| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Sep 23 2008 : 07:16:35 AM
I was so amazed/amused/convicted to find the article on "Going TV Free" [pg 41] in the latest MJ mag. I've been talking to my hubby about cancelling our DirecTV - because of me! I'm the TV addict in the family. No children so can't blame it on them. It's something I've been thinking about for over a year. And I'm find the more "MaryJane" my life becomes, the less the TV is part of it. I think a lot of the green (environmental) information that I currently get from TV - Planet Green specifically - I can get on the internet. So if we cancelled DirecTV we could pay for satellite internet service - we currently are crawling along with dial-up.
So here are my questions:
1. Is anyone out there TV free? If so, how long and how's it workin' for ya?
2. Is anyone else contemplating pulling the plug?
Let me know. I'm beyond interested.
FYI: I'm planning on keeping the TV to watch videos, etc. as we enjoy doing that. But figure that's like going to the movies and wouldn't create the conflict in me that "I might be missing something important."
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Oct 09 2008 : 8:15:40 PM
Paige, that's a great line! We don't have children but I used to do the same thing with my husband. He'd come in and sit on the couch wanting to talk but would have to compete with the TV for my attention. You are inspiring me!
It's day 16 here. Forgot to set the DVR to record the sermon but it's available online so will be able to see that while traveling this coming week (hi-speed at the hotels). Greensburg and Supper Club were repeats so no recording/watching there either. I did have the TV on yesterday to help me keep track of time. Sad to say but I would know time was passing when the shows changed and it helped me get more done. I must have had a "reaction" to that though because today was more about errands but even in the car I found myself turning the radio off. Now there's a real switch!
Beverley, how's it going for you?
Hopefully I'll be able to check in from time to time on our trip.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
| fionalovesshrek |
Posted - Oct 09 2008 : 7:40:33 PM
Week one, we did finally hook up the bunny ears to the boob toob and I watched CSI tonight, but I skipped all my other nightly shows this week. Too much fun w/ the kids to say "sorry, mommy thinks this pretend world is more important than you right now"
P~
www.fionaswampington.blogspot.com
http://homespunhensfarmgirlchapter.blogspot.com/
Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments, owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains. |
| dutchy |
Posted - Oct 09 2008 : 04:06:38 AM
Many times I have it on just for background.
But don't watch most of the time. SO many bad things, nastiness, vulgarity etc.
No more fun to watch.
I do watch Hallmark. About the only one I regularly do see, and one or 2 soaps, lol. WHEN I feel like it, sometimes I don't even watch those anymore.
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
http://princess-of-pink-creations.blogspot.com/
my new BLOG.
I have added "new" creations, take a look :)
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| fionalovesshrek |
Posted - Oct 05 2008 : 08:37:48 AM
I do feel more at ease. For me more than anything, because the kids are more at ease. They are kinder, more playful and far more imaginative than when the TV was doing all the work for them. Even now they're outside building fairy houses and campsites. Too cute!
P~
www.fionaswampington.blogspot.com
http://homespunhensfarmgirlchapter.blogspot.com/
Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments, owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains. |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Oct 04 2008 : 6:29:32 PM
Too all those testing the TV-free waters, GOOD JOB! It's an adventure and definite a learning experience, especially about ourselves, huh?
Paige, WOW! It's a different world, isn't it? I'm like you, needing something going on or the house is too quiet, but I'm not missing the TV either. It's like Marcy said, it can tend to trap a person and they end up sitting there mindlessly for three hours. I find myself feeling calmer in general and not wound so tight - although I didn't realize I felt wound tight to begin with. How about you?
Beverley, good to see you giving it a try. It's an interesting experiment.
This is day 11 for me. Sorry, y'all, I didn't realize it had been that long since I posted. I haven't been 100% TV free, probably more like 90-95%. I recorded a sermon Sunday morning and "Greensburg" and "Supper Club" during the week, although I haven't watched those two shows since recording them. The sermon I can get on the internet when we get hi-speed so I'm not feeling the pinch yet. We'll be home this week and then be on vacation the next. Planning to get the hi-speed internet (at least some version that's higher speed than dial-up!) when we get back and then pull the plug on the TV.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
| fionalovesshrek |
Posted - Oct 04 2008 : 3:08:23 PM
Day three, going good. The husband asked if I'd hook up the bunny ears so he could watch the news, but then he went to chop more wood so....maybe he'll forget about it.
