Friends and Family,
Ok, I know I know. I've been a pretty bad newsletter writer/blogger the last few months. But as many of you know, I have a valid excuse! Not only have I been working my way through an accelerated nursing program, I've also started my own jewelry business. More about that later.
The holidays have come and gone. My trip home to Minnesota with Scott was quite busy, visiting family and friends, hanging out with Zoe and Tyler (Scott's 3-year-old niece and 8 month old nephew who are a couple of the most fun people I may have ever met), and trying to support an ailing extended family member. There were ups and downs, one down being that Erin and Steve were in Wisconsin for Christmas which is never my favorite though I understand. (This is why I advocate marrying a Jewish guy :) ). But there's always next year. I also had my first wedding shower while we were home which was lovely. Scott's mom's friends threw a beautiful New York (Minne-Apple, Big-Apple) themed shower and spoiled us rotten. We are very appreciative.
I just started school up again today after my 2 week break, and while January will be an easier month school-wise, I did not want to go back! Thus far, I have made it through my med-surg, psych and pediatric rotations. I am struggling now as to whether I want to maintain my current acute care track (ER/ICU stuff) or if I want to switch to Peds because kids, even if they're screaming their heads off, can really brighten up your day. And I'm not going to lie. A baby butt is much more fun to wipe than an adult butt. I don't think that can be denied. I'm trying to maintain an open mind, and hoping the answer will come to me.
I've managed to keep my grades up in school, despite my new business! As you may already know, I began selling jewelry through Lia Sophia this November. Lia Sophia is a fashion jewelry direct sales company with awesome jewelry, a lifetime guarantee, great sales and or me, the opportunity to make my own schedule (while in school) and still make an income. I'm not going to say it's easy to run a small business while in school. But it is a GREAT distraction when I need it and an opportunity to supplement Scott and I while we're working towards our career goals. This business works like this: I ask people to host parties, I send out invites to everyone on their guest list, and I present the jewelry/the company/ the opportunity at the party. And the jewelry really sells itself. It is a quality product that I believe in, and now I have an amazing jewelry wardrobe which I utilize daily. Right now I am considered an advisor (lowest one on the pyramid) but still make a decent profit, enough to put some back into the company and pay some bills. I also have my first recruit! My lovely older sister, Erin, is working under me (and she may just be better at this company that I am, but she has to give me credit for everything she knows...almost). Once I have 2 more recruits selling under me, I move up to a manager position and get a 10% raise on my sales. My goal is to get my other 2 by the end of February. With 8 shows lined up this month, I'm hopeful. (To view the jewelry, check out my website at www.liasophia.com/laurenbachnick and click on "Our Jewelry".)
Scott was in a show in November which my sister and Steve got to see when they visited just before Thanksgiving. Another small, unpaid show, but as usual, Scott shined in his roles. His temp office manager position at Snug Harbor productions is (hopefully temporarily) over as their projects are ending, and with the economy and Broadway as they are (dark and dreary), they didn't know when anything would come up that they needed help with. Scott will go back to his non-profit temping agency but really hopes to find an evening job so that he can audition during the day. He also recorded a voice over demo after taking classes for a couple months which is awesome! To check it out, visit his blog at: http://happyactor.blogspot.com.
He is a pretty talented guy. :) I think I'll keep him.
We're not terribly busy with wedding planning at the moment. We seem to do things in bouts whenever we have time, though I know things will be picking up as we are nearing our 6 months to the date point. We're excited!
Hope everyone had a good holiday season and is thus far enjoying their 2009. Health, happiness and love,
Lauren
http://newyorkhappenings.blogspot.com
www.liasophia.com/laurenbachnick
