Wearing Ties: Day 31!

 It's the last day of my tie wearing campaign.  As sad as that thought is, at least I still have today.  Plus, today is Halloween which is fun.  So this picture is me in my Halloween costume... any guesses as to what I am?

If you guessed mild-mannered reporter, you'd be right!  But wait, is that all I am for Halloween?  Here are some more pictures, as captured by my uber-talented photographer of a wife!

The hat-toss even has mild-mannered suspicion.

Was that danger I heard in the distance?  This looks like a job for...

Superman!!

Up, up, and away!

I had to put my serious face on for at least one heroic Clark Kent picture.

Happy Halloween everybody!

Wearing Ties: Day 30

I'm eating a meatball... er, um an Eyeball.

 So unfortunately we were experiencing some camera battery issues, so this wonderful picture is the only one that we got of me today.  Truthfully, I didn't go anywhere today, so I only wore the tie about as long as the camera worked.

For dinner, we made a Halloween feast!  Sort of.  It's a little something that Tiff and I have dubbed, Earthworms and Eyeballs... with a piece of bread... and a glass of Phantom wine.  Mmmmm... mmm.

Wearing Ties: Day 29

This is me smiling with my mouth closed.

Today's my last day of work with a tie on... or at least where I'm obligated to wear a tie.  This was one of my original ties.  I've never worn it before but I really like it... it's textured.  Two more days to go!

DC United, Here's to Next Year

With Halloween coming up, it is time to reflect on one of the scariest things of all… how bad my local sports team was this past year. DC United’s season is mercifully over. They did not do very well. After breaking several undesirable records (21 goals in 32 games is not good, even by soccer’s low-scoring standards), it is time to officially look to the eternal promise of next year. About the only positive I can take away from this dismal season is that, even with the team at their worst, I am still a fan.

While I’ve always had some interest, I’ve followed the team religiously for just two years now, checking daily updates and frustrating my family and friends with talk of theories and wild speculation of what the team should do. At night, my wife will ask a surprisingly insightful question or two about DC United when she can’t sleep; as she drifts off to sleep, I am left wide awake for hours, with my brain in overdrive processing potential lineup changes or possible stadium locations. For the record, I’d like to see a 4-3-2-1 formation and believe the stadium should be within the District.

While I’ve heard ad nauseum of the once mighty and dominant DC United of yesteryear, these past two years have seen the team fall from “not-the-best” to “arguably-the-worst-in-league-history.” It has been hard to witness, but I haven’t been able to stop watching, painful loss after painful loss. By now, the excitement of taking the lead in a game is tempered by the unmistakable sense that it won’t last long.

Many might be repelled by this disastrous team with seemingly no direction, but as for me, I feel invested. I feel like my faith and support in the team over this low-period will be repaid, ten-fold, come next year. Yep, next year it will all click together.

How Not to Get a Flu Shot

As promised, I have a story from Tuesday, and this is it. Let me begin by saying that Tuesday was a mess. It was a walk-through-spider-webs, blisters-forming-on-my-feet, step-in-dog-pooh type of day. I should have seen it coming pretty early though as, first-thing Tuesday morning, I got my annual flu shot.

Flu shots in the past have been relatively simple. They are always quick and usually harmless. This year, I was encouraged to get the nasal spray, or Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine. I guess if you’re of a certain age and health this is the preferred way, although I’d like to think that my astounding physique and dreamy good looks help in all decisions about me being made. The certain age by the way: 2-49. I’m pretty sure I’m somewhere in there. And the certain health: not sick. That’s pretty much the extent of it.

I however was not looking forward to the spray. The main reason for this is that I’ve never had it and I don’t like change, but if you were to ask me why, I’d probably come up with some answer that conjures up images of a James Dean character standing on the side of an empty road with some forlorn expression. And then I’d sum it all up saying, “John Duffy doesn’t do sprays.”

As I filled out my forms, however, I was instructed to get the spray, and I didn’t argue. It had occurred to me that being dressed in shirt and tie for my month-long tie campaign might make my shoulder tricky to get to, so I was willing to swallow my pride and inhale the Live, Attenuated Influenza Virus.

When I got back to the nurse, though, she asked, “Left or right?” She had a thick accent, and when I said something like, “I’m going right up the middle; give me the spray,” she didn’t seem to understand. “Right? No… left, right?” she continued in broken English and started unbuttoning the cuff of my shirt. At this point, I was just confused and helplessly stood in silence, trying to get out the word, “Spray,” so that she’d understand.

She rolled up my sleeve as best she could and then said “No, not enough,” and pointed to my shoulder. Then she started unbuttoning my shirt. Befuddled I began helping her unbutton my shirt. Then I untucked it thinking that I would have to take off the whole shirt to gain access to the sweet spot, but the nurse quickly slapped my hand away. “No,” she said, “you do tie.”

By this point, three or four people had sat next to me and were quickly poked with the needle and were sent on their way, briefly witnessing this bizarre scene unfold. As I undid my tie, again I was scolded. “No,” and she pulled my shirt back and gave me the shot before I knew what had happened. I had just gotten my tie undone.

Then it was all done. I said thank you and got up to leave, but the kind nurse, said “No.” She started buttoning my shirt up for me. As I insisted that I could button my own shirt, she said in what seemed like frustrated apology, “I get this. You get tie.” I’m not sure what I said, but I am pretty sure it was something like, “I can do both.” I am pretty amazing afterall.

In the end, I buttoned my shirt, tied my tie, and even unbuckled and unbuttoned my pants to tuck in my shirt as I walked through the parking lot to my car. I’m not sure who was more embarrassed by the situation. It was definitely awkward for me, but I got to run and hide afterwards, laughing with my coworkers about it.  I feel bad for her who, I'm going to assume judged me by the impressive tie of white, yellow, and blue snowflakes.

Wearing Ties: Day 28

Whoa!  What is going on with my belly in this picture?  It looks like I need to go on a diet... a diet of bread and wasabi dressing!  Yesterday, after it was clear that I wouldn't have to kill my cat, I had some extra time, so I made some bread.  It is delicious, especially with some wasabi olive oil.  I finally found what puts the hot in hot mustard, because this stuff will clear out your sinuses. 

I got it at the Merrifield Garden Center, along with the Phantom wine that I got a while back.  I just found out that Tiff had entered a drawing, because we won something!  Woo-hoo!  I have to call tomorrow to claim my prize!  ... I wonder what it is...

Wearing Ties: Day 27

It was a warm day, and I needed a book.

I did not go to work today, so I could get away wearing shorts and flip-flops.  I spent the morning at the vet with a cat with a giant bladder.  Things are looking good now though, including me.

Wearing Ties: Day 26

Today's tie deserves a close-up.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Between the yellow, blue, and white large snowflakes, the green background, and the large print JC Penny tag on the back that looks like it's from the early 60's, I'm not sure what my favorite part of this wonderful tie is.  I think it must be the total package. 

I have a story involving this tie, but I think I need to let it percolate a bit before I tell it.  Maybe tomorrow.

Wearing Ties: Day 25

I look kind of silly in this picture.  I look kind of like a munchkin, but it was the best picture of the tie and that's really what this challenge is all about.  So take a close look at the swirling beauty it beholds.  I also wanted to get a picture of the great outdoors.  Today was absolutely beautiful.  The leaves are all sorts of bright colors, so I'm guessing that in 72 hours all the branches will be bare.  Such is life.

If you zoom in close enough to this picture you can see that I have something stuck in my teeth!  How long's that been there!?!

The Great Jack-O-Lantern Debate

I'm going to begin with a tale from last year.  It was an early afternoon on a Saturday in late October.  I had waited until Halloween to buy a pumpkin, and - surprise, surprise - I couldn't find any for sale.  This year, proving that I learn from my mistakes, I bought two pumpkins about a month ago.  This weekend, a full week before Halloween, my wife and I sharpened up our spooky carving knives and channeled our pumpkin creativity.  With two pumpkins to choose from, an unannounced competition ensues.  Here are the two entries:

From left to right: the potential loser and the potential winner.

For purposes of impartiality, I will not say who carved which pumpkin. Let's take a closer look at them, shall we? 

Trick-or-treat.

Our first entry is a larger, classically cut pumpkin lit with a normal flashlight.  It has cleverly designed uneven ovals for eyes and a predictable triangle for a nose.  The familiar grin of the jack-o-lantern makes this pumpkin a fan favorite.

Our second entry is a refreshingly out-of-the-box take on the Halloween tradition.

Knock. Knock. It's Halloween.

This jack-o-lantern noticeably is lit by a green, life-saving LED flashlight that promises over 200 hours of light, well beyond the typical flashlight.  This means it will haunt your doorstep longer.  It's face is hauntingly square.  The creator admits, "when I began I had Frankenstein in mind.  It turned out a bit different but I couldn't be happier." The harsh angles and lack of precision of the finer features hint that this pumpkin was carved with a knife that was much too large for the pumpkin, making the end result all the more impressive.  The pumpkin is dominated by the large tie below the face.  It will surely be the template for future generations of pumpkin carvers.

So which is your favorite? As if I have to ask.

Wearing Ties: Day 24

 Today was an absolutely beautiful day.  My wife and I drove through the Virginia countryside, stopping in Culpeper, Virginia at the MinuteMan MiniMall.  It's pretty cool.  They rent out spaces where you can sell anything you want.  There were a lot of antiques and art and jellies and jams.  There were some cool tin signs and giant globe that I wanted to take home.  I finally learned what a buggy wrench is, and in the picture of me, I found a butter churner.

We went because my mother-in-law rented out a space, that you can see in the picture below.  She's selling mostly stuff that she finds at yard sales, and after just one week, she started making a profit.  At times, it's like a fancy flea market, but it is surprisingly cool... and enormous; Tiff and I got lost in there looking around.

By the way, how's my haircut look?

More YouTube Comments

Yesterday, I got a bit upset about some certain comments made to a certain YouTube video. But the number of views still wows me. My newest video, which I made for my FAQ’s section, is tallying up hits pretty quickly, too:

Within a couple of days, my Holding My Breath video already had about two dozen hits. I was kind of excited about it. Then I got a strange message, not just a comment, that included this request:

I was wondering if you wouldn't mind making a video of you taking in a deep breath and blow up your cheeks as big as you can like a blowfish and try to talk and see how long you can do it for. You don't have to hold your breath just blow up your cheeks as big as you can and try to talk. Or if that's too hard, just make a video of you blowing up your cheeks as big as you can and see how long you could hold it for.

This was indeed a strange request that had me playing with my face for a few minutes. I don’t think it’s possible for me to talk with puffed up cheeks and I don’t have much interest in trying to break any records just puffing out my cheeks, unless…

I’ve heard about people who do really weird things for money. I think it is part of the dark side of the internet. Actually sometimes, like in an episode of the United States of Tara, it’s for items off a wishlist. It would be nice to have a wishlist, especially as Christmas approaches. So, if this takes off, it could be a regular feature, and maybe I could get that coat I’ve had my eye on. So Rabodon, this is for you:

I follow my audience.

UPDATE: Wow... not thirty minutes after posting the video,  Rabodon sent me another message congatulating me on the video.  Among the things he said, "...that's the best one yet..." and "5 stars".  Woo-hoo!

Wearing Ties: Day 23

This is how I spent my Saturday night.  A trip to Super Target.  When the month began, I was very aware of everyone and everything on these little excursions.  Now, even in a ridiculous tie, I don't think twice about it.  It's great.  Anyways, onward with my Saturday night.  In this second picture (yes, it's a two picture night) you can see the tie clearly as I'm carving my pumpkin.

Grapes and leaves.  That's what's on this tie... grapes and leaves.  It inspired me to open a bottle of wine. Today's selection was a Syrah from California called Orleans Hill.  My wife wasn't a huge fan, but I certainly enjoyed it.

As for my jack-o-lantern, I'm thinking the big reveal will be tomorrow.  Tune in next time!

Video Killed The Internet Star

My YouTube videos are cruising along, picking up hits. My Coin Pusher video is now close to 32,000 views; that is more than the entire population of the town I live in. Crazy!

