32-34-36

My memories of a 32-inch waist are based entirely on how I felt after the great jump to 34, so great that for years after I’d still look first for the rare 33-inch jeans that Levi-Strauss seemed to be making just for me, until even they finally figured out I was a firm 34. The transition to 36 was more gradual, but no less traumatic, although I still can take some solace in the 36-inch pants that gather around my waist when I tighten my belt, and the odd pair of gloriously mislabelled shorts I find in the bargain bin.

Read the exciting conclusion here. Photo from jerryonlife on Flickr.