How To Study Chess....

Greetings & Salutations,

I often find myself pondering this question: What is the best way to study chess. As a beginner I have several books, to name a few, I have "The Amateur's Mind" by Jeremy Silman, "Chess Openings For White Explained", Chess Openings For Black Explained", "The Complete Book Of Chess Strategy" by Jeremy Silman, and finally "Pandolfini's Ultimate Guide To Chess". I skip around different topics in these books but I have never pinned out and defined a way to study chess. Questions go through my mind such as "do I read the books straight through"?, or do I roll up my sleeves, get my chess board out and physically go through the moves the book is showing me? I have only been playing chess since December, 2008 and I have such a deep desire to be a good chess player. The most important thing is that I am having fun. Believe me, I am having loads of fun! If anyone has any ideas for me as to how I should spend my study time I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, and I hope everyone has a great day!

Jim