Puzzle Cupboard
What's your name?
Monika
Where are you based?
Kaunas, Lithuania
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
Usually my ordinary day is spend at work. And as I work in HR - it means there's always something unexpected happening each day. Sometimes it's all about cracking fun little mysteries, having meaningful conversations and other times it's just total chaos… You never really know what’s gonna happen in a day.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
Honestly? I’m not even sure anymore. I was really into puzzles when I was a kid, but then I totally forgot about them. Found them again in high school… then totally forgot once again. Got back to them while in university – because I needed something to validate my procrastination. Then COVID hit – and just like everyone else, I baked banana bread, made some Dalgona coffee, and got into puzzling. But this time I stayed. I love trying out new brands, comparing it to others, seeing how my puzzling preferences change while the time passes.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
I love that puzzling adapts to whatever I need in the moment. If I want to shut my mind off and just focus on pieces—perfect. If I need space to let my thoughts run wild—it works just as well. And then there’s that sweet sense of accomplishment when the last piece clicks in place. Weekends are my prime puzzling time, though I try (keyword: try…) to sneak some in on weekdays too.
What is your favorite type of puzzle?
That’s a tough one! I’m drawn to puzzles with vibrant colors, satisfying piece shapes, and fun themes. I tend to avoid dark or overly difficult puzzles. I have a soft spot for mushrooms and zodiac motifs, pretty ladies on the boxes also catch my attention. So I guess anything beautiful or a bit magical hits the target!
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I love listening to audiobooks while puzzling. This year, I wanted to reach 30 books and I just finished my 49th - how did that happen? Sometimes movies or tv shows keep me company, or some kind of video game gameplay in the background. It is almost never too quiet.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
It’s my personal retreat – a way to spend time with myself, escape from daily chaos. Moreover, puzzles allow me to feel the control in my hands and be able to piece everything together by myself.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
As previously stated, I love books :D I’m also into video games and, of course, spending time with my pets—or eating delicious food (ideally both at once). I enjoy “rescuing” puzzles too— I make replacement pieces to give them a chance of second life, so they can continue being enjoyed by other puzzlers.
Do you have anything you want to share?
I have one more hobby related to puzzles - writing puzzle reviews and sharing my experience with other puzzlers, so of course, I already wrote a review for SOONNESS puzzle as well :)
