And the winner is...

This post will be akin to a runner's post.   So if you've ever read a runner's post....   Stop now.   Turn off the computer and walk away.  seriously.

I just completed my second Diet Bet.    And I won.  again.     It's not a huge feat... but I feel like I've accomplished something.   I'm not sure why the 'bet' has become my motivator.    It's just enough pressure to keep me motivated.

The amount of weight to lose for the duration of a Diet Bet game isn't much.  4% of your body weight.  
This month, I kind of slacked off... thinking, "I've got more time.  I'll lose those last pounds before the end of the game."   I was too casual about it, I suppose.

As time grew close, I had one pound to lose.  
The day prior to the official weigh in  (which is documented by photos posted to the site)  my thoughts were almost obsessive about whether I would win the weigh in.  
There is a 48 hour window for final weigh ins.... so I knew I had an extra day if things didn't go as planned.

Monday morning, I got on the scale and hit my goal weight for the month!!  Yay!  I was beyond thrilled.  I immediately knew that I'd celebrate with a trip to Bojangles for lunch.
I got off the scale and reached for my camera for the picture proof.  And when I stood back on the scale... I was one pound heavier!  what?!
holy crap!   no way!   I needed that picture!!
I used the bathroom again!, I moved the scale across the room!  Various numbers appeared on the scale... but not THE number I needed! And why the variation?!  I panicked for about 20 minutes, with no luck of having the magic number show up again.
Total defeat.

My only chance at winning would be Tuesday morning.  The pressure was immense.
I did all the right things on monday.  I ate well.  I walked and yoga-ed as usual.  I discussed with friends.  I obssesed.   I pondered that perhaps my scale batteries were dying.   But... no... the scale says "LO" when the batteries are low.

Monday night, I thought I'd get the scale out again and see if the numbers varied depending on the slope of the floor, or where I postioned it in the room.   Totally logical, right ?

9:45pm, the night before my final weigh in..... the scale reads "LO".
9:50 pm I peel into Walgreens holding a tiny circular battery.  Panic in my eyes, "Do you have little batteries like this?!"
I must have looked like an addict looking for a fix.     And the cashier saved my night.

6:15 Tuesday morning..... I weighed in .5 pounds under the designated goal.    My phone was in hand and I had photo proof.
I WON!!

Now.  Let's put things into perspective:

A one month Diet Bet.
2 days of complete crazy.  (my friends would think this is a low estimate)
I paid $30 into the cash pot.
My portion of the winnings..... $41.24.
My actual profit....$11.24.

Haha.   Total freak out over $11.

Obviously, It's not at all about the money.
It's ALL about the weight loss, the challenge, the accountability, and the success.
I still have a long way to go.   Ideally 40-45 pounds to go.

I'm starting a new Diet Bet on February 10th.  (wanna join me?)
In the meantime.... I'm planning a trip to Steak and Shake tomorrow.   Bring it.