Hey All

[Slytherin]

Hey, all. I don't really have much to say. But I'd like to introduce myself, although I suppose it's a bit late. I'm a 21F from Boston, MA, USA. I love all animals and for the first 21 years of my life, owned only dogs, cats, and fish. I've enjoyed each of these pets, but recently decided that I wanted a reptile or an amphibian. After looking at the care requirements for turtles and lizards, I decided that they were not for me, although I do absolutely LOVE Bearded Dragons and Green Iguanas, but I cannot own those animals because I simply do not have the space for them at present. So, I went with the next best thing. I had a friend who was moving to Europe for a year and could not take his pet with him and offered to sell it to me. Wanting to help him out and wanting to experience something new, I bought his ball python (who I've named Asi) and he's been a delight ever since.

I've read lots of books on ball pythons, but they aren't very anecdotal, and at this point, I really want to read about what other python and boa owners have experienced and I hope that somehow, their know-how will rub off on me.

Let's see.... My family all think that this recent interest of mine is absolutely nuts. My maternal grandparents are from Jamaica and believe that when you see a snake in your yard, you kill it. My aunts and my parents are different. They don't particularly like snakes (they're afraid of them), but they're curious enough to want to expose themselves to my snake more- by getting close enough to look at him and watch his movements, and eventually hold him, but not yet- in order to get over their fears. So, I'm very proud of them and also hopeful that this experiment will help better their relationship and attitudes towards other animals period.

And my friends.... well they think that i'm finally lost it. They're at present wondering which planet I came from. I don't follow fads, only my varying interests and they can't seem to understand why I'd be even remotely interested in owning a snake. I guess part of it is to demystify it a bit. I come from a Christian background where although other cultures may associate the snake with fertility, mine seems to associate it with evil incarnate. In any case, my friends who are from India, all parts of the caribbean, the deep South, Brazil, Cuba, several parts of Europe, and Africa seem to see one thing; a black Christian Jamaican woman with a snake. To them it seems rather oxymoronic. To me, it's just another aspect of myself that I cannot really fully explain.

Well I suppose there's not much more for me to say. And I suppose that I've rambled for long enough. Congrats to any of you who actually made it through my long-winded introduction. Thanks for taking a moment to read about me. Catcha lata.

Slythe

[eddie]

It's never too late for an introduction
And it sounds like you have a very interesting life, full of family, friends and fun

Welcome aboard


(edited to remove a double 'and' )

[louise]

welcome to the site. this is a greatsite for any reptile owner. these people here willl help you 100% of the way. as for people thinking your crazy, i know the feeling,lol. i got my first bite last night and i told my mom first thing today and she was mortified! she said point blank to me 'you have to be nuts' how can this be a good happy thing. the more i tried to explain the more she had the look on her face that she was gonna have me commited. oh well to each his own.

[mark5019]

yes welcome and as i own a ball python plus a tangerine Honduras female. there both a joy to hold.
and yes most people i meet cant understand why i dont kill them(snakes)

takes patience to teach respect of all livein animals

[haroldo359]

welcome to the site. hopefully, you will be able to make some of your friends and family that think you are nuts realize that owning reptiles can be a rewarding experience. it is really good that you have done plenty or research on this; it says alot about your commitment. feel free to ask any questions. you will find the people here have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to share it.

[snakemann6]

welcome to site and believe it or not we have alot in common....for starters my dad is from Jamaica...montego bay to be exact...my friends and family often ask me the same question because they don't know why i would consider a snake for a pet...i don't know either that's why i have five....i have 2 ball pythons, 2 rtb's and a burmese python...soon to be three burmese pythons...and like my father's tell me when i try to explain my difference..."you aren't hear to appease anyone except you and GOD...other than that erie ting is irie..."

[schatzie001]

What a lovely intro! Welcome to the site and hope to see ya around

[toker]

Welcome to RTB!!! Hope to see you around a bit.