Let the new year begin!

I am excited for what the new year has to bring, as cliche as it sounds!

In 2011:

• We will be living in our first house!
• We will be going on a cruise (Feb)
• *fingers crossed* I will get into a hospital as an RN in the Twin Cities
• I have at least one amazing friend who is getting married!
• I will hopefully run a half marathon (Shooting for Grandmas)
• My baby boy (Theo) will turn 2!
• And who knows what other small miracles the year will bring... ;)

Our first new years together in 2005!

As this next year is approaching, I am gong to try and remind myself of the following:

• Its OK to sit and relax for a little bit!
• Everything does not have to be super clean ALL the time
• Think more about others rather than myself 

What a season!

Wow how this Christmas season has crept up on us! This year more than ever I have been trying to embrace the holidays and the true meaning behind it! Despite the blizzards and blistering cold, a warm cup of coffee has continually warmed me up and allowed me to unthaw and be grateful for all that has been and is!

On the note of Christmas, can I just say how much I love love getting Christmas cards/ letters/ pictures in the mail?! It is so fun to check the mailbox and find several updates on those we care about! In spite of the many hardships I know so many people have endured in 2010 and before, there is still so much to be thankful for and to rejoice in! Christmas cards always remind me of that :)

Update on my P90X journey....
Well, it has been going pretty well! Im on day 17 now and feel so much better already! Yes, the workouts are hard, but they have really grown on me! I have been sticking to them 100% for all six days a week! It makes me not even be able to imagine going back to working out 2-3 times a week now! The diet has been a bigger battle, as this phase includes practically 100,000 (ok, so really 5) proteins a day. And being a vegetarian, the things I used to use as protein: nuts, beans, cheese, peanut butter DO NOT COUNT AS PROTEIN for P90X! This has been the hardest because I have been trying my little heart out to have 5 servings a day of (egg whites, protein powder, & veggie burgers). Protein powder is my new best friend, and I have gotten quite creative in where/ how to intermingle it into my meals! I am working on my courage to try tofu again, and slowly work that into my diet. I think I just need some good recipes and a lot of mind power to get over how gross it looks!
All in all, I am pretty proud of myself for sticking to this and hopefully it will pay off in the end and change the way I eat/ work out for the future!

Other news: Our offer was accepted on the house we want!! Now for the inspection, and finalities of it! Hopefully we can say it is ours soon! We are so excited for this new adventure in being home owners! It is in such a cute neighborhood in South St. Paul! The house has been completely renovated (flipped) and is all ready for the Dittrich's to move right in!

I am especially thankful for those who are dear to me! I am blessed to have wonderful friends and family, an amazing husband and a pretty darn perfect dog :)
Love and Grace this holiday season!

Christina Joy

I said I was done...

After another bad (but may in fact be the worst) night of this job + some alarming realizations about some situations around me, lets just say I had some major fume to blow of.

*[Hint of one of the negative occurrences of the night @ work, I got peed on...all over...by a pre-school aged kid. ON PURPOSE. because he/she could not handle being told NO]

After ranting to none other than my lovely mother and husband, I decided to do my previously planned P90X 75 minute workout at 12:30 am. And it was just what I needed! A lot of hard work and concentration on things other than my problems {most menial in the grand scheme of things} And here it is, now 1:40 and I should be excited to shower and curl into bed with my puppy and man, but I just feel so energized!

Thank you God for creating exercise and for those around me for keeping me on board with this! Day 6. Its hard hard hard, but so rewarding when my muscles are almost to sore to go up the stairs the next day :) Then I know I really did do something to work those muscles!

I am going to force myself to go start the process of this thing called *sleep.* Unfortunately the meaning has become so twisted and abnormal lately due to my array of shifts, but I guess I should be grateful that tonight is a night to sleep AT NIGHT!

Adios.

The first day of the rest of my life...

I had a wonderful birthday week and feel so loved by so many people who made an effort to make me feel special! Thanks to those of you who did :) A special thqnks to my mom who always puts herself last and  others first! She is so loving, kind, loyal, encouraging and just plain hilarious! I am truly blessed by her more than she will ever know :) Hopefully someday I can be half the person she is...