Every now and then, I’ll get a comment, too! Usually this is a tip on how to beat it, or the startling suggestion that the carnival game is somehow rigged(!). Recently, those comments have taken a strange turn. Here’s what P45KAL had to say last month:

Hey cool story bro now go fix them teeth =]

Whoa, low blow, dude! I know, I know, I have large teeth. Like the Big Bad Wolf, however, I carry a certain amount of pride in maintaining these extra large shiny pearls. They are beautifully large. They have personality. And I do not feel the need to “fix them” nor did my dentist growing up. In fact, if anything, I’m hoping to donate them to the Smithsonian Institution upon my passing where they will be on display beside a picture of the lake where I eat lunch often. There will be a plaque that reads, “With these teeth, John Duffy ate lunch often.” And no, P45KAL, if that’s really your name, your sorry excuse for an internet smile does not excuse this unnecessary attack on my dental physique. =]!

Truthfully, I brushed this harsh comment off without much consideration until this week, when Jazzie646 came at me with this:

Maybe you can use that money to fix your teeth!

Egad! Et tu, Jazzie646? My enthusiastic smile of gargantuan proportions will not stand for this! I brush everyday and floss when I’m bored, what more could I possibly do? I hate the dentist as much as anyone, with good reason, as I have explained in the past:

Yes, IHD. But you imply that my teeth have fundamental problems that no dentist alone can fix. Perhaps every nickel and dime I come across should be saved until I can surgically repair my hideous teeth! Then, perhaps, I can rejoin society, show my face again in public, and be ready for my close-up. Only then can I be truly loved by the likes of P45KAL and Jazzie646. Only then can be a true internet star.

Wearing Ties: Day 22

Friday!  Today's tie is Italian crafted by Dona/Dona.  For some reason it was concave bending instead of converse... or something like that.  The outer edges stuck out.  I spent much of the day holding it flat.  It's the first time using the shirt, and I think it looks great.  All-in-all it was a great day, except I ordered the wrong toppings on my pizza.  I got pizza from Domino's.  I had grand visions of befriending the guy taking my order in the first few lines of our conversation and then convincing him to name the order, Man Wearing Ties.  But, the guy was just a nervous kid and the phones were ringing constantly, so I just put it in for John.  Maybe next time.

Next door to Domino's is a dry-cleaner's.  $1.45 per shirt... hmmm.  That may be worth it come November.

Wearing Ties: Day 21

This is one of my favorite ties that I've acquired this month.  It's not silky and shiny and it has a definite 1972 vibe.  I feel like I should be working for NASA with this tie.  Oh, if this tie could talk! 

Wearing Ties: Day Twenty

There were many attempts in the taking of this picture.  None of them were any good.  Today I wore a dark shirt with a light tie.  It felt very strange. 

Wearing Ties: Day 19

I wrote a blog post today that was not about my tie!  Today's tie is blue with pink lines!  Blue!  With Pink Lines!  I got it from my coworker Cindy!  Thanks, Cindy!

Missed Opportun... wait, Line!

Every now and then, it seems life is throwing things at you, and I don’t mean shoes or books. I mean chances and opportunities. Lights appear and bells go off. Windows and doors open, and everything around you is leading you to your next move with neon lights and airport runway attendants. When this happens, you follow the signs and, however slight or grand, your life is changed forever.

And every now and then, the world opens up, the chance is there, and before you know it, it’s gone, just like that. This past Friday was one of those times.

I got to go to a play on Friday put on by the community theater. I have been to a handful of these plays the past few years and they are always fun. This time out, we saw Little Shop of Horrors, which is a goofy musical. It was great.

Friday’s show was the premiere of the whole production season, so the little playhouse was packed full of 200 or so of theater aficionados. Good thing I was wearing my sweater vest!

I hate sitting next to strangers, but as I took my seat before the show, I was startled by the old man beside me, whom I recognized. He was in the last play we attended!, he was the star!, what was the name of that play, he was really good, I remember he had a role on a few episodes of The Wire, what was the name of that play, he was really good, I should say something. My mind raced.

My wife’s aunt sat on my opposite side and leaned forward to address the man. “You were in You Can’t Take It With You, right?” You Can’t Take It With You… that was it! She said something nice and then leaned back in her seat. I was up. This was it. I repeated the praise that I had just heard and then reveled in how cool it was that I was seated right next to him.

