Life without t.v.

**Jaded** · 07-28-2007, 12:50 PM

Well, I'm actually enjoying it. I still try to turn it on sometimes, when I'm tired or half asleep, but it's only out of habit. I found a GREAT local AM talk radio station. Right now they're having a home repair tips episode...great! I can keep up with the local news there, and the national news online. I put a news feed on my bookmarks toolbar so I'm set.

Of course, now I spend even MORE time online! I just have to discipline myself for that, though, because it's only $18 a month, so I'm not cancelling it! Besides, how could I live without you guys?

I really think I was just addicted to the "noise" that the t.v. provided. I didn't watch it much unless I had time off on weekends, to watch the HGTV gardening shows. I watch a lot of the gardening videos on the website. It's just as good, and not as time consuming.

I'm going to the library tomorrow to see what there is to rent. My DVD isn't even hooked up! I bought it several months ago, on a great sale, but never used it. I'm not much of a movie person, but I'll watch the series DVD's, and probably some movies too.

I hope I can do o.k. with the library rentals, because they charge $3 a day if they are late, and I'm constantly forgetting to take them back. I'll have to make a sign that says "Do you have any videos to return?" and hang it on the door where I'll see it whenever I walk out in the morning! LOL

I am enjoying my reading. I haven't read in a long time, and now I'm finding it very relaxing. I've been reading before I go to bed, and it seems to put me right to sleep. I'm going to change out the light in my bedroom so that I can have reading light in there too.

Gotta run get ready for work. Have a great day, everyone!

**Telephus44** · 07-28-2007, 05:41 PM

We've been TV free for almost three years now - the biggest difference I've noticed is that we're no longer brain-washed by advertising, and that seeing advertising almost insults my intelligence. I guess when you're not "used to it" then it looks a lot different.

We do spend lots of time online - but that's another vice for another day

**JerryG** · 07-28-2007, 06:06 PM

except for sports. I did have the TV on yesterday as I live in Phoenix where the 'copters went down. Near my house! If I'd have been home, I would have heard / seen that . . .tragedy

**lullaby80** · 07-28-2007, 06:44 PM

Glad to hear you're enjoying tv free life.

Can you reserve DVDs from your library?

Since getting TiVo I've been ablet o cut back to max 1h tv per day which is great. I only watch what I want to watch, never commercials and never crap.

**mommymath** · 07-28-2007, 07:09 PM

We have never had TV (we've been married 10 years, and DH was TV-free even before that), and are happy that DS isn't under constant assault from commercials. We do watch DVDs on our computer, and occasionally download stuff from iTunes.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-30-2007, 05:09 PM

That is fantastic you're TV free!! I would love to do that but Dh wouldn't go for it. He likes the news TOOOOO much! I admit, I love to watch Little House and Waltons on DVD! Then I don't have to watch the dumb commercials!!

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-30-2007, 07:15 PM

I have been without TV for months now and I love it too, I have got alot of house type stuff done and decluttering... I also even cut down on online usuage (no money savings) but I am spending more time with my family too!

**dcompton** · 07-31-2007, 12:13 AM

I haven't had a tv for years and never, ever want one again. I love silence and, as some have said, it is great not having all those stupid commercials. There are zillions of things out there to buy that I don't even know exist -- and that's a good thing. Working full time, there is little enough time for the things I love to do just because I love to do them. I'm not willing to sacrifice any of that time to tv. Occasionally I will see something is going to be aired, usually a documentary, and I think, "Oh, I'd like to see that." But then I carry on and forget all about it. I work with college students and it is so strange to hear them talk about tv. I've almost forgotten there really is tv land out there, it is so not part of my world. I have no criticism for those who like it -- it's just not my cup of tea, and living alone, I have the freedom to indulge that whim. Whew -- too long. But I really, really love not having tv intruding in my life.

**pepper1** · 07-31-2007, 01:57 PM

We still have a tv but I haven't turned it on during the day in two months I haven't missed it much we do watch it ever night though

**kaykwilts** · 07-31-2007, 02:01 PM

Good for you! I applaud you for giving up TV. I have favorites on TV but could probably just wait and watch them when they come out on DVD a few months later. May have to consider giving up the boob tube.

**sdrjeolsen** · 07-31-2007, 02:19 PM

Wow, WTG, we unfortunately watch a ton. I grew up not watching it, but dh family had it on from dawn to dusk. It was the source of many disagreements early on in our marriage. I have finally just gotten him to give up the TV in the bedroom, that has been great! Baby steps, lol.

**Dancing Lotus** · 07-31-2007, 02:20 PM

I have tried to give up tv but the silence kills me. I dont even watch all the much just have it on for noise. The radio doesnt have the same effect, Good for you.

**beautifullyhaunted** · 07-31-2007, 05:09 PM

Good for you

I could give it up, I'm not a huge fan anyway. The only time I watch it is when Army Wives is on Sunday nights. And lately I watch Side Order of Life on Sunday nights too. I dont think 2 hours a week is too bad, lol.

**Edna_E** · 07-31-2007, 08:03 PM

I really enjoy being disconnected from the electric-umbilical cord. It started with a move, and then just kept getting longer since we didn't get cable and the reception is really bad. Now the habit is broken, and I only use the tv when I rent a movie, which is also getting to be pretty rare.