Here’s another fun fact about Mrs J: She can focus. Which is a very useful skill that has served her well over the years. From school (focus helps with grades and, more importantly, reduces time spent on homework) via university (even less time spent studying) and in work life as well.

That being said, during the “corporate years” it became apparent that this extraordinary ability to focus has a flip side. Mrs J doesn’t really unfocus. Once focus has been established. It’s a problem when you forget to eat, drink, sleep or change clothes.

For the record, she doesn’t forget to change clothes.

Some may call this kind of behaviour obsessive. Or it could be that Mrs J is just very stubborn.

Those corporate mission impossibles are long gone. But a good puzzle will still set her off like a missile.

Mrs J’s Christmas traditions these days include a puzzle. Rather than sitting everyone down for hours in front of the TV, a puzzle is actually a great joint project that all the family can take part in. Mrs J’s family conquers a 1000 piece puzzle in 5 days. They’ve done warships. This year it was the “Scream”. (“Somebody” decided that was a lovely Christmas motive…)

A few years ago, Mrs J decided it was time to switch things up and go for a 2000 piece puzzle. Not a good idea, Mrs J.

At the time Mrs J was still chopping away at the corporate block. By the time Knut rolled around (that’s 20 days after Christmas for you non-Scandos) it was obvious that this puzzle wasn’t going to get finished. Nightmare!

And indeed, every Christmas since then, she’s been thinking about that %&#€!&@+%! puzzle!

But now, it’s going down. The mat is out. The table is set. The cats are locked up.

If you don’t hear from Mrs J for a while, you know why.