The Puzzled Reader
What's your name?
Melissa M. Chonka
Where are you based?
I split time between Seattle and Madison, USA
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
An ordinary day in my world starts (and usually ends!) surrounded by dogs, my five lovable goofballs and the occasional foster or two who steals my heart. By day, I’m the Head of People Tech Engineering at a travel tech company, which means my weekdays are filled with innovation and collaboration.
After work, I slow things down with my favorite rituals: walking the dogs, reading, puzzling, chatting with friends, or making dinner.
Weekends are when the real magic happens: I trade my laptop for leashes and hit the road to transport rescue dogs to their new beginnings. I call it my “side gig,” but truthfully, it’s pure joy knowing I get to play a small part in their journey to a safe, happy forever after.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I started puzzling around 2010, just a small puzzle here and there when I had the time. But in 2020, the hobby really took off. I was in the middle of a major divestiture at work and needed something to quiet my mind and escape all the chaos happening in the world. Puzzling became my reset button, a little corner of calm when everything else felt unpredictable
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
I love the challenge of puzzling, it's meditative. I try to puzzle every day for at least an hour, but let’s be honest, sometimes one hour turns into five before I even realize it. I’m a proudly slow puzzler too. I like to savor the process, celebrate every corner piece, and pretend I’m training for the world’s slowest puzzler competition.
What is your favorite type of puzzle?
I’m drawn to bright, bold, beautiful colors and love puzzles that are a little whimsical or downright silly. I also love geometric patterns and gradients. There are a few artists discovered through puzzling and who I completely adore and have been filling my home with their prints. I don’t really have a piece-count preference; some days I’m in the mood for a quick 100-piece fix, and other days I’m ready to settle in for a 2000-piece marathon. Most of the time I’ve got two puzzles going at once, just to keep things interesting.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I’ll put on an audiobook, sometimes a podcast, and other times I just enjoy the silence.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
It’s quiet focus, colorful chaos, and that little thrill when the right piece clicks into place.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
When I’m not puzzling, you’ll probably find me surrounded by dogs, books, or both. I read everything from leadership books to mystery thrillers, dabble in painting, love photography, and have a deep appreciation for good tea, road trips, and the perfect playlist.
Do you have anything you want to share?
“Run from what's comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I'll be mad.” ― Rumi
