What did you go through?

So far I have read Ken Warren's Hold Em book, and the beginners book by Ed Miller. Right now I am reading the Small Stakes Hold Em by Sklansky and Malmuth. I hope I spelled their names right. Anyways, I feel like I'm stuck. It is so much to take in. I started doing well during the Miller book, but now I'm just losing and losing. I play on PartyPoker on 5/10 Limit (play money) tables. I only play the strong hands that are recommended, but I keep losing. Sometimes I think I am not being patient and not playing smart. I know I can beat this game and eventually make some real money, but I get so discouraged. Does anybody have any advice, any stories of what they went through when they first started?

I'd like to hear about what you did, how you got serious, and how you progressed. That would really help me out if you could take the time to do that. Thanks in advance.