Congratulations on your first tire change! I'm glad to hear you didn't crash and burn when it blew. Fortunately, both of my flats this year have been leaks and not blow outs.

I did practice the back tire at home a few times so it isn't so difficult the next time. I got the quick release thing ok, but I have a little trouble getting the wheel aligned properly when I put it back on the bike. I'm sure practice will make perfect for all of us not-so-skilled-tire-changers.