Is there a better way to learn?

   With respect that I am just learning another language for fun, I thought it might be easier to use words that I do know and learn the grammar of a language before I undertake any significant study into the vocabulary.  I know some common verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. and I am of course willing to learn more as I get better.  I have some practice under Rosetta Stone, but the vocabulary it is teaching seems less useful right now.  I figured talking about common interests would be more appealing, and give way to learning a vocabulary that I find more interesting than a language software could individualize to my particular tastes. 

Any thoughts into this matter?