A College Student's Guide to Lexington, Kentucky

Hello NCDers!

Tomorrow is the Magic Date, and it’s 46 days until Convention! I’m not sure about you, but I know I am incredibly excited for everyone to visit my adopted hometown. I’m sure a lot of you don’t visit Kentucky often – let alone ever – so I decided to make a handy dandy guide for college students visiting The Horse Capital of the World.

The Lexington countryside

Lexington, founded in 1782, is also known as the “Athens of the West” for its early endeavors in medicine, literacy, and refined culture. Over the years, the city has played host for Abraham Lincoln AND Jefferson Davis (talk about a border state), Secretary of State Henry Clay (check out his estate and museum, Ashland), Mary Todd Lincoln, and Ashley Judd (an alumna of UK!).

The weather in April can be unpredictable, with sudden afternoon rainstorms, but average temperatures range from 65 to 45 degrees. When visiting Lex Vegas for Convention, I recommend bringing an umbrella and a light jacket for the cool evenings.

I got to Lexington really early, and I’m bored. Any ideas?

Uh, yes! Friday, April 5^th is a great day to be in Lexington. Why? Because it’s Keeneland College Scholarship Day! Starting at 11:00am, college students get in FREE to one of America’s most famous racetracks! They also hand out scholarships to some lucky students. Even if you don’t like betting on the ponies, take some time to walk across the beautiful Bluegrass-ed fields, or pick out a new Derby hat. For more information, click the link!  https://www.facebook.com/KeenelandCSD

Keeneland Race Track

I’m not really a fan of horses, got any other ideas?

Well if you insist…

Check out South Limestone Street, which connects UK’s campus to downtown Lexington. There are lots of regional restaurants and shops that you can’t find just anywhere. If the weather’s nice, it’s a beautiful walk!

Catherine, what are your favorite restaurants downtown?
Glad you asked! Here's my list:

Sav’s Grill – West African Cuisine

304 S. Limestone St.

I recommend the Peanut Chicken with Fufu dumplings!

http://www.savsgrill.com/

Tin Roof

305 S. Limestone St.

One part bar, one part grill – the portions are huge, you’ve been warned!

http://www.tinroofbars.com/Home/Lexington

Raising Cane’s

544 S. Upper St.

The ultimate chicken place. You haven’t lived until you’ve had Cane Sauce.

http://www.raisingcanes.com

Mellow Mushroom
503 S. Upper St.
The Hawaiian pizza is amazing! Also, check out the decor and murals on the walls!
http://mellowmushroom.com/store/lexington

The exterior of Mellow Mushroom

I’m super tired, and I need to eat. But I don’t want to go far from the hotel. Help!

Near the hotel, you have a Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, Denny’s, Subway, and McDonald’s!

Things to remember:

TOMORROW IS THE MAGIC DATE! If you have any questions, please contact us ASAP!

If you'd like to run for District Office, feel free to contact the current officer in the position for which you'd like to run.

Need more Lexington info? Leave it in the comments or email me at catherine.hann@uky.edu!

Opportunities for the rest of the year!

Hello my lovely Sisters!

We are fast approaching the Block season, and I must say that I am very excited about it! One of the things that I am truly passionate about is the CMEP, and here I have the opportunity to share my passion with all of you!

At all of the Blocks I will be discussing the way to schedule, research, plan, and present a CMEP. We will also discuss what should a CMEP should be based on. There are many different ways to talk about all of these things, and the more we talk the more we will learn!

Catherine and I will also be presenting on band leadership. How does one become a band leader? Who are the band leaders? These are questions that will be answered as we delve into this topic.

So what are you interested in? There are other workshops that can be highly beneficial to any chapter!

What does all of this mean? GET TO A BLOCK! These are priceless opportunities that should not be wasted! Get your chapter there!

Here is the schedule:

02-16-13: Ashland University
03-02-13: Indiana University
03-23-13: University of Cincinnati

You have no reason to not go! Please get out there and broaden your horizons:)

ITB,

Anthony

Together Towards Tomorrow

Greetings sisters!

Workshop season is upon us! North block is only 5 days away! Here is a quick link to remind you what is going on during blocks this year:  http://www.kkytbsncd.org/block.html

Another event to think about is District Convention, April 5^th-7^th, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Convention is all about learning new things to take back to your chapter and bonding with your fellow sisters and brothers. I have attended three conventions as an active member, and I have learned something new at each of them.

In 2010, district convention was in Dearborn, MI and it was my very first! I remember staying up all night talking and discussing issues with my chapter, making fun of a sister who thought the shaped butter at banquet was white chocolate, and finding my passion for our organization.

