kcd: What you are asking for will take some time!
I've been studying Japanese (both language and etiquette) loosely for a little over 2 years and I still have very far to go. I could get around in Japan and have done it, but it's a real strain on my brain, lol.
Try to set a side a time every day to just learn things, you must always practice or you will forget them.
Personally after learning the Hiragana I would go onto the Katakana (they are easier then the Kanji). You can technically write anything in Hiragana if you had to.
I've got roughly 40 Japanese books at home (for learning) I've also got the Rosetta Stone software, and the Pimsler audio, all have been very helpful.
In my signature is also a Japanese Learning Group if you are interested.
It offers a different kind of learning beside writing things like Hiragana over and over, so it's good mental practice.
If you can afford real classes go for that too.