Growing up I was never really taught the value in saving money for the future. I mean I knew it was a good idea to save for the future, I just never really was taught the particulars. I'm 36 years old and while I do have a Life Insurance Policy, I don't really have a plan for emergencies, retiring, weddings, colleges, etc. The Life Insurance I do have, I got out of panic after my first husband passed away. I did NOT want to leave my family high and dry if something happened to me. I wanted to make sure that my girls could have everything they needed if by chance something happened to me too. My first husband did NOT prepare very well for his death, he always made it seem like he did but he absolutely left us gasping for air. I made a vow to myself and for my girls that I would NOT do the same to them.

Wednesday I met with a Financial Advisor to start planning for Emergencies and Retirement. BIG TIME Adulting right there! I wish I had started this when I was younger, when I could make the MOST money and SAVE the most money, before I had dependents, a spouse, and a mortgage. I wish I had known how to make my money WORK for me so that I didn't have to work my life away. You know the phrase "Ignorance is Bliss"? Well, when it comes to your future and financial planning, Ignorance IS NOT Bliss. Thankfully, my Financial Advisor is a gem and believes that we can still make my dreams come true and thankfully I am starting now and not in my 50s. Better late then never I guess!

So, I guess the moral of the story and well the point of this random ranting is to get a financial advisor as soon as you are making money, and LEARN how to save and to make your money help you live comfortably in the future!

Have a great day dear followers!

My husband had been shooting ideas to me about wanting a German Shepherd for a couple of months prior to Bones living with us. I kept telling him "No, they are too big" and "Our house is too small for a big dog right now." I had hoped that this would be some motivation to work towards getting a bigger house, maybe something out in the country. When the idea of Bones coming to stay with us came up, I figured it would he the perfect opportunity for him to see just how small our house was for a big dog.  He took a little getting used to, a few of us got knocked down, cups swiped off the coffee table by a tail, food at nose level on the counter stolen, and the trash has been raided several times. All of these issues weren't even on our radar because Koda was so short and so little, but Bones, has brought EVERY possible thing to light that a BIG dog could.

After a few months, Bones' owner asked us if there was any way we would be able to keep him. My husband and I decided that there was absolutely no way that we could tell him no. My plan had BACKFIRED! Everyone in my house, including me fell in love with the BIG dog. He has his own fluffy Doggie Bed that he lays on at night, he's been Vet checked, new food to help him gain more weight, new toys, and a whole BIG family that adores him. 

 

Koda aka Your Majesty Kodalicious is my AKC Registered Male "Black" Toy Poodle, although with age he is sprouting some grey in his top knot and around his mouth. He was born in March 2018 and I was able to pick him up and bring him home in June that same year. I almost didn't make it to Ohio to pick him up as one of my tires blew on the way there. A kind man stopped when he saw me on the side of the road and changed the tire for me so I could make it to a tire repair shop. I called and let the breeder know I would be late but was still determined to make it after a new tire was put on my vehicle. Thankfully, we (ALL THREE KIDS AND I) made it safely and uneventfully there and back after our tire fiasco. 

 I used to joke that I should have named him Tax Refund, because I was able to purchase him with part of my refund that year. He is still intact and I am ever so hopeful that one day I can find a Female Phantom Toy Poodle to be his mate. Probably pipe dreams, but never the less a dream. Koda isn't my first Toy Poodle, I had another Black Toy Poodle years ago in my twenties. His name was Razi and the reason I fell in love with Toy Poodles. Sadly one day I let him out to potty and he never came back to the door. I want to assume maybe someone saw this pretty poodle by the road and scooped him up, however my worst fear was that either a hawk, owl, or coyote snatched him up. 

Home just doesn't feel like home without a Toy Poodle around now. 

Koda came to me at a time in my life where I was learning to be on my own, where I was truly lonely and trying to find my way. He was the perfect little companion and has continued to be just that every day since he arrived home. Because I was in an emotional state when I brought him home, especially the next few months afterwards, he naturally seemed to pick up on the role of a comforter. Believe it or not he can sense if someone is upset, whether its anger, anxiety, or depression and is drawn to that person and wants to be there for them. I didn't realize he was like this until my husband and his daughter moved in. He knows he is MY dog, but he is perfectly happy sharing his comforting skills with whomever needs him the most at any given time. And for that, I am SO thankful. He has definitely outdone any expectations I had of him.

For a "little dog" he isn't too yappy, snappy, annoying or mean. Little dogs tend to get a bad wrap, but he is pretty chill and friendly with both humans and other dogs for the most part. He does tend to be a pickier eater and it has been a real struggle finding a food and treats that he really likes. He doesn't know many tricks, but will sit when asked. He LOVES balls and will fetch and bring back a ball, but once he is tired, he is done and the ball means nothing to him any longer. He loves to sleep on fluffy things and prefers to sleep in bed with me whenever possible.

I tend to take a lot of photos with Koda, as you will notice on my instagram account. He is the perfect little model and seems to love to have his photo taken. Dog brands seem to admire him as well and I was contacted by Buddy Bandana a while back to have us try our their products. Koda loves his bandana, this is the first one he hasn't tried to chew off. The photo above displays our matching bandana and scrunchie from @officialbuddybandana!  To get your very own matching pet bandana and scrunchie or headband visit http://www.thebuddybandana.com and enter discount code Newcomer to get 40% off and free US shipping!

I hope you have enjoyed learning about my little guy and have a great day dear followers!

 

Patron, one of our male Degu.

Oxford Dictionaries defines a Degu as