I asked this exact question, in exactly the same way, when I started getting serious and looking for my ball python. Now he's coming in December, and I can't wait!
(To stay on topic, I'm planning to start with feeding him in his enclosure, with tongs; when he's hungry or eating I'm not keen on bothering him too much, for his sake over mine!).
I'm also not planning on ever being a proper collector or breeder, either; I just wanted a pretty little morph who could keep me company in my new empty house, hehe! As such, I joined a bunch of the UK reptile/royal groups on facebook. The perfect snake might jump out at you, like mine did! c: