Neither Steve nor I had consistent access to TV for most of college. I never missed it! However, we have had either cable or satellite for the last 6.5 years of our 7.5 year marriage. We became experts at DVRing two shows at once while watching a show we had previously recorded. Prior to becoming parents, we watched A LOT of TV. What else was there to do?
Parenthood has changed our lives completely. I am home with Katie during the day and try to keep the television off as much as possible. I want her to play and be creative. When we do watch TV, she really likes the shows on PBS. In the evenings, Steve and I typically wait until Katie is in bed to watch anything because we don't want to expose her to some of the language and subject matter of prime time.
We have debated cutting the perverbial cord several times in the past. But a few months back we were started looking ahead at our looming satellite introductory rate expiration. I already felt like we were paying more than I was comfortable with and couldn't stomach jumping up a significant amount more (you know I'm a major tightwad). We finally decided we were done... at least for now. Steve mourned the loss of convenient access to sports, especially UK games. I binged on Sister Wives and David Tutera's My Fair Wedding. On the morning of December 31, we turned on the TV to find our service had been cut off. It was an end to an era.
Here's what we're doing to "cope"
- UHF/VHF HD compatible antenna - not pleasing to the eye, but gets us 9 local and public broadcast channels
- Netflix membership - this is very handy for filling the void when "nothing is on"
- Watching some of our favorite shows online
- Listening to UK games on the radio
- Exercising
- Reading
- Getting stuff done!
We have also considered a membership to HULU Plus, but have decided to forgo that for now. We plan to hook up our old VCR to record shows when we either can't watch a show in real time, or catch it later online.
We know how difficult this decision was for us, so we know it's not a decision that's right for everyone. It's just a fun exercise for me, though, to challenge myself to break habits and find what my bottom line comfort level is. I'm not ready to completely throw out the TV. I've had friends in the past that did and I admired what other activities filled their time. Baby steps...
~Carla
