Who would have thought that a little crossword puzzle found in the back of the Examiner would provide so much entertainment for me while I'm at home with the kids? Earlier this week, I decided to sit down and try a crossword puzzle. I tend to get frustrated when I don't automatically know the answers. But, something told me to relax, be patient, and try. So I did. And when I figured out all I could, I passed it over to my fabulous OAO. His brain thinks differently than mine and remembers/knows about topics that I don't. He had answers to clues that stumped me, and then I was able to figure out other clues. Together, we knocked most of that first puzzle out even though we had to wait until the next day to get the answers to what was stumping us. Many of those revelations came with quite the "Oh, right!" and a nod of the head.Part of the fun of a crossword puzzle is understanding the clues; knowing that the answer will end in an "s" because it's a plural or a "d" because it's past-tense really helps. And because I'm so literal-minded (i.e. it is what it is) having to broaden my focus a little bit helps me look for non-literal possibilities. Plus, I get to exercise my brain a little bit and keep it from turning to goo. It can easily turn to goo without giving it a little exercise.
But really, the best part, is working with OAO. He brings home the Examiner now so that A) I can do the crosswords and B) we can recycle the paper. Last night, he was glancing over the clues to yesterday's puzzle that had me stumped. Much to my chagrin, I don't know everything in the world. But neither does he. But, when you combine the knowledge in both brains, we know tons. And with his help, I was able to finish the puzzle before I went to bed.
What a great and fun reminder of the awesome team my OAO and I make. And a gentle reminder that I can not go through life without help. A great exercise for me 10 days out from my tonsillectomy, particularly for someone who tends not to lean on anyone for anything.
My top 5 things I'm thankful for this morning:
1) My OAO - I'm so glad he's on my team.
2) Crossword puzzles that stimulate my brain and show me that I'm smarter than I think
3) Good doctors and easy access to them
4) My children - and the special moments we share giggling, laughing, and snuggled up reading
5) My awesome family and friends (some of them are here) who are so graciously lining themselves up to help out with the kids and donating cooked food for the family while I recovery from surgery. I am truly blessed.
