I'm with the others -- you picked an intermediate pattern. But I LOVE the pattern and LOVE your choice of fabrics! It should be beautiful!
1) --slow down -- go slow and yes, have the alignment checked
2) -- always leave all the paper on until you have the whole quilt made. :) it helps keep it from warping.
3) -- Accept the fact that you're going to take stitches out -- at least once per block :)
4) -- don't give up --- you're doing GREAT!