parking lot

Heavy Metal Parking Lot
$14.95
This movie is hilarious. My only complaint is that they only attend 1 Judas Priest concert and only capture about 20 minutes (however, the footage is priceless). There are some other great features on the DVD (my favorite being "Neil Diamond Parking Lot") and it's definitely worth the buy if you're into mocking the dregs of civilization.

ThinkFun Rush Hour
$19.99
A one person puzzle game which is continually more challenging the deeper into the levels you go.

Big Yellow Taxi
$0.99

Parking Lot Rules & 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children
$14.00
I used to read a lot of parenting books, but when you have two kids, who has the time? I picked up Parking Lot Rules because it doled out advice in a way I could easily digest it -- in quick and easy-to-read lessons and essays.

I wouldn't say there was anything revolutionary in the book in terms of advice -- some of the earliest recommendations were common sense and almost laughable, like reminding your kids to pull back their hands when you close the door by saying, "Fingers, fingers!" every time you shut the door. However, I have closed my son's hand in the door before, so maybe that advice isn't so common sense. But I digress..

I did take two good recommendations from the book, though: Once seen, never unseen -- meaning that once your kids see something horrible on TV or in the news, you can never get that slice of innocence back for them. The other advice that resonated with me? "It's almost never a good idea to say the first thing that pops into your head." This is true in business, in relationships, and especially in raising children. I have to fight that instinct a lot, especially when I'm frustrated with my kids, but I've started reminding myself of that sage advice.

The book is full of little nuggets like these that might be helpful, and at least inspire some reflection. I wouldn't say its a fantastic read, but it's worth picking up for some quick parenting idea sharing.