huh.

so part of the sub-fusc uniform here for women is a black ribbon to be tied around the neck.  it looks fairly stupid no matter what you do, so although the general consensus seems to be to tie it in a bow, i find that i look particularly doofy with the thing tied in a bow, so i tie my ribbon as though it were a necktie.  no biggie.

but then i thought, you know, the windsor knot is more symmetrical and classier-looking, so i'ma learn (again; i was taught, once) how to tie a windsor knot instead of this half-windsor i've always been using.

dudes, it turns out i haven't even been tying a half-windsor.  four-in-hand, i've been tying, without my knowledge.  i thought four-in-hand ties were like ascots or something, but no, that's for regular neckties, and it's the only knot i've ever really known.  voila:



go figure.

for the record, the best knot for the velvet ribbon seen here seems to be the genuine half-windsor.  for the smooth ribbon, i'm still working on it. [eta:  four-in-hand wins for the smooth ribbon.  you'll probably all rest easier tonight, knowing that.]

stop, stop, STOP

attention, my phone (including text messaging) and everyone in my building:  stop, stop, STOP, shut UP!  [sticks fingers in ears and cries from frustration and GO AWAY]