
Joy
Who am I? What
do I do? What is my role? This is usually what you read about in an
"About Us" column. In the end, you only know those things, not truly
"about me". So, here is the best that I can do in a short space to
really tell you about me, a Spiritual Being and my human experience.
I am grateful, joyful and happy. I am a seeker, a driver and a catalyst
for change. I am a giver, a relationship builder and a conduit for more
love in the world. How? Through Grateful Chics, my inspirational blogs,
other writing, how I treat people and my trust in God that I will make
good choices to serve His children.
I am a wife and doggie mama of four. As for a career path, mine is very
curvy. I started out working my way through the University of Houston
Downtown at an oil & gas exploration company. Then I decided sales
and marketing were more my speed. First, I was in newspaper advertising
sales and at the Houston Chronicle. Next, I moved to the CBS affiliate
KHOU-TV, Channel 11 in television advertising sales. Then I was
headhunted for a business improvement company named, BI. After only 18
months I was offered a "buy-out" and I took it as a gift from above to
be able to follow this new dream.
Could I really inspire people, through other ways besides the blogs and
my extensive volunteer work? Could I really bring more peace, love and
joy into others lives through my work life? YES! I can and now I do.
~Christine aka Joy, a Grateful Chic.

Joy married
my cousin, Craig. Craig is 6 years older than me, so growing up with
him was a bit disconnected because of the age difference. Six years
isn't much now, but when you are younger the age difference makes a big
deal. My family (mom, sister, and I) were invited to Joy's bridal
shower (I didn't even know Craig was engaged!) and that's when I met
her for the first time. She seemed like such a powerful woman. I
was intimidated. Here is this "city girl" full of drive and confidence.
It wasn't until several years later that we realized we both enjoy
camping. So we organized a camping trip, loaded up the campers (one
pop-up and one fifth-wheel), and a WONDERFUL friendship began.
Joy, though still a city girl, is down-to-earth and thoughtful.
When she was having difficulty in her life, she did not whine, or lay
blame upon outside sources. She searched within. She began her own
spiritual journey seeking to better herself, dragging me happily along
with her. She works hard and earns everything she has, and rightfully
so. She is giving, charitable, and philanthropic. She even willingly
volunteers to babysit my 3 boys. That should earn her saint-hood! Her
strong character helps me be a more confident and enlightened person.
Thank you, Joy, for being a Grateful Chic!

T-Lou on Joy
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