I thought it would be different

This time around.

I thought it would feel more significant.

But it didn't.

This century reared much sooner than the first

And frenzies dissipated with ease.

I proclaimed it momentous.

And it was.

I proclaimed it triumphant.

And it was.

I proclaimed it mine.

And it was.

But time faded fast.

Like paint on a glyph.

Because now I know the next century

Is a matter 

Of when 

Not if.

The barrage only lasted 32 minutes. By the end of it, five left for home disappointed and one continued with the night - elated.

For a little while.

High fives and congratulations undulated for another 32 minutes. Pats on the back and handshakes were common as well.

I played Tina Turner's "(Simply) The Best" on the jukebox.

I was the poster child for humility. I thought I let myself down for not achieving the feat on Friday, which is I felt determined to reach the final four on Saturday. But I didn't have to.

They all came to me.

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

Or lucky and good.

Or lucky and the best, simply.

My humility is kicking in again.

No. 198 forgot where the Detroit area was on her hand. She turned away and left empty handed. 

No. 199 was the very next in line. Some might say she was warned. Nevertheless, she persisted.

No. 200 was clear as day. She's the former owner of the middle ID.

No. 201 was her best friend.

I made a declaration to the general public. It wasn't Churchill in 1940 or Kennedy in 1962. It wasn't Dr. King in Washington or Jesse Jackson in San Francisco.

It was Jon at the gate. On 5 August 2017.

"I would like to make an announcement!

I, Jon Rzepecki, have just confiscated my 200th and 201st fake ID.

 This ... is a beautiful moment. Not for you two, obviously, but for me.

You can go home now."

Not my finest, but good for the moment.

No. 202 ended the streak.

"Hey man, a bouncer took my buddy's ID. He's right outside the gate."

"Yes. I am aware. I took his ID."

"Oh ... right."

No. 203 was an assist to my confection creator, MoHawk. I might have to change that name for next time.

There will be a next time. Because as they say in James Bond films,

Big Bad Jon will return ...