I was in the same boat with you, I'd always wanted a chameleon. I did a bunch of research, and I have a degree in research (practically, that's all I was taught to do). There is nothing, not 1 thing, that prepares you to have a chameleon like owning a chameleon. This place is my favorite, because, as is written in the Good Book, "there is nothing new under the sun." No matter what comes up, someone has asked it here.
Your 1st stop should be the care sheet page, especially with a female. You have wanted 1 long enough to want to spoil her, so that is the best place.
Your 2nd stop should be the sponsor page, PetSmart crickets are a rip-off. I know, I did it. It will cost you more to feed that little thing than 2 dogs. Veiled chameleons eat more than I do. Order your feeders online. Get superworms not mealworms (yes, that is a must).
This forum has vets that specialize in chameleons, so listen to this place over PetSmart. I know a guy who works there and loves those animals, but he has to keep up with every lizard and every fish. There is no way he can know all about your cham without getting mixed up. I don't hold it against them, but the workers have an overload of info and I have seen them get it mixed up.
Now that I have tried to scare you, I'll tell you what I tell everyone: Have fun. There is no point in having a chameleon if you can't have fun. If you want to handle her, handle her. I agree that if you do it too much, she will get stressed out, but what's the point if you can't touch her?! My nicest chameleon is my veiled, Gary, who I couldn't keep my hands off of, and he's the only animal in my house that hasn't bitten me. Don't overdo it, but don't be afraid. Have fun.
So use the forums, and have fun.