Tripping on the language

Konnichiwa. So, I have spent a little time half-heartedly learning the language. I didn't really take it seriously because I don't have very many resources I can use to help me. Today, I discovered two books that have become a huge help, and really pushed me to focus on the language seriously. However, as I get into the books, I notice areas where I know I'm going to have difficulties, or where I may make flubs without realizing it. What kind of areas has everyone been having problems in? I know particles are going to be a big problem, because there are so many ways they can be used. I think I'm going to have to constantly hear the particles in use to gain context, which means heavily expanding my vocabulary so I can place them properly. I also need to learn how to place them when I am speaking, which means I need someone to listen to me, and understand when I make a flub. What kinds of issues do you have? How did you get past them, or if you haven't yet, what have you tried? Can you offer advice to others that may encounter these problems? :)

I always get confused with transitive and intransitive verb pairs. Basically, transitive verbs require an object that the action takes place on and uses particle を with said object, while intransitive verbs do not have a direct object -- they perform the action themselves or describe a state and uses particle が, yet each case has its own verb form. For example: 僕は窓を壊しました。 I broke the window. 壊す - transitive for "to break" 窓が壊れています。　　The window is broken. 壊れる - intransitive form "break" I still constantly mix verbs up -- i.e. I use transitive verbs in intransitive sentences and vice versa. I can distinguish the difference when I am reading, but when I write I often make the mistake of switching them.

I'm going to ask this while assuming you don't have much opportunity to speak to someone fluent in the language. If that's the case, do you find it difficult to correctly place things like particles, or practice your pronunciation, when there is no one to listen and offer correction? I ask mainly because I don't know anyone that speaks Japanese, and while I'm at the absolute beginning of my studies, I already find it difficult to (for instance) correctly pronounce words or small phrases that I'm reading as examples. When a sentence is trying to demonstrate a point, such as how the particle ga is used, I repeat the sentence out loud. I have no one to offer criticism on accent, though. Know what I mean?

At japonin.com you can take online Japanese classes. They are around $8.00 for an hour long class (you have to buy multiple tickets at once, though), but there are generally only about 3 or 4 other people in a session. Basically, you sign up for a lesson that focuses on some grammar point you are studying, and you practice using it in speech. The teacher is there to correct you. They also have discussion dojo where you discuss a topic with other students in Japanese, and every Sunday one of the sensei does a listening class. It's pretty affordable and there are classes all throughout the day, so its also flexible. I usually do a class or two every week. It helps with listening and speaking practice.