ok, maybe some of you guys remember me...the overly cautious newbie. Anyways an update with some new questions..

She has calmed down alot, alot in part to her temperatures getting appropriate (78-80 a little cool on her cool side, and 94-96 on the hot side) her humidity is still low with an average of around 35 probably. i have added a whole lot of stuff to her cage for security as well.

My new questions are lighting..how important is a normal cycle to her? like lights on during the day, off at night. I find myself in a tuff place with this because i work everyday almost from 5-12, so that natural time is a time when i am not around.

she is in her cool side hide 90% of the time. it is not exactly identical to her warm side hide so that might be the cause, but it is roughly the same. My step dad is a professional potter so i've commissioned him to make me some identical hides that look very earthy and have the qualities i'd like. so if it's a hide problem, i got it under control!

I have had her for about a month now, and i haven't cleaned her cage yet.. eco earth, some rocks and branches, and a vine (cardboard for the hides). i stuck my face in there and it didn't smell odorous at all, i clean poop anytime i see it as well. Should i clean it once a month just to be certain? and how cool is it to change substrates on her?

My biggest concern is handling her. I am a bit skiddish around her after she striked at the glass when i was looking at her. So i'd REALLY like to not get bit by her. she was lounging the other day and rubbed her belly for about 2 seconds, she swelled her stomach up a bit and i quit. Is this just natural and should i just pick her up and have her get used to it?? or is it pretty likely she is gonna snatch at me?

I really do apologize for always making these lengthy posts...i'm just kinda in the dark about this snake as i've never kept a snake before. If i went on what the guys at the pet store told me, i'd have a snake sitting in a cage with a 60 watt light on one side, 1 hide in her cage, 1 water bowl, and no thermometers. You guys have been more than helpful with me and i'd like to try to get some photos up to show u what i'm working with so you can call me a fool more adequetly (sp?)