Oatmeal masks with Mom on my Birthday

Today I am starting P90x with a great person who I know will keep me accountable! (and I may be able to offer a few laughs in return as she watches me to the workouts) so here it goes...I am serious about doing it 100% and NO CHEATING! Results here we come! I will keep you posted on the progress! Its time to kick it in to full gear and quit being so unhappy with myself!

Thats all for now! Ill let you know just how sore my body is tomorrow!

Christina

Loose Ends

I knew the time would come, and knew it would be sooner rather than later...but after only 5 1/2 months of my job I am officially bored out of my mind! Yes, I have learned a lot of new things and gotten great experience with my 2 clients, but once you "got it down" there goes the excitement! Don't get me wrong these kids are precious and I love them...but man...I thrive on excitement and a fast paced hospital unit and this is most certainly not the case. So I will just keep trying and crossing my fingers to get in at Children's as an RN [still waiting to hear back about the job I interviewed for at the beginning of the month] and hope to get a new perspective as I endure the next months at my current job. I know I should be thankful for what I have, and I am... I am just not being utilized like I believe I can and learning as much as I want to!

{ER Nursing at its best!}

On a happier note, Sam and I are FOR SURE moving out of our town home at the end of January!! I could not be more excited to purchase a house together and enjoy everything that having our OWN bigger and more personalized space brings! Its going to be a fun and busy time! We have been blessed with an amazing realtor who is making this whole process a whole lot less stressful :) [Thanks Kels for the referral!] It looks like in order to get the all of our needs and most of our wants we will be residing somewhere in St. Paul! More updates to come!


I am also excited to be running a 10K on Thanksgiving...Its going to be cold, but rewarding! Its called the Drumstick Dash [Such a cute name!] and it is at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis! I never thought I would be a 'runner' but my persistence and dedication to being okay at it over the years has paid off, and I have to admit, Im kinda proud of myself!


There are so many things I cannot speak of on here...but are weighing me down a bit, its hard when there is never a clear solution there, and when the process looks long and dirty :( I guess thats life huh?

I am going to try and enjoy a full 3 days off work and do some of the things I love <3

Enjoy this holiday season, and truly remind yourself what its all about!

Life as of lately

So the past few days I have had a nasty cold {unfortunately it seems like everyone else has too} which has forced me to STOP and RELAX, because the Lord knows my body needs it. I may have to blame my crazy work schedule which consists of working 40+ hours a week (and helping Sam with the students) of day, evening and night shifts. It sure makes a body confused. Oh well, its only for the time being...so lets hope my body can hold up through this cold weather approaching!

On the note of jobs....I had an interview at Children's Hospital today for their cardiac/ critical care floor. I think it went really well, but I am not getting my hopes up for the following reasons: they are doing a bunch of lay offs/ re shifting around of nurses so this might get filled by an existing RN, there are a TON of people who applied for it, and I'm sure a lot who have interviewed as well :) All in all, i count it a step in the right direction. I got an interview, and if I don't get this job, there will be one in the future just for me! I still have my foot in the door by being a casual (.0 hours) CSA so I can apply for internal RN positions! Keep me and this job in your prayers if you think of it :)

My heart has been aching so much lately for teenagers. The painful situations that many of them encounter are just not fair! Yes, a lot of it is out of their control, and is life taking its toll on their lives...but seriously, I wish I could just take all of their pain away and hand them a box of peace and love for them to enjoy for a lifetime! It just keeps me driving to do what I can to support and guide these precious kids. Keep posted for future plans!

Even though I have not been feeling well after my busy work weekend, I forced myself to A. celebrate my mom's 52nd birthday and B. do our annual pumpkin carving contest with my husband!
My mom's birthday was a blast (despite how I felt) and it was fun to all be together! My brother's girlfriend came too, and I have to say, Im quite proud of his choice! She's adorable! We watched the vikes vs packers and played games! (Theo sported his pack jersey proudly, what a rebel!)

