I've been toying with an idea. A bold, outrageous, trend-busting, totally-not-me, scary idea: I'm thinking of living without TV for a year.
Writing that even makes me shake my head. What you need to know to really understand the ground breaking nature of the idea is that I have always been, and probably always will be, a TV kind of gal. I like it. But lately I've been thinking I'd rather spend my time doing something else, and sadly, at the end of a long day it's just too easy to lie on the couch and get sucked into some mindless program. It reminds me of the magazine ad that shows people standing in front of the grand canyon and, instead of taking in the amazing vista, they are looking at a picture of the grand canyon on a large screen tv. I keep asking myself, am I busy living my life or am I too busy watching other people live theirs? And not even real people at that.
I've already made a deal with our friends that, if I do it, we could watch Lost at their house. I'm not going as far as giving up the best show on television. I haven't completely lost my mind, but I do think that it would be an interesting experiment. Mostly because it kind of makes my stomach flip over with fright.
Now don't hold me to it just yet. Remember, I'm just considering it. But feel free to give me some feedback.
Monday, March 3, 2008
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12 comments:
I would be willing to try it with you (including my kids) for one month. I don't know if I could get the hubby's support for a year .... Super Bowl and all. I think i am in for a month.
I think you are very brave. I could never give up books for a year. You know my tv is always at your disposal.
Wow good luck with that one. Why don't you try like one WEEK and see how that goes. Remember we are talking about the Olympics this year...you really think you want to miss Rhythm Gymnastics?
P.S. If I come to visit, I'm staying with your "Lost" friend.
No way I could do it...but good for you...MAYBE a week but that has to be soon because all of the good shows (The Office) are coming back with new episodes soon and I can't miss that!
Kyle
when my hubby was in law school, we went on and off for 3 years without the TV. When they would have the promotional 3 months free & free hookup, we would sign up... then cxl right before we would have to pay... at first I thought I would die. But, its not so bad. My kids learned how to play and use their imagination, and thats when I really got my appetite for reading... I say go for it, but start out with a month first to see if you can withstand the withdrawals!
It really is liberating! Sometimes, I find myself missing those days.
I know.
I'm weird.
I think about doing that too, every now and then. But the fear of how my kids would react keeps me from doing it. I know they need less tv -- though they don't watch a lot -- but sometimes it's nice to let them watch tv when I need a break.
Would letting them watch DVDs be cheating?
Oh! and I forgot about baseball season. And football season! I can't live without them!!
I used to be a tv fanatic as well and this last year, I have all but given it up. If we tossed them all in the garbage, it wouldn't bother be a bit. I watch the occasional Glenn Beck (once every 2 weeks) and Masterpiece Theater (once a month). That's it.
And if you had told me a year ago that I would be in this position, I would NEVER have believed you. That's how radical it was for me. But I love it and I hate tv now and I will never go back. You can't believe how much more peaceful life can be and how shocking the crap is on tv when you don't see it. I have been able to create a bubble for myself in my home and I love it!
I'd LOVE to give up the TV. My husband would REVOLT! Pooh.
And I too like to have a little kiddy movie/mommy break time.
I would definitely give it a whirl if I were you!
man, do I ever wish I could get the fam to agree to that one. the DH would shrivel up and die. me and my nineteen bookcases? we'd be fine.
I say go for it! esp w/the new studies out showing that your brain is more active during sleep than while watching tv.
I think it would be a great experiment. Would you include the whole family or would this be a 'personal' goal. my husband would revolt...but he's not the t.v junkie that I am and my boys watch waaaaaaay toooooo much especially my colby. If you want some motivation I have a friend who is called the t.v. natzi and she has a blog about the 'harmfulness' of too much t.v. watching. antitvmomma.blogstream.com
Let me know what you decide
I am happy and proud to say that our home has been TV free for 5 years!!! We watch dvd's and then we turn the TV off. I am amazed at how my kids are able to find other things to occupy their time and I get so much done. Plus, I have time to read, garden, cook and spend time with my busy family. I do not feel left out nor do I care that I do not know the latest and greatest show out there. It all came to a head when after watching yet another poorly written episode on Disney that my kids started saying "Oh my G*$" after every word. That was it. I shut down the influence. It is funny that when they go to G&G , who have cable, that it is like contriban, they are hooked and just stare at it. We all are that way since we have no idea how things have changed on TV. I do not miss it, nor do I want it back on my home. Good luck, but know that it is not the end of the world. YOu will survive.
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