Last week, I wore a tie for the first time in roughly three years. Here's the last known picture of me wearing a tie before last week. The photo was taken at a "morale event" that I had organized for my fellow teammates back when I was working for a software company based in Redmond. That was, as I mentioned above, three years ago.

This event (the one three years ago) was at the most posh restaurant (or one of the most posh, at least) in Seattle that encourages its patrons to wear ties. In Seattle, everything is very laid back. In Boston or New York, the equivalent restaurant would not only require you to wear a tie to enter, they would require you to wear a tie just to phone in the reservation. And, if you weren't wearing a tie when you phoned in the reservation, they'd provide one for you to wear before they'd even let you state your desired time and size of party.

But in Seattle, the swankiest of the swank (this fine establishment is the el Gaucho, by the way) encourage you to wear a tie. A small group of friends and I had gotten into the habit of frequenting this establishment on a regular basis (twice a year or so) as a means of celebrating and cherishing the quality of life that we aspire to. Alas, life has been very good to me -- which is by way of saying that I've been well fed these past few years, and not to say that I'm any wealthier now than at any point since I graduated from college -- and I've put on a few pounds. Well, more than a few. The next time that I went to dine at el Gaucho, I couldn't fit into my suit. So, I ditched the suit and tie, wore a nice (and newer) shirt and a comfortable pair of khakis, and I've never worn a tie to the Gouch, or on job interviews, or anywhere else, ever since.

Where was I?

Oh, yes.

You will note in this photo that I wasn't tie-friendly, even three years ago. Those who knew me in the early nineties will recognize that very tie: I'd bought it shortly after I'd finished college so as to have it for a wedding (my sister's, I think). I figure I got about eight years of use out of that tie. Heck, as ties go, I still like the pattern, even though I'm sure it's way too skinny a tie for today's standards.

But it's a tie, and therefore to be hated, accordingly. It's uncomfortable, and a symbol of 'selling out'. I'm not opposed to selling out, I'm just holding out for a better price. As soon as the price is right, I'll be glad to wear the busineman's symbol of the ball and chain. But, well, my price is higher than anyone's been willing to pay. That's why I've spent so much time in the software industry; the pay is generally decent, and the standard uniform is t-shirt and jeans.

Nonetheless, despite my dislike of wearing ties and my ever expanding size, I finally had to break down last week and buy some new clothes that fit me... including a tie. I was preparing for a few upcoming events in which I will be facing audiences (see my previous entry on seminars :-), and I wanted to look nice. I wanted to look a little more... stylin'.

Since I had a business function to attend last week, I decided to use that as a testing ground for my new look. As you can see in the photo, I still don't wear ties terribly well. I guess I'm just not destined to be a master of fashion.

[sigh].