Joy

Somehow, amazingly, my streak hit the 1000 mark today! Can't believe that my obsession with doing the NYT crossword every day (which began at some point during the pandemic) has slowly but surely taken me to this point (with a couple of lapses here and there). And I had to work hard to get this one. Thanks, Jesse, for a challenging solve! Felt even more like I earned it somehow. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this community of cruciverbalists!

Agree with most commenters on how challenging this puzzle was! I needed some help from the column and your comments - finished about 5 minutes over my average. Just wanted to share that I confidently entered CRYINGBABY at 1A -- thought I was so clever! But proud that I got GESTALT on my own, and gladly let go of that crying baby going forward! Love this daily pastime that I began in earnest during the pandemic, and this forum, which brightens my day, every day!

Lots of fun with this puzzle today! Have to share that, coincidentally, I had a mini sneezing attack (North Jersey pollen is on the rise!) as I was completing the grid, before I got to the revealer. Made the a-ha moment (or AH-CHOO moment) that much sweeter, even as I was reaching for my tissues! Happy Monday fellow solvers!