I found some neat concrete garden border blocks today at Home Depot and bought enough for the pond border outline. They are 11.5 long x 3.5 wide x 5.5 high and have a ball-and-socket design, so I can easily create a hexagon shaped border...which is the shape of my pond.. Since the slope of the area where I want to put the pond is only 2.5", I decided to use these instead of retaining wall blocks.
I also got the perimeter outlined and began removing the sod...which I'll use for fill on another project. Then, I'll dig deeper, fill with stone dust, level, set the blocks, fill the middle, and begin constructing the pond. Pictures to follow in my pond showcase when I get a little more done.
I appreciate the feedback from you guys in this thread. It has been helpful!