I finished the kana weeks ago and just received my Genki I text book, work book, answer key and audio CDs. I'm a self-learner and had no trouble with the kana. However now starting to get into actual grammar, conversation and the like I'm finding it very difficult to relate what I learn to actual conversation since I've nobody around me to help practice with or listen to. A down side to self-learning I suppose; no class room environment to practice within.
Regardless, I'd like to keep trying, and I'm sure there are those of you out there who have found yourselves in a similar situation at one time if not currently. How did you over come this stride? Any advice would be great.
Right now I'm studying about 3 hours a day (since I work full time), using flash cards in order to learn phrases, syntax, grammar, etc. Not the best medium I've heard but I'm not sure what other available options there are.