Eloise

It is my turn (Joel) to put in my two cents on this blog, since it is named for both me and Eloise (Joeloise). What dost a blogger blog? My heart's condition? My mind's frequent and feeble wanderings? News? Such an odd condition to be in. To have a need and want to write something, but not have any idea what to say. So many things to write about, but a loss for words. And yet, if there is any one thing to write about in my life, one all encompassing, important, heartfelt story to tell, it is about Eloise, my beloved and beautiful wife.

Eloise, the name itself implies a singular personality. Not many people under 60 named Eloise, are there? There is really no way to acceptably describe Eloise in one statement, however, if I absolutely HAD to, I guess I might describe her with four words: joyful, social, prepared, and forward :). Basically, Eloise, at her heart's core absolutely loves to be with people, whether it's just me, or a group of friends, she is most comfortable when she is interacting with humanity. Her most endeering attribute is her ability to have fun in any situation (most situations, it so happens, includes other individuals).

With her bright blue eyes, sunlight blond hair, and her infectious laugh and manurisms, it is also difficult to be melancholy when she is around (which is good for me, since I can easily give in to the blues). She likes to do two things, interestingly, they both involve fun and/or service to others: GAMES and COOKING. If there is a game within ten miles, she will mostly likely want to join :). Whether it's a fun interactive game like Cranium, or thought provoking, puzzles like Set or Word Twist, she will compete fiercely. As for cooking, well, give her a measuring cup, and a cookbook, and you will easily have attained her friendship. For instance, today she cooked enough food to last for a month, literally. Thirty days of eating created in one day! What else does a man need? Other husbands, insert your answer here.

And whether it's playing games or cooking a vastly enormous amount of food, she must have music. Oh, Eloise likes all kinds of music, but I think, although she may not admit to any partiality, her favorite is hiphop or dance music. For the most part she loves this kind because she adores dancing. Her secret heart's desire is to be a dancer, which is why I am blessed enough to watch limitless episodes of Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You can Dance, and America's Best Dance Crew.

In addition to these great and, happily, positive characteristics, I must mention her great strength that I, unfortunately do not possess. There are few people in this world that are forward. You may attempt to contradict this statement, but I have not finished it. Yes, Eloise is forward, like many, however she is forward in an acceptable and loving manner. She has not the fear or hesitation that many have when it comes to saying that which most feel awkward to say. If there is something to say amongst friends or family, and it is most unpleasant, Eloise will probably say it. However, her comment will be made wistfully and humorously so as not to burn, but only to convey her thoughts and feelings. Although many may say that this is not a desireable attribute, I disagree. It is one of those gifts that I find most valuable in my dear Eloise.

And, speaking of gifts, it would be a most unfair to describe Eloise without mentioning her greatest love language: Receiving Gifts. In the numerous occasions that Eloise has taken the Five Love Languages Test, Eloise has always ended with the same result. Yes, words of affirmation are helpful, and she does appreciate me telling her that I love her, or that I believe her to be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen; and she also enjoys spending a lot of quality time with me, but if there is one thing that will make Eloise giddy with excitement and love, it is when I get her a gift. It warms my heart when I have the opportunity and the means to bless her with a gift. And it does not go a short ways. There is nothing more filling to Eloise's heart than a present.

And as if this isn't enough, there is one thing I am absolutely sure of, Eloise loves me outright and passionately, and I adore her infinitely :)

Blessed Beyond All Reason,

Joel