Not where you have been, but where you are going. That's what matters.
Sounds like you have a great start, I wanted a ball from the time I was 12ish (2002) and finally got one this last July! I had no reptile experience other than a few backyard frogs myself.
You have the right idea, set it all up then get the critter! Learned that myself from rushed pet offers! I was 19 when I got my first puppy, a female Germanshepherd. I remember thinking this must be what kids are like![]()