Moving Forward

The past week has created many different memories, some sad, some fun and some disappointing. I have waited to write because I needed to let the reality of election day sink in. As I previously wrote, Senator Obama's win was no surprise to me. I thought it would be uncharacteristically difficult for anyone to win as the republican nominee in this election, especially a moderate like John McCain. I will admit that the evening of the election, I cried for our country. I do not know what an Obama administration holds, so I am just hoping that I am wrong about him.

One election result that I was pleased with was that of Mitch McConnell. He has served the state of Kentucky with dignity and grace for several years and has truly represented the conservative values that are strong in my homestate. I was worried that he would lose his seat, but thankfully, he won with no problems.

The unfortunate fallout of McCain's loss has been the lack of grace of those who worked for him. Stories began coming out about Sarah Palin before the election was even lost. Anonymous sources trying to save their political futures began telling reporters ridiculous stories about the VP nominee in hopes that the old gradeschool logic would win out..."if I can make someone else look bad, I will then look better." It is childish and a complete disgrace to the Republican party. Things Palin said while on the campaign trail were used against her...that she didn't know Africa was a continent...stuff like that. The truth it, candidates all make mistakes when speaking on the trail. Biden didn't know who was President during the Great Depression or that there weren't really televisions yet. Barack Obama said they had been to 47 states and were going on to 11 more. Does anyone really believe that Obama thinks there at 58 states? of course not.

I think the best thing that could happen is for the Republican party to stop looking back and begin to move forward from this point. If Palin is interested in becoming a serious contender for president in 2012, she needs to go back to Alaska, do her job there, and spend the next two years reading everything she can. If she does this, she may be able to add the knowledge necessary to the already charismatic personality she has and be a real leader in this party. But I don't think she is there yet.

But enough about politics. Last Saturday Kevin and I hosted a bonfire at the Hurley's house in Xenia. We played football, cooked hotdogs and made smores. The weather was absolutely perfect - not too cold but cold enough to enjoy the fire - and we had a nice turnout of people. I was especially excited that Marium came, because I hadn't seen her in so long. Below are some pictures from the bonfire and the football game.

The other interesting news of the week is that I am officially finished at the Playhouse. Nine weeks after giving my notice, I have finally finished my time there and am 100% at the Human Race. Yesterday was my last day there, and it was bittersweet for sure. During my time there I have grown to love many of the other employees and creating some really great friendships. As I was cleaning out my desk and thinking back on my time there, I began to wonder if I made the right decision. I think that is the hardest part -- making a decision and then trying to stick to it. I think time will tell.

What I believe I will miss most is Sydney, Ryan and Mandy. Sydney has been like a mentor to me since I was in school at CCM. Not only has she set forth a wonderful example to me professionally, but she has always been there for me on a personal level as well. Her and Russ are one of those couples that I respect and admire, and hope to be similar to some day. I will miss Mandy dropping by my office to talk about the latest episode of the office, tell me stories about what is happening during production, or just to laugh with and lighten my day.

And then there's Ryan. Though we've only worked together for a little more than a year, I have become deeply appreciative of our friendship. He is one of those people who I know I can depend on, but who also challenges me to look at things from a different prospective. While me might not agree on all issues, I always felt that I could learn something through our conversations, whether it be about politics, religion or a specific social issue. I will miss our lunches at Bruegger's and our conversations.

So, even though I have already worked six weeks at the Human Race, I feel like I am just now taking that next step. What will happen during my time there? Time will tell. I'll keep you posted on how it is going...

The boys getting ready to play football. Lesley and I played, but not that well...

Kevin and I enjoying the fire. Trying not to fall in...

Lesley and Rocky Leisman...fast becoming two of my most favorite people.

Impending Doom

With only two days until the election, I feel that I need to speak my piece and then let it go. With the polls showing this weekend that John McCain is still trailing anywhere from 2-10 points, I truly do not know what to expect. However, I am expecting the worst.


