Oddly enough, the one suggestion I didn't see here, and it may just be because it's the wrong time of year, is to look at your local community college and see if they offer a beginning class in Perl.

Of course given that it's summer right now that may not be an option for you.

I tried to teach myself Perl, got enough under my belt to do what I was trying to do, took the class and realized exactly how much I didn't know about Perl.

Hope that helps!

Some people fall from grace. I prefer a running start...