I never realized how dangerous a gift as simple as a puzzle could be when put in the hands of a goal driven, high achieving man. Nothing say’s “I love you” like a 750 piece puzzle on Valentine’s day. I learned quickly that an Ironman doesn’t leave his puzzle unfinished. Way back when we first met, we drove from California to New York in 51 hours. This would be the first time I would witness my husband’s penchant for distance challenges and the need to finish them quickly. This puzzle would be no different. For a short time we were taken out of the rat race only to be placed in a different race of sorts. I should have known this as soon as the plastic wrap was torn off and the pieces were dumped on the kitchen table. He was assembling before I had even turned over the pieces. We puzzled our way through dinner, never taking a break. One billboard after another was pieced together until an image of Times Square slowly emerged. I took on the corner that no one wanted...all black pieces that seemed to elude interlocking. Four hours later, bleary-eyed and numb, we had jig-sawed our way into oblivion. Each of us would run or hands over the bumpy picture proud of our accomplishment despite the fact that it was four hours of our life we would never get back. Perhaps we assembled it so quickly knowing that if we didn’t get it done tonight, it would never be done. If only life could lock together so perfectly and have no missing pieces. So now he wants another puzzle. With all the shiny objects trying to claim our attention these days, I may oblige. We just may be ready be ready for a 1000 piece monster. Bring it on. I recognize this expression. I have seen it at the end of many an Ironman race.
6 Comments
sharon griffin
2/15/2012 09:04:42 pm
WOW. My family put together the Las Vegas edition of this puzzle, but not so quickly! We just completed our first 1000 piece puzzle, which was certainly a challenge, but loads of fun too!
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Jen Schulten
2/15/2012 09:26:39 pm
Sharon...the glory comes in finishing it and the time we recaptured as a family together.
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Liz McCoy
2/16/2012 12:45:29 am
Jen, I am so glad you posted this today! We are leaving on vacation tonight, and now I am going to pack a puzzle to work on during our "down time". I had forgotten the joy of doing a puzzle together in this busy life! Thanks!!
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kim terrill
2/16/2012 04:46:00 am
One of our favorite family activities too!
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Aislinn F.
2/28/2012 06:44:50 am
Ok, you guys obviously have too much time on your hands... Just kidding, awesome puzzle.
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