I can't use 'em either. Fork and spoon is the way to go!

Takes a little practice. My advice is to never get to far above the plate, and try to get used to the uncomfortable feeling in your fingers. It's irritating, yes, but it's something new, and adds to the experience when eating oriental food (I will still use a fork or spoon most of the time though due to outright laziness).

it's easy to use on stuff like baegel bites and chips. they let you eat finger food at your computer without making your fingers greasy.

I can't tell if that's an Aburaage or Croquette? I'm leaning towards the latter.

Seems like a fried cutlet to me.

As for learning how to use chopsticks properly, it's best to learn how to hold them, first. Most people don't hold their chopsticks right, so it makes it harder to pick things up. Chopsticks should never cross and make an X at any point; they should always be held parallel. The bottom chopstick is held still; just move the top one up and down like you would a pencil.

It is sometimes the easiest way is to stab the slippery food. Although it's supposedly not proper etiquette to do that, I have not encountered anyone bothered by it.

Strangely, I have my very own way of holding chopsticks that works even better than the proper way for me. My grandma always says I'm doing it wrong though.