As I wondered of all the stories he must have of acting and community theater and his bit for HBO, he was idly staring off into space. It dawned on me that a conversation was ripe for the taking. I cleared my throat and attempted to say something, ask about the next show, how often he’s involved, or maybe just say that I’m looking forward to the show. But before I could say anything, his bag dropped from his lap to the floor.

I muttered and sputtered, asking him if he was okay, and he returned from straightening his bag with a book in his hand, a screenplay really, The Twilight of the Golds, which I know absolutely nothing about. He immediately opened it and began rehearsing silently with sweeping arm movement and frequent line-checking. All this time, I just sat dumbly. I didn’t say a word. I didn’t turn away. I just stared straight ahead and watched the actor act from the corner of my eye.

I’m not sure what would have become from a simple conversation with this man whose name I don’t even know. Maybe it would have led me to acting in the upcoming production, It’s A Wonderful Life, where I would have been discovered by a talent scout looking to cast members in an updated version of the movie. I could finally get the notoriety that I so desperately seek, and maybe I could bump my hit totals up and I could then hire a roving reporter! All from a simple conversation that was laid out before me.

Can't you just see that guy in the picture (no not me - the other guy!) playing the part of the greedy Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life?  I look forward to seeing him!

Wearing Ties: Day 18

What a Monday!  I have to take a picture of our newly-hung swing for the homeowner's association.  I think I might send them this picture.  You probably can't see my tie very well, but it has lions on it.  Royal lions if there is such a thing... the kind of lion that's sitting up with it's tongue out and actually doesn't look much like a lion.  It is the first of the father-in-law collection!  Thanks, Jay!

Wearing Ties: Day 17

I've got on my Sunday best, today!  We went to this crazy large plant store, Merrifield Garden Center, to get one final plant for the front yard to balance it out.  Now, we just need one more and we should be good to go.  It was our first time to this garden center though, and it was really neat.  It looked like they had the indoor section divided up so that different people rent out sections of it.  We bought a bottle of wine, called Phantom, from one such place.  We plan on drinking it closer to Halloween.  The place was also selling hot dogs in the parking lot and offering hay rides around the, paved, grounds.  It was everything I wanted and more from a plant place.

About the tie, which I'm conveniently covering up with our new mum, the majestic paisley pattern camouflages a large coffee stain  right down the middle of it.  I think I got this one from my mom, but I did get another batch of ties from my in-laws yesterday.  I'm going to have more ties by the end of this than I'll know what to do with!  I love it though and I hope they keep coming!  I'm not sure from whom, but... that's beside the point.

Wearing Ties: Day 16

I spent most of the day planting stuff in the yard - and trying to unplant a certain stump - so for the second Saturday in a row, I had to make up a reason to wear a tie.  So I took the wife out for a hot date.  We went to a local diner/sports bar called 55's, which has been my favorite place to eat since we moved to the area.  I had Jeff's Steak-and-Cheese, which in their new menu is described as "A Local Favorite!" and my wife had Katie's Elle Mae Breakfast, complete with the best flapjacks in town.  As you can tell by the picture, it was delicious and made for the perfect date, followed by a trip to the super-Target.

The flapjacks really are the best!

Wearing Ties: Day 15

Today I went to a play, Little Shop of Horrors, all dressed up with tie and sweater vest.  I want to have fun with the tie-wearing campaign, but I'm not trying to make a mockery of the dress code and decorum at my work, so I was a little nervous wearing the vest to work, which I did even though it was jersey day (not that I own any jersies).  Turns out it was really, really comfortable.  It was so comfortable, in fact, that I took the afternoon off and decided not to change out of my shirt and tie and vest.  I'm starting to really like the feeling of being dressed up... for better or for worse.

I do want to write a blog post about it... hopefully in the next couple of days.

Something Sweet in the Rain

It rained today, but I still made my way to the lake for lunch. I like going to the lake when it rains because you can see a difference in the water level after just a morning of rain. The higher water cleans up the place too, it makes it look healthier and more like the pristine recreational lake that it wants to be.

Unfortunately, I had to stay in the car and watch the rain on the windshield blur the autumn leaves. It wasn’t so bad though… how hard can life be when you are enjoying a fantastic Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich? Plus, I’ve added something new to my lunch. Well, I’m not sure if “new” is the appropriate word for something that brings back so many memories.

