my 3-year anniversary of snake-keeping

[tttaylorrr]

^{i wanted to make this thread last month, but i forgot.}

September 2014: i just moved into my first apartment in Chicago and was living on my own for the first time since college. no one ever tells you how lonely it can be when you're living on your own; it can be maddening. i quickly began a battle with severe depression and suicidal ideations from the loneliness i felt. i didn't want to be alone. i needed something to come home to; i needed a pet!!!

i began beating the metaphorical pavement on the information superhighway. i googled every single friggin' pet allowed in the state of illinois and within c(r)ook county limits. eventually i found reptiles, i found snakes, i remembered that one friend on facebook who had a snake, and i remember holding a snake for the first time earlier that year, and then i found this site.

for about 2 months i researched, researched, bought equipment, and researched. i wanted to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible, because honestly i felt like my life might be on the line. when i was comfortable with my knowledge and set-up, i pulled the trigger on the cheapest albino i could find online (MorphMarket did not exist back then). i even chose a male because they were cheaper. on November 7, 2014, Yellow was home. looking back, i have to accept the fact that this was completely and without-a-doubt an impulse purchase. TBH i wasn't thinking about the snake, just myself. i just needed a pet!!! i was scared! over the years Yellow and i learned a lot about each other: he learned to trust me, and i learned what it means to own a ball python and be a part of the herpetoculture. i made almost every mistake in the book back then, but Yellow and i are better for those mistakes.

now, over three years later, i can happily say this was the best impulse purchase i've EVER made. i never expected to fall head over heels for this hobby like i have. if you would have told me back then that within 3 years i'd own 5 snakes, i wouldn't believe you. heck, if you told me i'd purchase 4 snakes in 2017 alone i'd think you were insane!!!

i have learned SO MUCH from this hobby over the years: about myself, about ethics, judgement, laws, education, of course about ball pythons, and other reptiles. i've "met" so many wonderful people online in the community, and i've also gotten to have many great conversations with curious people around me. i feel responsible for more than myself; i feel important. my babies give me enough motivation on the bad days to try and push through.

these 3 years have been full of failures and successes, milestones and setbacks, happiness, love, and peace. and this hobby wouldn't be much fun without all the wonderful people i've met (you guys are amazing!!!)

so look at me now! 5 snakes (#6 coming soon), 2 species. i'm proud of myself and the blind leap of faith i took coming into this hobby. here's to many more years for me and my crew. we have big plans ahead of us. thanks for reading!