I think I really scewed up during initial start up...

Ballast resistors fail. Period. But the classic failure shows up as an engine which starts, and then dies when the key is released. Remember the ballast is bypassed when cranking, giving full voltage to the coil. Sounds more like a bad ignition switch, relay, or dirty bulkhead connector. (You should see 12v at the coil when cranking, and 9v when running with the key released). Replace the ballast anyhow, it's good to have a spare.

How long was the car not running/driving while you had the engine out? Did it sit for a while with the hood off? I think you have another electrical issue, especially given the grief you had starting it the first time.