Today is a big day for me. It’s my first day without cable TV. Brad and I have decided to quit cable once and for all. Why, oh why, would we do such a silly thing? Well, the answer is a tapestry of reasons including a vengeful and ravenous rage against Time Warner Cable that seems to resonate with so many. Luckily, this is the only unholy reason on the list.
I am a TV monster. I loooove me some TV. I especially love TV on a Saturday morning around 10:00 when those moderately amusing three-hour movies I’ve already seen 100 times and probably have the DVD start on channels like TNT, AMC and FX. I just curl up and watch my Saturday pass me by. I’ve got to get a grip. TV is consuming my free time and keeping me indoors when the world’s best park is but steps away from my stoop. What kind of sense is that?
Not paying for cable is one less bill to pay. Sounds pretty good to me!
I’m on a path to being a better person. On a scale of 1 – 10 I’m probably a 5 in terms of being a good Christian, good wife, good family member, good friend and all around decent human. There’s room for improvement. I’ve come to the conclusion that by removing the ritual evening veg-time I’ll be able to read, reflect, talk with Brad and my friends and family, and maybe even find an outlet for some exercise. All good things.
Our apartment will be a lot cleaner.
I don’t want 8:00 p.m. to be my curfew. All the good shows start at 8:00 and when you don’t have a DVR/TiVo unit, you’ve got to actually be at home and in front of the TV at the actual time when the show starts. A few weeks ago I was literally racing to get home by the time the Britney Spears episode of Glee came on. Now, what does that say about the ruling forces in my life?
We’re not completely throwing in the TV towel- just anything related to TWC. (Seriously, they are the Evil Empire. I’m pretty sure the CEO is the spawn of Darth Vader) We’ve decided to invest in AppleTV. We can rent or buy a subscription to a series and download the episodes the day after they air to the AppleTV box. This way, we watch only the shows that we enjoy without those pesky commercials or the rigidity of a time-slot. It also eliminates the giant sucking sound the TV makes on those precarious Saturday mornings. We can also stream movies from Netflix which could potentially be my new Saturday downfall, but the jury’s still out on that one.
The only foreseeable issue with the Apple TV is watching time sensitive stuff ie. news and sports. I’m not entirely sure how we’ll resolve that since I’m not a huge fan of watching sports I actually care about in a bar (which are few). Lucky for us (and unlucky) it’s not often we get Big 12 coverage and/or either of the Kansas teams on our channels. But, I’m already feeling badly for Brad come March and the madness ensues.
So today is day one. So far, so good. Although, I know I’m missing Modern Family right now and I’m a little upset about it. I’m like a junkie going through withdrawal!
kudos to you! we’ll keep each other accountable. after being sans TV on the road we’ve decided to do the same when we return home. cheers!
Way to go kids!! You know, I have realized that I can rarely remember what happened on Project Runway even a DAY after I’ve watched it. So really, if I can’t remember it past 24 hours, why is it that important? I’m also addicted to TV. I need to back off. I admire the commitment, good luck!!
yay for no cable! i have been without since july 1. yes, i DO still watch the shows i need to online, but i do miss the french channels…that’s IT though. as for news/sports, i get it all on twitter.
that apple tv is tempting though….
congratulations! now it’s time to let you into a little secret: we never had cable but managed to get ALL of the big channels, even the food network, without paying a cent, or apple tv, etc when we lived in nyc. really. honest. so try plugging in your tv to the general outlet and see if anything comes in.
we haven’t subscribed to anything here in A-town and are sad that we get very very very few channels – well, lets of spanish/hispanic stations. we do still get out House and some of the other biggies.
I miss me some ina garten though.
Cable is a huge headache. Loud commercials, annoying real-world situations with more annoying editing. I tried to cancel it, but all I got was a significantly smaller bill and still have the cable!
Hey, you just shake hands with the Dark Force. Welcome.
Good move in favor of quality of life. I wonder, however, if you miss SNL or The Office?
I admire your goals, especially the part about keeping more in touch with your family. I think I have already beneifited. I loved your note!
Nothing is better at dinner than good communication–keep those lines open. I admit, I am addicted to watching news.
Hi Bekka, It’d been a while since I last tuned in to your blog. I got on today and it never ceases to amaze me what incredible writing skills you have. Your comments are witty, intelligent and you always write about things your many readers can relate to. I especially like the one where you’re going through cable withdrawal. Good for you!!! That takes guts to stop TV cable cold turkey. It’s your Dad’s and my favorite habit. You’re right though. Now that I’ve been sitting in front of the TV from sun up to sun down I realize how monotonous it really is and how you can become thoroughly absorbed in it to the point that endless hours pass you by without you’re doing anything creative. HMMMMM. Your Dad’s been taking great care of me since my infamous fall on Thanksgiving Day. If I haven’t all ready, I’ll send you the picture of the “Granny Walker” the doctor presribed for me so I could stay off my twisted ankles and bum leg. It really made me stop and think that I need to take better care of myself. My new ritual will be exercising when I get the OK from the doctor. Oh please doctor, don’t make it before the first part of next year… :O) Your Thanksgiving menu sounded wonderful and your Dad and I were pleased to hear you spent it surrounded by good friends. Take care and I look forward to talking to you soon.
Pingback: Blog Stats Overview | New York or Bust