Week 4: Halfway done, with "Before & After" pics!

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                                                                                      The Weekly Update:

Current $/lbs = $53

Current Weight = 141.3

Total Weight Lost = 11.7 lbs.
Money Raised = $620!

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Puck would celebrate my progress, having successfully reached the halfway point for "Skinny for Kitties," only he hates my friggin' guts for making him wear this hat.  That's alright.  

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That's what cats are for, right?  

Lovable torment.

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        Well, readers... today marks the end of Week Four.  That means I'm exactly halfway done with my dieting-for-the-sake-of-kitties-marathon.  My goal was to lose 20 lbs throughout this experience, and I'm currently outpacing that by just a shade.  Yessss!  But, the bad news (and the great news, actually) is that I'll be going to Portland, OR this week.  Noooo!  I mean, YESSSSS!   

       Naturally, I'm thrilled about a vacation.  I love Portland, I love my sister-in-law and her hubby (who we'll be staying with), and I'm super excited to meet my new little nephew.  But eating out, or even away from our all-too-familiar food scale and "go-to" healthy food options, can make dieting difficult.  My plan is to walk a lot and very carefully monitor my portion sizes.  I will, of course, enjoy myself... and I may even have a Voo-Doo Donut, but I refuse to fall of the wagon at this stage in the game.

        Here's a pic of Portland, with Mt. Hood in the background.  Seriously, if you've never been... it's awesome.  Great restaurants, vibrant art community, beautiful gardens, the best book store EVER, a wonderful Farmer's Market, gorgeous (though rainy) weather, and friendly people.  True, there's a lot of homeless, begging people.  But, you know, every city has some problems, right?  And the Voo-Doo donuts and Thai food on every corner make up for it.

        Anyway!  My success this week can really be attributed to all the previously discussed factors (read the other blog posts, if you haven't) plus one addition......

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Dr. Pepper, How I Love Thee...

       A very large amount of Diet Dr. Pepper consumption.  Yes, I know... I know.  Soda is bad for me.  I know that.  But me and DP go way back, okay?  We're long time buddies.  And if it's the difference between me  reaching for a sweet, cold ice cream treat... and a sweet, ice-cold, calorie-free Dr. Pepper... the DP should win.  It kills my sweet-tooth craving, gives me a bit of caffeine (which dulls my hunger and provides a boost of energy), and... well, I just love the stuff.  Combine that with Trader Joe's "Reduced Fat Cheese Puffs" and a video game, and suddenly I'm back in High School.  AND I'm not breaking the diet.  Win win!

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Before & After, in Progress!

       I think it's only fitting to post a "Before & After" shot, being that we're halfway through with this whole experience.  That way, you can see the progress for yourself and know that I'm not lying or anything.  But, really.  I'm not lying.  I mean, why would I lie?  Even if it was for charity.  Really!  REALLY!  Okay, fine.  Here, see for yourself:

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BEFORE:

This is a picture of me from almost a year ago (and from our last trip to Portland, in fact).  My total weight-lost journey has lasted about three years so far.  So, in this shot, I've lost some weight already.  But, we'll use it as a relatively accurate body shot of me before the "Skinny for Kitties" extravaganza.  Here, I'm wearing a large T-shirt and size 16 jeans (that are a bit too big for me).  I'm also yelling, "I love the ocean!"

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AFTER (Halfway):

This picture was taken today, just outside our apartment in St. Paul.  Here, I'm wearing a medium T-shirt and a size 12 jeans, which are... *gasp* a little bit big on me.  My husband and I went shopping this week (even though I committed to not buying any new clothes until this event is over, regardless of how saggy or frumpy I'll look) just to see where I stand in terms of sizing.  The size 10 jeans I tried on were just a touch too tight for my comfort level, but they fit.  I was shocked.  And thrilled!  I haven't seen a size 10 on me for almost... well, 10 years.  Kind of fitting, no?

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Also, that's a new haircut.  I probably lost a pound of hair... but, hey!  A pound is a pound, right?

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Interested parties can email their donation pledges to skinnyforkitties@gmail.com.

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