How do you start playing a new opening?

I bought Cyrus Lakdawala's very fine-looking repertoire book on the Veresov, 'A Ferocious Opening Repertoire', as an e-book download on Friday night.  It's now Sunday night and I thought it was time to get started with the opening in a 'proper' time limit game (G15/10).  To be frank, I've only skimmed through the book, but to answer the question in the title, my firm belief is that you've got to start playing a new opening asap. So tonight was the night and it all worked out well for me. 

LESSONS TO LEARN

What are the lessons from the game?  I'd highlight three:

1.  Don't get careless with your blunder-checking before you make a move. In a G15/10 game you've definitely got the time, so there's no excuse not to.  (see white move 19)

2.  At the same time, give your opponent the chance to go wrong, especially on the Internet - you get a lot of rating points from fairly obvious blunders. Make sure you give your opponent the chance to make them! (see black move 20)

3.  Just get started with a new opening!  Sure, the position will be a bit unfamiliar, but the goal is to be a practical chess player not an abstract chess player.  There is no other way.