The only downer to the night was when we decided to take my brother's newly purchased short bus (YES...a SHORT BUS! he plans to take on long ski/ road trips with his friends) to get the pizzas and a few treats and hit a car in the parking lot with it. We anxiously awaited for the owner of the vehicle to come out so we could talk to him. After about 20 minutes of long waiting we had him paged and he came out. luckily he didnt seem to care at all about the minor damage on his very old car. He laughed and said why dont you just give me 40-50$ and we will call it even. My brother said, how bout 80$? Done deal. And we were off! It could have been a lot worse outcome!

Pumpkin 1

Our pumpkin carving contest is taking place on facebook this year to have a little less bias in the voting...we shall see who the winner is!

Pumpkin 2

I also just got done baking the pumpkin seeds! One of our favorite fall treats! Yum Yum! The house smells so great on this cold rainy day :)

Until next time...

friendships life and other mysteries

As they normally should, friendships certainly take their course as you graduate from high school, then college, and beyond. As we are forming into the "complete" person that we were created to be we often mold into different relationships and different roles in existing relationships. And this is natural. However, sometimes hard for my brain (or maybe its my heart) to wrap around. I often times hold on to what "once was" and don't accept the fact that it "is not" anymore. I assume, and hope that this will become easier as I continue this transition into a much different phase of life. Its such a weird shift to realize all the more recent relationships that have been made are so strong and have such a common level in which they are formed. They are not based on memories, but on current involvement's, life phases, etc.  Although I know it is still important to remember the past, and hold dear to the people who were (or still are) a big part of your life, its OK to not hold too tight! I think we will always love and have a special place in our heart for those who were close to us in the past. I am so thankful for those few that have remained ever so close to me throughout the years, and these friendships have truly stood the test of time!

Pictures from the past:

As sam's new job entailed being the youth director for jr high and sr high students, it is natural that as I am involved too, I will build relationships with these kids. Can I just say that I am so excited about this? youth inspire me, and sometimes teach me more than I think I teach them. Right now I have been working more with the jr high than sr high (hopefully it will become more equal soon!) and I have come to this conclusion ...I frequently underestimate these kids, their talents, and ability to influence those around them, both young and old! Not that I EVER had low standards, but they just continue to impress me! I am so excited as we continue to build relationships with these kids and watch them grow up and hopefully stay on the right path ;)

Below is a picture of my small group of 7th grade girls (minus one of them) They are pretty great :)

Off to another night shift of work tonight in a few hours. Its not so bad, i suppose :) Patiently awaiting doors for my dream job to open up, but until then...I guess I have a pretty good gig!

<3 Christina Joy

crafting

Even though I find myself pretty busy... I certainly have way less stress and a bit more free time to do some of the things I LOVE :) This often includes craft/ artsy projects! [as well as being active outside!] Doing creative things makes me so inspired about life and just makes me feel "all warm inside" :)

Here are some of the latest things I have done:

A baby blanket (which took much longer than I anticipated!) for our new nephew!!

A treat box for my baby boy (a little paint, sharpie, wooden dog, and blank box!)

And a bulletin board for my husband and I! (Refurbished frame from goodwill, a little floral flare, reused cork, and buttons/ ribbons added to the push pins!)

being content in the moment

I have been realizing lately to really TRY and be CONTENT in the moment.
It is so important to appreciate where you are at and where you have come from.
Often times that in itself allows for much celebration...
Although dreaming of where you hope to be someday is important to your drive and hope, I have to continually remind myself to not let that take over my thoughts.
The oh so well known phrase (even I know it with my EXTREME lack of knowledge of sayings) "stop and smell the roses" is so true!
How are we supposed to enjoy each phase and point in our lives if we are always looking towards what will happen next?
If we forget to just stop and find joy, peace and even frustration in what is in the NOW, we will miss many life lessons and just plain happiness that is present RIGHT NOW!
I have a lot to be grateful for as I am sure you do too...
Although i find myself comparing my life to those around me quite frequently, and feeling that I either do not measure up to what they have accomplished, I have to remember that is a very debilitating thing to do to yourself. To be honest, these people may be looking at you and thinking the very same things about themselves.
I need to remember...

