked at the FAR's (61.65d), here are the major steps I need to surpass (Aeronautical Experience):

• At least 50 hours of XC flight time as PIC, a minimum of 10 hours in airplanes for your instrument rating.
• A total of 40 hours actual or simulated instrument time, to include:
  - At least 15 hours of instrument training from an instructor
  - At least 3 hours of training within 60 days of the practical test
  - One cross country flight of at least 250nm alomh airways or ATC directed routing, an instrument approach at each airport, and three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigational systems.

Since I need 35 more hours of instrument training, and 30 hours more of PIC XC, wouldn't it make sense for me to start training now? Originally, the instructor said to wait until I had 35 hours of PIC XC, then start training. But would it make more sense to takeoff, put on the foggles, go to some airport 50nm away, shoot some approaches, and come back. Kill two birds with one stone (PIC XC and Instrument time). Or do you think I should wait?

My other question is about currency requirements. I know IFR currency requirements can be pretty stringent, but I couldn't find them in the FAR's. What are the requirements to stay IFR current? (IFR time, instrument approaches, actual or simulated, etc...) Also, what happens if I do not stay IFR current? How would I get recurrent?
Thank you in advance for the help.