how to get my ipod out of recovery mode?

See Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1808

You may need to try this More than Once...

Be sure to Follow ALL the Steps...

Once the Device is asking to be Restored with iTunes... it is too late to save anything...

To minimise loss... Connect to iTunes on the computer you Usually Sync with and Restore from the most recent Backup...

Restore from Backup

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766

What happens when you connect the iPod to your computer and restore via iTunes?

iTunes: Restoring iOS software