Jackson is ready for handling...

He's been acclimated for a week and a half, he's shed, he had his first meal 48 hours ago at noon. This morning when I cleaned his tank, I held him for about ten minutes before putting him back in. It was wicked awesome, but I was pretty nervous. I wonder what's the difference, 'cause I'm not afraid of getting bit by a dog or scratched by a cat, and I would imagine that hurts worse... I think I'm just afraid of being startled and potentially dropping him. I do hate being startled...

I'm glad everything is going smoothly for you :)

I absolutely love your profile pic. Did you pose your little guy or was that just a really lucky shot?

:gallery::gallery::gallery:If he is ready:gallery::gallery::gallery:

The sooner you get over being nervous, the better. ;)
Snakes can sense fear - I was really nervous around Reznor, and he took advantage of it. Now that I've gotten over the nerves, I never have a problem with him. ;)

If it helps any, if you get bit, it is usually over and done with before you even realize it happened or have a chance to react. The only time I've ever been coiled is when I smelled like rats... which is an easy fix. You're probably more nervous than with a cat or a dog because most people have grown up with plenty of experience with either, and it is much more natural to read their body language. Once you spend more time around your snake, you'll see that their body language is pretty easy to pick up on, and you'll notice signs of nervousness, agitation, etc.