This month's game of the month isn't for the kids, it's for you!  Now I know as parents we don't have a lot of spare time, but I admit that once in a while, I'm guilty of claiming to work (i.e. "Why don't the two of you find something to do? I have WORK to do") when I'm actually partaking of one of my favorite online pleasures - playing games.  Word games in particular, but I'm always up for a good round of Mahjongg or the transfixing Falling Sand.

There are many great sites around but those listed below are some of my favorites.  


Wordy
This game is like playing solitary scrabble but with a 90 second time limit.  You must spell words by clicking adjacent letters, and quickly submit them for points.  Succeed and you will progress to the next level.  Quite addicting!

Sudoku
While many of you are familiar with the puzzle books and newspaper puzzles, this website provides you with a new puzzle every day as well as a community of Sudoku fans to chat with or ask help from.
  
Fibs
Remember writing Haikus in English 101?  Well, our Book Talk contributor, Greg Pincus, has us hooked on creating Fibs instead.  No, not exactly what you're thinking.  Check out this site for a clear explanation and give it a try.  Once you get rolling, you will amaze yourself at how your verbal creativity starts to flow!

Powerlines1
It may seem easy at first, but trust me, once you get to the higher levels it can really be a challenge.  Powerlines2 and Powerlines3 are also available on line but you can't access them until you retrieve the secret password after completing Powerlines1.

Babble
If you've ever played Boggle, then you know what Babble is all about.  Each day there is a new letter board and you have to create as many words as you can using those letters.  The letters must be touching (sideways, diagonal, etc.) In this version, you are playing against everyone else who logs on, and your words are saved throughout the day.

Falling Sand
Falling Sand really defies any one set explanation.  You can manipulate various elements by trying to mix them with other elements and then watching to see what the effect is.  Which ones overpower the others?  Which ones don't.  Kind of scientific, kind of like a lava lamp you can play with, kind of philosophical, definitely addicting.

Netives
Check out this site for several games which are challenging and fun.  Mahjongg and Spider are among our favorites, but there are so many, you can try something new all the time.



While some may claim these games are a waste of time, I disagree/beg to differ.  Why not take a little time off each day to take a break from the often mind numbing mommy talk and exercise your mind.  It's a great way to reduce stress and keep a little healthy competition in your life.

Be careful though.  Once you get started it seems like minutes melt into hours as you play these brain teasers.  "Not now, I've got a little more work to do..."  Works every time.

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