Here are the instructions for getting an API key: http://en.support.wordpress.com/api-keys/
Yes your account here at WordPress.COM is not connected with your HelpSharkRiverHills.com site -
Pardon the stock answer below but it should answer a few more questions - The help forum at WordPress.ORG is yet another not related and different account to open up
you need to make friends over at WordPress.ORG the keepers of the software you are using.
http://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/7-things-to-know-before-posting-in-wordpresscom-forums?replies=1
This site is for support of sites hosted on WordPress.COM. You should address your questions to WordPress.ORG the keepers of the software you are using: http://wordpress.org/support/
For more on the difference: http://support.wordpress.com/com-vs-org/
I hope that helps you a bit