Puzzling Doc Katie
What's your name?
PuzzlingDocKatie
Where are you based?
Currently in Wisconsin, but raised in Petersburg, Alaska
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
I'm a family medicine physician so my days are typically very long and quite busy with clinical care, taking care of patients, and other professional requirements. After work, I try to switch gears by diving into a puzzle. Puzzling provides a way to relax and unwind. I usually have at least 2 puzzles going at all times. I'll try to fit in several hours to work on one each evening - either in my puzzle room (favorite place!) or the living room with a puzzle board.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I did my first puzzle around age 5, but it became a constant activity during the pandemic. It provided a sense of control and calm during those chaotic times and I've been dedicated ever since. Recently I’ve started speed puzzling, pairing up with my daughter, and we get together for practice sessions or competitions every weekend.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
The certainty and meditative quality of puzzling keep me coming back. It's a comforting escape from the stress of work. I do some amount of puzzling each day, completing anywhere from 20-30 puzzles a month, mostly 1000-pieces.
What is your favorite type of puzzles?
I love collage and illustration puzzles - they tend to have distinct areas that can be sorted and completed without having to rely entirely on piece shape. However, I do a wide variety of puzzles, including busy cartoon puzzles that definitely don’t have those well-defined areas! As mentioned, 1000-piece are my favorite, but I also like to add a 2000 or 3000-piece every so often to mix it up and provide a longer solve.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I usually listen to either music, podcasts, or audiobooks while puzzling. Here are some of my favorite podcasts that I always come back to.
Crime Junkie / Dark History / The Nocturnists
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
Puzzling is my sanctuary and how I meditate and practice mindfulness. It's a way to disconnect and immerse myself in a task that is both challenging and soothing while bringing me immense joy and satisfaction.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
Aside from puzzling, I enjoy traveling and am trying to do that more often. I also enjoy building things and am tackling some smaller projects around the house.
Do you have anything you want to share?
I want to express my appreciation for small businesses like Soonness that create such beautiful and high-quality puzzles. They've been a significant part of my puzzling journey, and I look forward to continuing to support them and enjoy their puzzles. I LOVED the “Kitchen Life” puzzle and it’s one of my all-time favorites — it includes so many fun and sweet details!