I think it is truly possible that the most liberal, least experienced presidential candidate in history will become the 44th President of the United States. This possibility gives me a completely different shiver up my leg then the ones creeping up the legs of "reporters" over at MSNBC. I think it is unfortunate that our country has come to this point - so interested in teaching George W. Bush a lesson that it would prefer to put someone in the highest position possible that has only been in charge of one thing throughout his career, his presidential campaign.

Now I will not argue that Obama has not run a good campaign, because he certainly has. He has stayed on message, given extraoridary speeches, and he has "brought people together." I in no way wish to diminish what Obama has accomplished because I truly hope that his presidential bid, win or lose, will discontinue the conversation of race in this country. I hope that in 2012 we see many more diverse candidates and that it won't be considered historic, just the norm.

Here is what I expect from an Obama Presidency (and I truly hope I'm wrong):

1. His economic plans laid out during the election will become a distant memory quickly. As he becomes more informed of the economic status of this country, he will forget about lowering taxes for anyone and revert back to his liberal ways, which is raising taxes. Just like when he ran for the Senate on the basis of lowered taxes, those who voted for him to become a Senator are still wait to see a decrease in their taxes. He has never ONCE voted for lower taxes. Why anyone expects something different if he becomes President, I may never understand.

2. He will pull out of Iraq whether the war is won or not. Whether or not you think we should have gone into Iraq in the first place, we are there now. While McCain would be committed to finishing what we started, I think Obama will pull troops whether the war is won or not. The irony of the Iraq war is that the surge that McCain supported turned the tide in Iraq, making it a non-issue for the 2008 election. Because of McCain's wisdom, he managed to take the issue off the table that he has the most experience in - national security.

3. Universal Health Care will be implemented and throw this country into further debt. While Obama has campaigned that he will balance the budget, he will be much more interested in pushing through programs that are important to him while he has tne majority in the House and Senate. The additional $1 Trillion dollars in new spending he proposes will not be made up by the tax increases on the wealthy. This will mean more tax hikes for households with a lower income, and yes, that means those making less than $250,000 a year.

What will be good about an Obama presidency?

1. Obama will crack the ceiling for diverse political candidates and will hopefully take race off the table once and for all. If Obama is elected, I will feel proud that America has finally instituted a little colorblindness when it comes to our leadership.

2. The Republican Party will be forced, either way, to reorganize and strengthen. In 1992 Republicans decided that they had turned away from their core values and made a promise to the American public. in 1994, they went on to become the majority in the Senate once again and were successful until 2004, when they became cocky, turned against the public they were serving and began to overspend in every area. I believe that just like in 1992, the Republican party will reorganize and get back to basics. Back to responsible politics with conservative values and fiscal responsibility. I, as a Republican, am ready to be proud of my party again and I hope that this happens.

3. Maybe the arts will become a real priority in the White House. If Obama follows through with one thing, this is the one I hope he pulls through on.

4. With all of the hype and celebrity-like following, there is little chance that Obama will live up to the hype. As a liberal politician, he will show his true colors, lean more and more to the left, and make a 2012 republican presidency win more and more of a reality. Conservatives and those in the middle will realize that Obama is not who he said he was, that he does not relate to the everyday person, and that he promised a lot to become president that he did not deliver.

I have been a bad mood all day, and I think a lot of it is because I am worried about this election. I am worried about an Obama presidency and what the next four years will look like. However, Kevin made an interesting point today. He said that in 2000 and again in 2004, he noticed what sore losers the democrats were. In fact, I just read a NYTimes article today that characterized the last two elections as being STOLEN. It has been 8 years and they still can't let it go. So Kevin said that he is determined to not be a sore loser if Obama wins, and I agree. I will not pout, I will not throw a tantrum, and I will not wear black on Wednesday. What will be will be. And who knows, maybe we're all in for a surprise....but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Formally vs. Formerly

As was made apparent to me by my brother-in-law this evening, I am a little L.D. When I set up this blog, it took me so long to come up with a name, that when I finally decided on one, I botched it. How, you might ask? Where I meant to write formerly, I wrote formally...

