PUZZLED

universal syndicate sudoku

I’ve been doing daily crossword puzzles since high school. There’s something about them that stimulates my warped mind like nothing else. Finishing a puzzle garners this certain sense of satisfaction like I’ve accomplished something major. Silly I know but puzzlers like me understand what I’m talking about. The mother of all crosswords, the Sunday NY Times puzzle, is nearly impossible but oh so fun to attempt. I couldn’t imagine something so perfectly suited for me. Until now.

Unfortunately for me, the guy who works for me threw a Sudoku puzzle on my desk about two weeks ago. I’ve seen them in newspapers and have ignored them maybe for fear I’d get hooked on them. It’s a puzzle, it’s a game, and it’s got numbers in it. My friend urged me to try it even though I’ve told him time and again that I’m a crossword man. Nevertheless, I relented. It took me forever to solve that beginner puzzle, but I solved it. It was fun and, goodness, mentally perfect for me.

Two weeks later, I’m really hooked. It’s become the highlight of my day. I’ve now graduated to the more difficult puzzles which totally drive me crazy, like a good crossword puzzle. Honestly, solving a good Sudoku is more exciting than any problem solved at work. What does that say for me and the interest I have for my profession? Puzzling, indeed.