When I was a kid, my lunch usually included a peanut butter sandwich (no jelly), cheese bits (which I think we’re either Cheez-its, or knock off Cheez-its, but in my head they were “cheese bits”), a bought box of milk (which all too often would go unopened), and some form of Little Debbie.

My Mom, and later my Dad, would only buy one kind at a time, so it was really a crapshoot as to what you were getting from week to week. Star Crunches were typical. They were always good, but somehow a little too crunchy. And crunch isn’t always what you want from your lunch ender. Oatmeal pies were also common, but they were always somewhat of a disappointment. I can picture myself rolling my eyes and swinging my arm in a grandiose “aww, shucks” kind of way upon discovering the light-brown oatmeal pie. Granted, I didn’t have any trouble eating them, but they always lacked a certain something, namely chocolate. That’s why all the good days, back in grade school, always included a Fudge Round.

The Fudge Round might just be the ultimate in lunchtime sweetness. It’s soft and moist, frighteningly close to gooey for such a pre-packaged treat. It’s richly chocolate without being disgustingly sweet. It’s satisfying in its single package, marking the perfect end to the perfect lunch, with just enough to look forward to for the next lunch.

Plus, they are one of the few things that I am never tempted to eat apart from lunch. Even growing up I don’t remember sneaking in and grabbing one, from the bottom cupboard under the microwave. In my head, they are strictly for bagged lunches and nothing else. My wife suggested taking some in the car for a long car ride, and I had to fight my instincts to agree to it.

I’m not sure if the Fudge Round will be a permanent addition to my lunch, but I am definitely going to enjoy them while I have them. Something is telling me to give Oatmeal Pies a second chance though…

Wearing Ties: Day 14

I was instructed to dance for this picture.

Today, I'm wearing a purple tie that a coworker gave me.  It's actually pretty nice.  Tiff suggested wearing a black belt with it, which I didn't think I was supposed to do with khaki, but it was an easy enough switch.

I think I'm definitely having an effect at work.  Today, I overheard a conversation about me (I think) that went something like this:

Person 1: I just want to smack him when I see him wearing a tie.
Person 2: Oh well, waah waah waahh... (I couldn't hear this person too clearly.)
Person 1: Oh no, I mean that in a good way... we should all be dressing like that!

I usually try not to listen in to other people's conversations, but my ears pricked up when I heard mention of my tie, and I'm glad I did.  Because we should all be dressing like this.

The painting on the wall behind me is my wife's.  She sells art.  The picture on the other side is seven and a half years old... before we had a digital camera and could take unlimited pictures....

Wearing Ties: Day 13

Here I am enjoying a seasonal beverage after a long day at work.  There must be a cold front coming through as I was inclined to put on my elbow-padded corduroy jacket after work.  That book I'm reading, it's Challenging Essays in Modern Thought published in 1928.  It is awesome.  I just got it from the library book sale along with a whole bag full of similar gems all for $2.  I have to read them all though before the next book sale at the library on November 5th!  Which means, I've got some readin' to do.

Today was a pretty big day in my month-long tie campaign.  While I did not wear my way-cool jacket to work, which would take some major cahones, I did receive not one but two gifts of ties today!  It was a glorious days and while some ties were goofy, there are many, many winners to choose from.  It is very exciting!

Wearing Ties: Day 12

I made this one big, just to see if I like it.  I'm not talking on the phone in this pictured  It's only staged... to make me look like the important person that I am.  This is what our new kitchen, or well, dining room looks like.

Check out the ads by the way... they should all be tie related.  I hope to become THE tie destination.

Wearing Ties: Day 11

I had the day off today, so there was no need to get dressed up.  I took this picture of myself in the mirror right after a trip to the grocery store.  Most strangers, unfortunately, don't think twice about seeing someone wearing a tie.  Kids are the exception; they look at you differently.  I thought that it was something akin to respect, but today I began to suspect that they are just seeing an age gap that they don't understand and has nothing to do with respect.

Wearing Ties: Day Ten

Today being Sunday, I thought I would just relax in my study by the fire.