BE YOU (and celebrate your differences/ strengths)
DONT WORRY about what someone else has done, or how great their life seems to be (A. Just be happy for their successes and B. Anyone can make their life look good "on paper")
STOP AND ENJOY THE MOMENT (and every moment there after!)
BE GRATEFUL for the love and life you have been given :)

As I inspire myself to be a better person and always GROW, I hope I can do the same for you!!

Christina <3

If your not sure

[if your are not sure if you mom loves you, think again.
if you are questioning if the words you are saying to her are hurting her, reassess how you treat her.
and if you don't think that pushing her away makes her heart break, try and draw near.
A mothers love is so incredible and pure, and the roller coaster of emotions and roles in their children's' lives is sure to take a toll on them in some way. Can we as children try and make it just a bit easier on them?]

*New life is so precious and such a gift! There is a new Dittrich in the world and he is incredibly healthy even though there were some huge concerns along the way. But...prayers were answered and God had it all planned out for his little one :) Good thing we were faithful!

*Lately, I have really started to actually ENJOY completely intertwining my life with my husband. I feel like we are slowly working through some of the kinks and getting into the swing of things with this thing called marriage. Yes, its always tough and the concept that one CHOOSES to not only live their own life to the fullest but meshes with someone else's life as well is...well...kinda nuts! We are such selfish beings and it takes a lot of effort and training to stop living for ourselves but equally (if not more) live to serve, please, and LOVE every aspect of another person. However, companionship in marriage is irriplacable :)

Off to another "normal" week, except for the fact that Sam's Jr. High student ministry kicks off on Wed. :) So excited!!!

-Christina

I love my dog....

...and im not ashamed!
I have ALWAYS loved animals so much. I have had pets my whole life, but only what my parents would allow. From fish to hamster, to cat and then mice...I loved them all. However, last july, I was blessed enough to get the best lil pup for my husband and I. I never knew it was possible to love an animal [part of the family] so much! He is a yorkie, and is one of the biggest joys of my life! Theodore...your amazing!

Fall

As much as I am in love with the sun, the heat, and the bliss of summer... I do have to admit that I am a little bit excited for what the fall will bring. Such as:

• More crocheting projects (that can actually be used)
• Clarity with my job situations (Hopefully!)
• Sweaters and sweatshirts
• Warm Starbucks coffee 
• Trips to Stillwater with Tiff
• To get a grip on how youth ministry will ACTUALLY work at SOV:) (and to build relationships with the students and leaders!)
• Sweatpants
• Being able to take Theo on longer walks where he doesnt over heat
• Being able to run in a comfortable climate
• Football games
• Our trip to Duluth
• Darker hair that will not fade with the sun!

I already feel like I'm "cheating on summer" by thinking these things, but what the heck, I guess I cant deny that fall is NOT so bad ;)

Adios <3

standing still

Ever find yourself waiting for some of those you love to come around?
It seems like they are often off in their own little world with little realization of just how much harm they are doing to themselves and those around them.
More than it saddens me/ someone to watch this, it is tough to picture the damage that is being done on the person's life.
As I in fact know, wisdom and learning often comes from your mistakes. However, at what point do you stop "acting in a way you may be able to learn from" and actually start learning? Because my biggest fear is that months turn in to years, and then a couple years turns in to a lifetime. One that you cant get back.
What is my part in all this? How long can you watch and support when everything in you wants to intervene and pull them away from all the destruction.
I do believe change is possible, but I hope it is not false hope. I guess thats not up to me.
Just know I love you.