From left to Right: Caitlin, Beth, myself, Myranda, and Rachael from Zeta Alpha

At my very next convention, I decided to run for district office. As a generally shy person, this was quite a stretch outside the box for me. I had to step outside my comfort zone and interact with new people in a way I had never done before. I had to interview with sisters I had never met, including the chapters of individuals I was running against. Remarkably, I endured and found strength within myself I never knew I had.

My sisters and brothers from Zeta Alpha, aka my support system

Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was tiring. But yes, it was absolutely worth it. I had my sisters from Zeta Alpha beside me, the support of our sponsor and some kind words from then district president, Sky Buffington. Without all that support, I am sure I would have withered under the pressure.

I remember sitting in the back of the room, holding hands with my entire chapter as my name was reviled to be slated for president. I was incredibly happy, but it wasn’t over yet. Several minutes later after voting down the slate, and the voting for the president’s position was finished, my name was announced. I totally broke down. For those of you who know me even just a little bit, of course it was no surprise. Yet, I was still in shock.

Alex Price and I, taking the Oath of Office

This position has changed my life. No if ands or buts about it. I have grown as an individual, as a sister and as a leader. I encourage anyone thinking of a district position to talk to me or anyone else on council, so we can share our insights with you. Holding a district officer position is an amazing experience and you will not regret this opportunity to continue to serve the bands! I am stronger, wiser and so blessed to have gone on this journey. But, it’s not over yet! Join me in Lexington, KY for my final stop on my Tau Beta Sigma journey, and for some fun and learning about our great sorority. 

You won’t regret it. Promise!

Joey and I are all smiles at a CMEP

Much Love in the Bond,

Carrie Lund

Sometimes Life Throws You a Curveball (OR: What I've Learned In The Last Week)

Hey There, Sisters Whom I Love So Much...

My apologies for being just a day or so late on my Blog post... The past 48 hours haven't exactly been the easiest. My position with my company was eliminated; I lost job. My very first "big girl" job, right out of college. I was pretty well crushed... I've never been "laid off" or anything really even remotely along those lines. And quite frankly, I feel a little lost... Where do I go from here? Should I go back to school for my Masters? Why is the Ohio Unemployment website so un-user friendly? On the upside, I guess, I now have a lot more time on my hands, which I plan on spending with my Sisters when I'm not applying for jobs or going on any interviews.

But what this super crappy situation has made me realize, is that I am incredibly blessed. Even though I'm feeling pretty lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty, so to speak, I have an amazing network of support who have made themselves known to me in so many ways. Not the least of this network have been my sisters. I have said it before, and I will continue to say it... I don't know where I'd be without my sisters. They are there for me in both hard times, and in times of celebration... there for me as a shoulder to lean and cry on, or as a congratulatory hug and handshake. I know that, no matter what, I will ALWAYS have them in my life. And that is something truly, truly special.

Sisters who are nearing the end of their college careers, I urge you... Do not simply graduate and leave your chapters. Stay in touch. Go back for Degrees or Homecoming, Alumni events or your Chapter's Charter Date Celebration... even for just a random Chapter meeting. Whatever it is... go. You will not regret it. And you will realize how truly special your sisters are to you.

And for those of you who still have 2, 3, 4 or more years left to go... Don't ever take your Sisters for granted. They will walk into your life when it seems like everyone else has walked out.

On a completely different note...

At this point, all chapters should have received your NCD Awards Packets in the mail. Please bring those, along with any questions you may have, with you to Leadership Workshop next weekend!! I am so, so excited to spend the weekend with everyone, and I will be there to answer any questions about Awards.

As always, if you have any questions, or ever need anything, please don't hesitate to give me a call, send me a text or shoot me an email.

So Very Much Love In The Bond,

Elise Mahr

Epiphany

My dear Sisters of the NCD!

So I have a confession to make... I missed my blog post...

Of course, I did this intentionally to help reinforce Catherine's blog post so that there would be an example of bad use of a planner..... Ok, not really, but it makes for a good reinforcer. Organization is extremely important, especially for a District Officer, but in life none of us would succeed if we didn't take care of our responsibilities!

That said, start off this semester well. Take Catherine's post to heart and make sure you are ready to rock this semester!

Now, that I have confessed my sin I would like to get to the point of my post. This one hits a little closer to home, and I hope it does for you as well.

A lot happened over holiday break for me, but the biggest thing is that I discovered something. As we get older we try to discover who we are in the world. Are we leaders? Who are our friends? Am I doing what I want? Break was when this really hit me. I started trying to find out who I was in the world, because I didn't seem to know anymore.

Now don't get me wrong. I wasn't depressed, more confused. I spent my break trying to decipher who the adult Anthony Greer is. In essence, who am I?

I made some changes in my life. I cut off a lot of my hair (I look very different) and purchased clothes that I could comfortably teach in this semester. But still something was missing, and I wasn't quite sure what.