Now, how I have looked at this blog several times in the past three months and not noticed this, I may never know. And yes, I do know the difference and definitions of the two words in question. From this point forward, my blog is actually www.formerlybratcher.blogspot.com. (as it was always meant to be).

So, for those of you who continue to be my friend, even though I am sometimes a little stupid, I applaud you.

For those of you that cannot handle this level of stupidity, well, nice knowing you I guess.

Turandot! Turandot!

Below are some pics from my recent Dayton Opera debut in Turandot. While I really enjoyed the music and some of the other chorus members, I was thrilled about the 17 rehearsals. Overall, a good experience, but possibly one I won't be rushing to do again any time soon :)

Stefanie and I getting ready. Pincurls totally rock!

Stefanie and I are, um, close. :)

Stefanie and Jenni putting on the hideous makeup we were required to wear...they were Ping, Pang and Pong's assistants, which is why they got cute black pajamas and I got Goodwill rags. Just wait. you will see the difference...

The servants and the "populi" or common person. I was lucky they would even hang out with me....oh, and the masks -- we had to wear those for Act I and most of Act II. Not great for seeing, but watching the conductor isn't important, right?

Some of the ladies and James (the ladies man of the opera chorus). As you can see by my makeup that this role required me to be even whiter than I normally am. First time this has EVER happened. oh...and this showcases the rags I was telling you about. Below is another group shot with chorus members.

Work and Politics

Sorry that is has been so long since I updated the blog...life has been a little crazy. I have been juggling my new job at HRTC, the job I am trying to leave at Playhouse, and a chorus role in Dayton Opera's opening production of Turandot...I have been BUSY. So, let me try to catch you up:

HRTC: I am about to begin my fourth week, and the time is absolutely flying by. So far I have been learning the database, fulfilling donor benefits and getting to know the board members. While none of this has been particularly riveting, I am enjoying my time there so far. I have been given the opportunity to write two letters, and they both were approved with no changes...NO CHANGES! What a difference that can make to my work and dedication!

I also got to attend my first opening of the season, which was the two-person show, Ears on a Beatle. The performance was very interesting and I really enjoyed the two actors that were involved. This show also gave me the opportunity to take Kevin to work and introduce him to some of my co-workers. He is so excited about my new job and the opportunities I have there, and he enjoyed being with me at the theatre.

Playhouse: This past week I finally set an end date of Nov. 13th. Sydney and Patty are beginning their second interviews with a few prospective candidates and hope to have a decision by the end of the week. While it has been six weeks since I gave my notice, the actual act of setting my end date this week sent me into another panic. When I originally decided to take the job at HRTC, I was nervous that I was making the wrong decision. However, by keeping my job at Playhouse while I start my new one, I kind of had it in the back of my mind that I could always decide to stay at Playhouse and not continue at HRTC...this has ceased to be an option. The good news is, I think that I have definitely made the right choice. I will miss Sydney, Ryan, Patty, Kathy and others at the Playhouse, but the experience I will get at HRTC will help me as I continue to grow as a fundraiser. Still, I think I will be sad when my time at the Playhouse is over.

Other than work, I have been OBSESSED with politics. With the election only nine days away, I am constantly wondering who our next president will be, and what that will mean for the country. I have decided to stop looking at polls, because they all have such different results. While they all show Obama leading, some have him ahead by 14 points while others have him just 1-2 points ahead. What does this mean? I simply think that no one really knows what will happen. I'm just trying to imagine an Obama presidency...it doesn't look good my friends. At least not to me.

Coming out...as a Republican

This was the first week of my new job, at the theatre I will now be referring to as HRTC (if you want to know what it stands for, check the previous blog entry). Why am I abbreviating? Let me tell you about my first day...