Slumberland

So as I traveled with my friend Genette to buy some furniture for her new place, we encountered the most dorky/ heart warming "sales man." It was not only entertaining to chat with him, but so ever refreshing to see such an innocent and glowing perspective on life (even at slumberland). It was so cute, and according to him, he "has a lifetime friend now!" Anyways, it was just very pleasant to be around someone with such a light hearted and innocent approach to life. I don't think words can describe him! All we could do was smile. real big :)

I am so pleased to be a part of Sam's new career path as a youth director. It is such an uplifting journey filled with some pretty amazing people at the church. I cant wait to start building lasting relationships with all the students there. We are truly blessed to be where we are. The future excites me. I am not sure where it will go, but i know that it will be promising!

5 years ago, I never would have guessed that I would be where I am now. I always hoped my life would be put back together again and I would someday find peace and happiness in non destructive things. Who would have thought that I would have been given the love, support and tools to actually get here? Im sure everyone I grew up with would be surprised. Our God is good and faithful when we follow Him.

The phrase thats on my mind (and soon hopefully on me) is: Saved by Grace

We all are.

Adios<@

::Life::

Life is beautiful, hard times and all...
It is precious not just because it is a gift, but that each moment is filled with opportunities to give and love and appreciate what is around us!
I need to "stop and smell the roses" more often. Its so easy to just speed on by and forget the beauty in the moment.
I am thankful and I am grateful for all that we have been blessed with. Why do I often overlook this??
It makes me feel guilty for not always being grateful for all that I have when others have so so much less. However, they are probably more grateful than I!

Waiting

How long do you have to wait until everything falls into place?
It seems as though you spend your who life building up for these moments when you are finally there...when all of the countless years of learning, and searching for "the one" have paid off. But where is the guarantee that the next things will just fall into your lap. Yes, I know what you are thinking, this IS NO guarantee, but it sure feels like there should be one, or at least a time frame on when you should expect them to fly your way. I feel so uneasy when even the slightest bit of nothing is out of sorts, so these big things are driving me crazy inside! I know I should be thankful, so thankful, for what I HAVE. But it is human nature to want more...and to want to do/ be my best. I know I am so close to those next things where I truly feel I could be my best, if I could just BE there.
Soon. Hopefully, soon...

Humility in times of greatness and troubles alike

 "¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
 ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
 ⁶Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
      did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
 ⁷but made himself nothing,
      taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
      being made in human likeness.
 ⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
      he humbled himself
      and became obedient to death—
         even death on a cross!
 ⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
      and gave him the name that is above every name,
 ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2: 1-11

In times when everything is going amazing and you feel very blessed. Be humble, and praise the one who is in charge. Also, in times of heart ache and feelings of hopelessness, be humble and praise the one who is in charge. He does not create evil, but instead is the opposite. However, we have the free will to act as we please, and that is the source of awful times. I am trying to find peace in the fact that someone bigger is in charge and that life is bigger than we see it. 

Sincerely,

-A seeker 

green paint

So I enlisted sam into helping me paint the entryway as well as the stairs going up to the main level solely for  the reason of tolerating this town home for another year. I could not stand the white walls down there any longer. Hopefully the paint will make it a little more tolerable and the dirt will show a little less. Its so hard to rent for all these years when you are so anxious to just BUY! However, hopefully in a year (or less) we will have all our finances in a great place to buy! in the meantime I guess we have to live by my frugal husbands motto: "live like no one wants to now and we can live like no one can later." Easier said than done for a girl like myself! In the long run though, i think he has a point.

I think we are finally starting to enjoy life without the stressors of school and being newlyweds...Its kind of nice.

all that to say.... nothing interesting is going on, and it is kind of nice for once!!
<3

To choose:

[To choose to live is to choose to love. For if we are not here to serve others and live for the one who created us, what are we here for?
As each moment passes by that we so naturally serve ourselves, we are missing out on the greater fulfillment that living beyond "ME" can bring.
A challenge to me as to everyone else I'm sure. Does that mean we stop trying?]

I continue to try to live each day to the fullest, yet there are always stopping points and detours. Isn't that the beauty of it all? If it was easy, would it even be worth the challenge?

I love my baby (dog) so much and thinking about him is a constant reminder that animals should start getting a little more respect around here.