During the last weekend before I went to school I auditioned for a major production of Les Mis in the Quad Cities, IL. I was SO nervous! I do theater all of the time, but this was much bigger than anything in which I had participated. I wanted nothing more than to play Marius in the production.

In short, 250 people auditioned, I received three callbacks, and was in the top three for the part I wanted. Monday I came to school with so much anxiety that I couldn't stand it. All I wanted was the call telling me I had gotten the part. I waited for what seemed like an eternity until Tuesday night when I received a response....

I did not receive the part. My stomach fell as I read the e-mail and I was pretty upset. I had spent a long time preparing and it all fell apart in a matter of seconds... But then, I realized something. I made it to the top three. Out of all the people who auditioned for my part, I had made it to the final cut. I shouldn't be upset, I should be proud. Me not getting the part wasn't a slam against my abilities. Rather, me making it so far proved that I don't stink!

This was a huge step for me. Suddenly, I felt that I had handled the situation like an adult... I was happy. The next day and for days after I walked around with a huge smile on my face. People noticed a difference, and I know I am better because of the experience.

Sisters, as you grow through your life there will be tough moments. We will all go through soul-searching moments where we are confused about who we are in the world around us. When this happens remember that we are stronger than we think we are. Support is everywhere around us, and the answer will come in a sudden, blissful moment.

I want to leave you with two things that should be very familiar to all of us. Take solace in these as we start a new year.

"Knowedge and development of your physical powers in the quest for good health and bodily perfection."

"Recognition and development of your intellectual potential"

I love you all!

Anthony

Fresh Semester, Fresh Start!

Hello there, NCD!

I hope everyone’s classes are off to a great start, and I know we’re all getting ready for lots of service projects, workshops, and sisterhood! Personally, I’m getting ready for Leadership Retreat, Blocks, and Convention! Tomorrow, my chapter (Eta Zeta) starts its first big service project of the semester – updating the practice rooms! Look for our before and after pictures online in the near future!

With the start of a new semester, I thought I’d take some time to talk about time management, especially as Sisters and musicians. For freshmen that are reading this post, I bet there some things you learned last semester NOT to do as a college student, am I right? Here are some quick tips about managing classes, rehearsals, performances, and TBS!

• ·      Get a planner and use it! A beautiful leather-bound planner doesn’t help you if it’s never opened.
• ·      Have a regular sleep schedule. Sleeping in on Sunday is a glorious thing, but it really throws your body out of whack for Monday morning classes.
• ·      Schedule practice time like it’s a class. If you put your practice time in your new awesome planner, it’s a part of your day!
• ·      Write down event dates at chapter meetings. When your Service Chair announces the date of a service project, make sure you get the information as soon as they announce it!
• ·      Plan for fun! College should be an awesome 4 (or 5, or 6) years of your life. Make sure you have time to relax with friends, and hopefully Sisters!

Second Degree with my trombone ladies! From left: Kristen, Me, Michaela, and Elani.

Leadership Retreat!!

New Year’s Greetings, NCD!

I am currently getting prepared for Leadership Retreat, which I hope you all get to come to! Here are some of the details for the day:

Date: February 2^nd

Time: 9:30am- 4:00pm

Where: Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL)

Schedule:

9:00-9:30 Registration

9:30-10:40 Motivating the Middle Part 1

11:00-12:00 Motivating the Middle Part 2

12:00-1:15 LUNCH

1:15-2:15 Chapter Operations (first 45 minutes), Awards (last 15 minutes)

2:30-4:00 Situational Discussions (small and large group)

Here is the content we will be covering:

Motivating the Middle: TJ Sullivan

I will be splitting the book into two parts. Lecture and Discussion based. Learn how to motivate those members in your chapter that need a little extra push or incentive. Here is a link to buy the book online for only $10! Curious how to Motivate the Middle? Follow this Link!

Chapter Operations:

Online Paperwork submission, how to use the Chapter Operations Handbook, and other useful tips for day to day chapter operations.

Awards:

Elise will be going over the awards packet and answering any questions chapters may have about filling out awards for this year.

Situational Discussions:

We will take situations/questions from those attending and pick a few to discuss (or all if possible). We will break into groups and have one group discuss a situation. We will then come together as a whole group and present what each group discussed. The results will be discussed as a large group.

I am very excited for this workshop session and think it will be greatly beneficial to all members, from those already in a leadership position to those sisters who are looking to gain a leadership position in the future. We are all leaders in some way, even if we do not have a “title” to show for it. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns (cmlund2@ilstu.edu), I'd be more than happy to chat!

MLITB,

Carrie Lund

The District Presidents at District Leadership Conference,
throwing sigmas, which they had to teach me how to do :)