Going through and getting rid of shirts was tough. I spent a ton of money on those big-boy polos and sweaters. And it felt like I was throwing away memories by giving up multi-XL T-shirts from places I've traveled to — from Memphis (mmm, ribs!) to Jackson Hole (mmm, moose!).

I'll just have to make new memories — with less material.

I did keep my biggest shirt, a massive 4XL Hawaiian button-up that was just wide enough for my load but had to be tailored up so I wouldn't trip on the bottom if not tucked in.

Don't tell my wife, but I also kept a 3XL "One Pound Challenge" shirt. I won it at Fuddruckers during my bachelor party for eating more food in one sitting than I have in the past three months combined, including those two separate Turkey Days last week.

It's kind of a reminder of my larger, pigging-out lifestyle. Plus, you don't want somebody walking out of the D.I.'s newly stocked big-and-tall section with a shirt they didn't earn.

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com