Especially in the 'meat market.' If you are going to eat them, at least eat one who has lived and died torture free.  The MASS mindset is getting out of control (as most of us are becoming aware) and needs to stop before we destroy ourselves with what we eat!

Respect

I understand how one could turn to destructive things in life, but what I do not (and most likely never will) understand is how one can consciously harm the innocent life of a child. A gift from above for you to nourish and help prosper. Its one thing to have a lack of respect for oneself, but there is a line that should not be crossed. A new beginning that hasn't been given a shot. They deserve one. Be stronger not for you, but for them.

Enough but not too much//

Some things are constant?

Im wondering if there are some things in life that can never be forgotten and let go of. I mean, you say you forgive, but you can never forget. Thus, it can never stop shaping and effecting your life. Im looking for the cure, which is not out there. Therefore, my search will continue. How do you deal with the hurt others have caused you and not let it contribute to your current relationships?
Move on...I know (easier said than done)
Accepting is going to be the first step I guess.

On a side note, I am very thankful to have some wonderful friends. There are a few that are truly quality and mean the world to me. I think I have underestimated the power and importance a healthy and uplifting friendship can be!

Looking for that "perfect job" which really means Ill settle for anything within pediatric nursing...lots of waiting to see what shall come of my current jobs.



Patience really is a VIRTUE.

*Christina Joy

life

finally moving on to this much awaited phase of life...

I cant wait for the final happenings to unfold, and for the promises to hold true!

However, I often find myself longing for that "next" thing...which i am guessing is a regular occurrence in most of our lives. Yet, it does destroy a little bit of that sparkle that is held in the beauty of each moment and phase in life.

Moral of the story: learn from what you have been through, be grateful for what you have got, and hope for the future, not letting unrealistic expectations weight you down. Also, what we dream of might not always be what is best for us!

*sigh*

marriage

when contemplating how marriages often play out,

I've been wondering if some patterns I have seen are ever so consistent occurrences

Dating= a glorious time, impressing one another and having fun

Engagement= a stressful yet exciting time hoping/ expecting for that happy ending

Marriage= Returning to one's individuality and being independent yet trying to become together as a team daily, striving to keep the peace and passion daily

This may be common sense to many, but I just found myself thinking about how one thinks through the years of journeying in a relationship. Overall, and through all the trials and tribulations, there is nothing great than having your best friend at your side to do life with. Even if you are mad at them ;)

I have also learned that:

you need to CHOOSE to trust them, daily (especially if they have done nothing to break your trust)

you are a team, no matter what. Get each other's back and include each other in significant decisions

ok, thats it!

the need for a blog...

So often, I find myself full of thoughts, questions and predicaments...with no where to put them! I have since decided that having a blog would be a perfect place to share these items

So here I am.

The end of a seemingly never ending journey is finally closing shop in exactly 40 days. I will be graduating with my bachelor of science in nursing. The end can not come here soon enough. You will most likely be fortunate enough to hear my thoughts about this school, but thats for another time!

Looking for the right youth pastor job for my husband and trying to coincide with the right pediatric nursing job for me has not been an easy task. We are both willing to go anywhere, but need to find something in the same area! And we all know that the job market is just flourishing!

Needless to say, this limbo period (due to many uncertain areas in our lives) is really getting to me. I am one who needs all my ducks in a row and everything organized to feel relaxed. This is most certainly not the case here in the dittrich household.

Trusting in the Lord and his plan for our lives has never been so hard.

The ability to give up control of one's life to a higher being to direct is so challenging. The picture sounds ideal, and indeed it is. It works, and what we think we know is such a small glimpse of what IS. It is a daily choice I must make. And unfortunately sometimes, I don't choose it. Then worry and stress over come me and I realize Im trying to do it all myself again...and what do you know, thinks start to not go so well!

This place, this part in our lives is so exciting yet unsettling at the same time.

Being married just under a year, we are still trying to get in the "groove" and intertwine our lives. This is not an easy task for two people who have very strong personalities! Never a dull moment, thats for sure!