I am really enjoying being TV free, I have found though I do like background noise so the radio is on. You'd think with four boys home all the time (we homeschool) I'd want NO NOISE, but it's peace I want, noise I can handle as long as it's peaceful noise.
P~
www.fionaswampington.blogspot.com
http://homespunhensfarmgirlchapter.blogspot.com/
Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments, owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains. |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Oct 03 2008 : 09:43:23 AM
Oh my goodness, I keep debating on doing that, BUT i love E! and BBCAmerica and then I diddle with the fitness channel. I love Netflix and highly recommend it to anyone! Love the service. Good for you!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://ligonierfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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| fionalovesshrek |
Posted - Oct 03 2008 : 06:40:18 AM
Day two of no TV. I am cheating by watching previous nights shows the next day, on Fancast (thanks to whomever mentioned that site!).I have to pick ONE show, and not two or three, because the pc is in our room and usually the husband is trying to get to sleep.
The kids have watched a DVD or two, when it was quiet time. Last night we all played Twister for awhile. So far so good!P~
www.fionaswampington.blogspot.com
http://homespunhensfarmgirlchapter.blogspot.com/
Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments, owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains. |
| Beverley |
Posted - Oct 02 2008 : 8:34:32 PM
Well we went TV free just today. You can see things online like the debates tonight and that doesn't cost like cable. so I am not having a hard time at all. I never did watch that much anyway. We will see how it goes. Beverley
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| fionalovesshrek |
Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 11:12:09 AM
Hour two of no TV. the kids are playing nicely, and we've all painted together at the table.
We'll see how this evening goes, if we're all in bed earlier or what.
P~
www.fionaswampington.blogspot.com
http://homespunhensfarmgirlchapter.blogspot.com/
Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments, owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains. |
| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 10:09:20 AM
Just to throw my 2 cents in, we didn't have a t.v. for about 4 years and only ended up with one when a friend gave us one! I have offered in not so nice ways to give it back to him!!!! We only get 8 channels and still half of the time there is nothing worth watching! I can't imagine having 200 channels or more! There is only one show that I make a point to catch and I watch nascar, but half of the time that isn't on tv anyway, but I can watch it on the computer! I am not one to sit anyway so even when I do I am usually knitting or spinning yarn or something! I can't stand to just sit and watch, I am always up and down. I honestly liked it better when we didn't have a t.v.!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
| fionalovesshrek |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 8:23:25 PM
Hubby just came in the room and asked me to call tomorrow to cancel the cable, so that's that.
P~
www.fionaswampington.blogspot.com
http://homespunhensfarmgirlchapter.blogspot.com/
Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments, owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains. |
| kpaints |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 4:10:36 PM
Karen in Hillsboro there is no setup fee. You do need to get the radio or a boom box but I went on ebay and got it for less than half price. I love it. Lots of stations, you can listen to whatever you want.
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/ |
| marcy jo |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 4:06:26 PM
I find I am happy without tv as well. The most interesting thing is this: when I do watch it I am trapped like a zombie or something..just cant tear myself away from it. I like it better when there is no tv. I have farmgirl things to do..a much better way to spend my time!!!
Marcy #257
When I stand before God at the end of my life I hope that I would not have a bit of talent left and could say “I used everything You gave me”.(erma bombeck) |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Sep 28 2008 : 06:47:28 AM
Grace, I finished Day 5 TV free and every day that passes, the more I really get what you wrote about. Not even having it as a option is very freeing. It's still in the house but I don't even turn it on to check the schedule. My question has become "When I die, will this ______ matter?" There are very few shows that I put in that category. One is the sermon I watched this morning with my husband. And even that we'll be able to get over the internet after we unplug. I can do a lot more useful things with that $60 a month. But that's my outlook.
