Top Ten Continued...9-5

I know you have been waiting to hear the rest of my top ten things of 2013! Due to the excitement of Christmas, I am going to combine 9-5.

9. We added a few pets to our family!

 I know many of you are seriously thinking how can some silly chickens be part of your top ten list of 2013? We love our chickens!  We love having fresh eggs!  I really like that it is another aspect of showing Anna Kate every day responsibility, she enjoys going out and picking up the eggs, refilling their water and food, and swinging on their swing!

8. Samuel Evans Trial is over!  On June 21, 2012 I was assaulted in downtown Athens in broad daylight (9am). On August 30, 2013 he was sentenced to 31 years, 16 years to be served in jail and 15 years probation.  Below is the list of charges and how he was convicted:

1. Entering Auto - no verdict, they could not agree on this
2. Aggravated Assault - not guilty but found him guilty on battery - misdemeanor
3. Aggravated Assault with intent to rob - guilty - felony
4. Robbery by force - guilty - felony
5. Theft of a firearm - guilty - misdemeanor
6. Obstruction of an officer - guilty - felony
7. Possession of a firearm while committing a crime - 3 counts - not guilty on all counts
8. Possession of firearm by convicted felon - 6 counts - not guilty on all counts

I put this late on the list because while it was very important to me to have closure in this situation and I wanted Evans to pay for his crimes, I do not want this event to continue to dominate my life.  I feel that I have made huge steps forward.  I have forgiven him.  What he did was wrong, he is responsible for what he did but I forgive him. 

My advice to others?  Get off your phone and pay attention to your surroundings!

7. 13.1 miles.

In January of 2013, I could not run one mile without stopping.  I decided in March to run a 5K with Reychel in June and started a Couch to 5K app on my phone.  I even kept up my running on our cruise!  Then I started going to 5am Bootcamp and got faster and stronger!  I signed up for the Athhalf in October the week after the 5K and started training with several friends.  It took me 3:00:46 to finish but I finished and I wasn't dead last!  I am proud to say I did not stop running until after mile 10. I finished the race running the downhills and walking the uphills.  I signed up for another half marathon and my goal is to run the whole way.

6. Down 40 lbs!

In January I joined Weight Watchers and lost 40 pounds this year!  I got down to 40 before the half marathon and to be honest, since then I have not been as diligent with tracking my food.  I have made it through Christmas and all the sweets are leaving my house tomorrow!  I still have a long way to go but I feel a million times better!  I really can't wait to see how much better I will feel when I get another 30 lbs off!

5. Anna Kate turned two!

I really can't believe how big she is! We had a smaller birthday party this year but we had a great time!