I've found the best way to improve my perl programming is by attending a YAPC conference. Here's why:
They're cheap, especially if you're close to Chicago
You can learn a little bit about each of a ton of topics that you choose since there are so many talks given
It's really motivating to see the cool things that other people are doing in perl
There are usually "master classes" taught afterwards, and they're typically heavily discounted
You meet a bunch of people that you can feel more comfortable asking questions of after the conference.
There's a "frozen perl" conference next month. It's sort of like a Jr. YAPC.