This was my first time playing live against the symmetrical English.  Didn't go so well. Comments from anyone with experience playing the Botvinnik Variation are especially welcome.

This blunder is the backbreaker...

WIsh I could help you.  I had as much difficulties learning(or not learning) that system as you have. 

I'm no expert but I have learned a few cool things about it.

5.e3 is a significant change to the game. This moves blocks in the dark-squared bishop so now ...Nf6 is a better move than Nge7. (No Bg5 pin) Basically you want to stick the e-pawn all the way to e4 when White manages to play d4.

8...a6 isn't thematic. Black wants to play ...d5 or maybe ...f5. a6 doesn't really help with those ideas. 8...d6 or maybe 8...d5 look like normal moves. The other problem is that after White plays Rb1 you need to play ...a5 to slow it down so you may lose a tempo.

10...Be6 looks better (White can't play Ng5 because his knight is on e2 instead of f3) because it helps you play d5. You are basically shooting for a maroczy bind.

11...Qc7 also does not help you play ...d5.

Thanks Anthony! Those are extremely helpful comments. I really appreciate you taking the time look at the game and post that.