Wearing Ties: Day Nine

Here I am at Sears with my gift of myrrh.  October 9th and the Christmas trees are twinkling!  I don't even know what I'm going to be for Halloween yet.  Heck, it's Columbus Day weekend... shouldn't I be busy honoring Christopher Columbus?

I decided to take this picture because it shows I got out and about wearing the tie, whereas all these pictures just show me wearing a tie in front of my newly painted dining room wall.

Wearing Ties: Day 8

Another not so great picture of me, as I think the camera focused on the cat, but I think it's the first time our cat's daily leg-scratch for a greeting has been captured by cameras.  Today's tie is god-awfully ugly.  People at work were clearly unsure what to say about it.  It was also the first tie all month that I've had difficulty tying.  It took me almost ten minutes just to figure out how to get the knot to look right!

The shirt though is the real story.  It might look super fancy, and in truth it probably once was.  But, along with the passenger seat in my car, it was victim to the Great Meatball Debacle of 2009 and still carries scars on the left cuff.  The Great Meatball Debacle of 2009 is similar only to the Great Coffee Fiasco of 2003 in terms of damage inflicted.  Both have taken quite some time to get over.

Wearing Ties: Day 7

Eventually I'll write a real post.  Today though, the shirt trumped the tie.  This has got to be the most comfortable shirt I own, minus the occasional choking sensation.  In news, I had to do some work in the sun with my tie on.  Yep, I put some extra air in my tires.  It was time.

Wearing Ties: Day 6

This isn't the greatest of pictures of me, but I think it captures the essence of the tie.  Yep, it's covered in sunflowers!

Wearing Ties: Day 5

Today, I went back to work after taking yesterday off for traveling.  It looks like I need to learn to straighten my tie and maybe comb my hair, and wind up the hose.

Wearing Ties: Day 4

Perhaps this is cheating a bit as this is from the early hours of Monday morning after a grand time was had by all at the wedding reception.  Officially taken on Monday though.  Plus, I could not have imagined wearing a tie on the day after this.

Wearing Ties: Day 3

This is me rocking the suspenders for the first time ever.  I wanted to look my best for a friend's wedding.  Mission accomplished on that.

Wearing Ties: Day 2



Road tripping with a tie on.  I believe this picture was taken near the Delaware Memorial Bridge.  I wore my wrinkliest tie-worthy shirt for this long day in the car.

I'm Wearing Ties

Today, I decided to wear a tie to work.

In the two-plus years, I’ve been with my current job, I’ve never worn a tie to work, and I’ve only seen one other person ever wear a tie, and he’s an important person who attends important meetings. I’m not so much either of those things and almost everyone assumed that I would be leaving work early to go to a job interview or a funeral… it was my own little litmus test of sorts, are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Truthfully, I’ve decided to wear a tie everyday for a month. When I started telling my coworkers this, they didn’t believe me (and thought it a little strange). A few reached the conclusion that I’ve been reading leadership books instructing me to dress for the position and respect that I desire. That sounded pretty good, so I almost ran with it as soon as they said it. But that's not the truth.  It would be neat though to see if I’m treated any differently while I’m wearing a tie and if over the course of the month, I start to act differently. On day one, for instance, right out of the gates I felt more assertive and had no trouble expressing my opinions.

Unfortunately, my reason is simply that I just felt like wearing a tie.

It sounds a bit like my old monthly sacrifices, but those have become passé and have fallen to the wayside. I’m having enough trouble just posting for this blog! I hope to include a new picture of myself, with a tie, everyday for a month right here on the Muted Guerrilla, so be sure to check me out! We’ll see how I do.

After making the decision last night that I would go forward with this challenge though, I went to my closet to inspect my many ties. For someone who never wears ties, I have acquired quite the collection. But, the wrench in my plans, if you take out all the ties that have cartoon characters on them and the ones with Santa Claus and his ilk on them, it suddenly becomes a much less impressive number. I may need to stock up on some run-of-the-mill ties.

I mention my tie dilemma in hopes of getting a package from home, or anywhere else I suppose, but I predict the true problem that I’ll run into is with the shirts as I only own a handful of tie-worthy shirts. And while I don’t mind ties from second-hand stores, dress shirts are more often misses than hits. I may end up having to spend a bit of money if this is going to be a success.