When I arrived on Monday morning, I was greeted by the development director, K. After about 15 minutes of getting situated, we had the following conversation:


K: so I thought I should let you know that the HRTC has a marketing service, that every time we are mentioned online this service flags it for us and alerts our marketing director. So your mention of HRTC on your blog flagged it for us.

Me: Oh...is it ok that I mentioned HRTC on my blog?

K: Oh, yes of course, it is fine. (long pause). We were just suprised that you're not an Obama supporter.

Me: Oh...um...yeah. (longer pause). I hope I didn't say anything that offended any one.

K: Oh no. we were just REALLY suprised.

Me: (Awkward laugh). yeah...I guess I'm kind of an outlier...a young person that works in the arts and is a republican. not a lot of us out there I guess.

K: yeah, not really.

I then proceeded to try and remember what I had written on here for over an hour...Luckily, I am not the type to write extremely hateful or over-the-line things on my blog. Otherwise, I may have really been in trouble. My concern is that the staff will not have the opportunity to get to know me for me...I hope that our difference in political beliefs does not stop the staff from getting to know the other interesting things about me. Time shall tell...and I guess if any of the HRTC staff is reading this, I hope we will get to know each other beyond our political affiliations. There is so much more to life, isn't there?


Other then that slightly awkward 10 minutes, the rest of my first week was great. I am sharing a desk with the part-time financial manager that is in the executive directors office. I thought it might be a little weird, but it's actually nice. He has his own mini fridge and microwave right there in the office, and they are remarkably clean, which makes it easier for me to bring my lunch. Plus it is quiet in there and I have instant access to the E.D. should I need it. Can't complain. On Tuesday I am going with K to meet some of the corporate clients...I am excited about this and am already stressing about what to wear. I would guess that my look-a-like Palin glasses are out. hahaha. Just kidding...I don't have those. yet.

Monday Monday

The day is almost here...on Monday I begin my new job at the Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton. I am nervous and excited about this transition. It will be interesting to see what exactly my responsibilities are going to be and what the office atmosphere is like.

October is actually shaping up to be quite a busy month. I am in rehearsals right now for Dayton Opera's opening production of Turandot. I am singing with the chorus, which marks my first production in over four years. The music is finally starting to come along, however, the memorization is a whole other story. This Puccini opera has a large chorus role, and since I haven't memorized Italian in a long time, it is really some work. We have also begun staging rehearsals which typically consist of a lot of standing around. There are around 30 chorus members plus supers and the children's chorus, so it takes a long time to get anything staged. My shining moment will be at the beginning of act I when a guard throws me to the ground and hits me with his spear...."Look mom, I'm in an opera!" :) Turandot opens three weeks from Saturday, so I will keep you posted on how it's going.

October will also be busy because while I'm beginning my new job, I haven't exactly left my current one. I gave my notice at Playhouse but also offered to work there part-time until they are able to replace me. Because of the small size of the development department I didn't feel right leaving them down one man (or woman, as the case may be) in the middle of the season, but now I am regretting all of my commitments. Basically, I will go from working part-time with very little evening activities to working two part-time jobs and having 4-5 evening rehearsals a week.

So, to get ready for the busy month ahead, I have taken some vacation time for the remainder of the week. I am heading to Indy tomorrow for a short visit with Lauren. Friday evening and Saturday afternoon I have opera rehearsal and then will be heading to a baby shower for one of our Air Force friends. Sunday will be church and celebrating Mark's birthday...my "vacation" time will be a little hectic, but a much needed break from the office.

The only other exciting thing happening is that I got my blackberry in the mail today. I decided to get it because I wanted the full keyboard for texting, but there are many other fun gadgets associated with this phone that I had fun figuring out today. Once I get the pink cover I ordered for it, I should be set.

Final thought. The time to register to vote is running out. If you're not sure if you're registered, there are many websites where you can check this out. If you've moved since the last time you voted or you've never registered, please do. This is an important election and every vote counts, so take care of business.