Just Lame Duck-y

So much has changed for me in the past 7 years.  5 different jobs.  100+ pounds gained and lost.  3 different addresses.  1 walk down the aisle.  Being Band President has been the only constant aspect of my life...and in a few short months, I will be passing the gavel.  I am both excited and frightened.

When I become Band President, I was a 29 year old "know-it-all" who lived a life of extremes (too much fast food, too many Bud Lights, a few too many one night stands).  The only thing I was really serious about was band, which is why I was so willing to devote my life to it.  

By year 2, I was in a job I hated, I was gaining more and more weight, and I was getting drunk every Friday night at Bill's Filling Station.  However, in one December weekend, my life completely changed.  I met John, we went on our first date...and, after 12 years of service, the Band Director resigned.  Yes, this all happened in the course of 48 hours!

In my tenure as Band President, I have experienced a lot of "firsts".  The "first" Artistic Director selection process brought Dan Bassett into my life.  He had the guts to push for real changes and improvements, starting with the band's name.  His vision, leadership, and creativity have catapulted our band in the stratosphere.  The "first" $10,000 grant award from The John Graves Charitable Fund literally opened doors for the band...enabling us to produce two concerts at the Broward Center, purchase all sorts of new equipment, and provide a salary for the Artistic Director.  The "first" LGBA conference in New Orleans which included coordinating the "first" concert in a casino and the "first" marching band in a parade on Bourbon Street since the 1970s.  The Obama Inaugural Parade, performing at Carnegie Hall with the Big Apple Corps, attending the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany...some of the highlights of my life are directly connected to being in the band.  Sure, there have been some tough times; but with every trying experience, valuable lessons were gained.

Next week, I will begin my final Presidential lap with a Strategic Planning Meeting to engage the band members as we chart the course for the next 25 years, followed by the first rehearsal of our 26th concert season.  I will always be a part of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble.  However, my life is no longer about extremes.  I have a husband who has tolerated...and supported my band involvement and somehow found time to love me along the way.  I have begun to pay more attention to my health, losing 80 pounds since January and significantly reducing my alcohol use.  I have finally found a job that seems to "fit" and I look forward to bringing my "A" game to the office everyday.  Without a doubt, I know it is time for me to step down, pass the reigns, and become the biggest advocate for whoever becomes the next President.  Ready...Set...Letting Go!