Patrick Jordan

When I decided to try my hand at making crosswords in the mid-1980s, it was only a hobby that provided some extra pocket money. But in the ensuing years, puzzles have given me many fun experiences and memories.

First, a few personal crossword-related highlights. I have a shelf filled with trophies from several appearances at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. I was featured in the 2006 documentary movie "Wordplay," which resulted in a brief blitz of media coverage in my home state of Oklahoma and a half-dozen appearances on national TV. And I became a contestant on the game show "Merv Griffin's Crosswords," where I was fortunate enough to win cash and two vacations.

On the professional level, my puzzles now appear every other week in the Washington Post, and in books published by Puzzlewright Press and Simon & Schuster. They have also been seen in Games Magazine, the New York Times, and several other venues.

In "civilian" life, I have kissed the Blarney Stone, witnessed a Mexican bullfight, strolled on Atlantic City's boardwalk, won a vacation at Disney World through a slogan-writing contest on the back of a frozen pizza box, and befriended the woman who holds the Guinness record for having the world's largest natural breasts.

All in all, a most unusual and enjoyable existence. And I hope it's only just begun!