the magic number

Sure, when I'm old (like 30), I might look back at this day with a mixture of nostalgia and jealousy, but for the time being my personal triumph knows no bounds. After months (and perhaps years, depending on your metrics) of stuffing myself with food, working out, drinking protein shakes, and in general being all that I could be, I have finally reached my goal weight of 160 pounds*

* ... although I must admit that tipping the scales required me to eat a giant lunch, drink about a gallon of water, and forgo a haircut.

So what's so special about this number, 160? Well, back in sophomore or junior year, my friend and I had a little bet - who would reach 160 first. Any bookie would put the odds on me, since I was 156 lbs at the time - and my friend was around 180. Sure enough, he shed the weight like a burning shirt, and I was stuck at 156... for about five years.

Not any more, ha!