What makes it a 'beginner' plant? It's probably a Juniper procumbens Nana (are there very short, but fat bundles of needles (vs a few longer ones)? Is the soil surface covered with a glued in layer of pebbles (if so pry it off - they peel fairly easily once you get a piece pried off at the opening)? Even if it's rootbound (unlikely considering it was probably just potted prior to being shipped to the store) you would either wait til the spring, or 'slip pot' it - just get it into a slightly larger pot in one piece after sliding it out from the original one, and surround it with new soil, without disturbing the rootball at all. Hot is not very relevant by itself, but many other things are. I do suggest you find a local bonsai club asap, bring your tree to the first mtg and find out where to go from there. Don't make the beginner's mistake of watering like it's a houseplant - wait til a fair amount of the soil (which probably should be changed to 90% grit) is fairly dry before watering again each time, but if you're keeping it outside you will need to make sure it doesn't dry out completely.

Thanks Lucy, the info you provided was very helpful. I referred to "Beginner" plant, only because I'm a beginner. Your description of my plant being a "Juniper procumbens Nana" appears to be very accurate, and yes there was a layer of pebbles on top of the soil, and thus removed per your suggestion. All is well with zen1, thanks again.....