I know there are those of you out there that get genuine enjoyment from watching television shows and so you just keep on watching them. We're not cookie cutter copies of each other. I've had my time with television and now it's time to stop. Will I hook up again someday? Who knows. Maybe. Maybe not. But until then I'm a lot happier without it.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 6:50:26 PM
Well I love to watch my VHS movies that I have selected over the years and now I have also added some DVD's, but for the past twelve years I have raised my sons without cable, nintendo, X box and cell phones. We have enjoyed the outdoors too much and have too much farm work to sit on our behinds. I do love watching PBS but even that is very limited. When we lose power out here (which is often) if we are not tending to chores, spinning by candle or reading by candle then we look it as time to catch up on very needed sleep. I only get movies from the Library - last time I rented a movie from Blockbuster was five years ago. I only rent during the summer months when I have to be in town once a week to deliver products and go to farmers markets. During the winter I do not rent because I do not wish to drive in the storms and I hold up tending my animals as the main stay of my days. I throw away ads for cable, dish or netflex so I do not even consider should I do it... I never wish to tell anyone what to do but maybe if we unplugged more we might connect to those things that really have value....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 6:20:49 PM
Checking in - Days 3 & 4 - still TV free! I did record "Supper Club" on Planet Green but haven't watched it yet. If I don't feel the need to watch it by Sunday, it gets recorded over with Greensburg. I know I'll watch that one though. It's about the town of Greensburg, KS that got wiped out by the F5 tornado in May 2007 and how their building their town back environmentally friendly. It's really interesting so that's my one hold out.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311
P.S. Karen, I didn't realize Sirius radio would only be $12.95 a month. What's the upfront cost? I love listening to talk shows, especially while I'm working around the house. |
| kpaints |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 08:35:12 AM
Oh, I got sirus radio for $12.95 a month and now I can listen to all the jazz, blues, country, 60's, 70's 80's music I want. Really good stations and no ads. I don't miss TV and I am getting a lot of reading done in the evenings when I use to watch it.
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/ |
| kpaints |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 08:22:47 AM
I got rid of Directv about 2 months ago and haven't really noticed. When I have thought about it I think I guess I should rent a movie but then I get busy sewing or computing and forget. I was paying $44 a month and no local channels! That's a ton. They go around advertising $29 so you can all change when we go digital. I told them you give me the same deal and they didn't, but of course now they are begging to get me back every day! I forgot about Netflix so maybe I will try that during the holidays. I bet I am having lots of family here for the holidays, for a change, so they will all be wanting their football. Not sure what I can do about that. Radio I guess.
Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/ |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 05:12:05 AM
I leave the tv off most of the day when everyone is gone. Since I have a part time job now, I don't even think about it.
There are so many reality shows, disaster shows, and just plain nasty shows on that I can't stand it. My children like their cartoons, but I'd rather watch PBS or go online. I usually spend my evening crocheting or doing some other craft, but I doubt if hubby would ever give up the tv. He is a tv addict!
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/
http://bigdogmom130.etsy.com |
| Annab |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 03:40:20 AM
and have you ever noticed how a lot of commercials are way too loud.
They say this is a marketing ploy. I say it's just plain annoying and causes the t.v. to be turned off.
enough already |
| Kelly Girl |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 10:35:04 PM
Right now we have just the basic network channels, but even those are not real appealing to me.
We turned the Direct Tv off a few weeks ago. Do not need the extra bill. Have found that we as a family, are not missing it to much. I like a peaceful environment.... what television has to offer is not so peaceful. I do watch the local news, weather etc.. but most of the time I have it off.
Blessings to all~Kelly
http://belleamebeautifulsoul.blogspot.com/ |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 4:53:26 PM
FYI, Marcy Jo, we're keeping the TV but working toward getting rid of satellite. Some of our best times together are watching movies, but it's always ones we own. So I'm thinking if those are the best times, why pay for the service? Garage sales and thrift stores are wonderful places to pick up good movies cheap. I just got the "Five Mile Creek" series at a barn sale. It's on VHS but we still have our player.
Just a thought................
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
| marcy jo |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 3:57:14 PM
My tv viewing has dropped so far off since I married my husband. Sometimes we watch movies but we only have rabbit ears. Last night was the first time in months that I watched a prime time show. My family thinks Im nuts cuz I dont keep up with tv like they do. If their cable goes out they panic. I am so ready to never have one but the kids need movies once in awhile.
Marcy #257
When I stand before God at the end of my life I hope that I would not have a bit of talent left and could say “I used everything You gave me”.(erma bombeck) |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 3:27:59 PM
Yesterday was Day 2 being TV free. I'm allowing myself 2 shows - Supper Club and Greensburg, both on the Planet Green network on DirecTV. I'm recording them and watching them at a time I decide on. Other than that I'm shooting for NO TV through October 10 when we leave on our trip. Taking plenty to read and work on then so hopefully I won't be tempted by the hotel and/or family members' TV.
Jenn, hop on the TV Free train. I'm finding that I don't have the angst of not having it available at all, but it sure is liberating to know that I can say "NO." Let me know if you decide to experiment. Anyone else want to hop on board?
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
