In early December we were in the middle of switching from one cable company to another and the strangest thing happened ... we never actually switched. We turned off our service and couldn't decide on a new provider. So we're now rapidly approaching two months without any tv. No rabbit ears. No nothin'.
My hilarious sister-in-law called a few days into it and said, "So ... I heard you guys are playing pioneer. How's that going?" Funny ... yet it feels like a strangely appropriate assessment.
It was hard at first. I felt lonely and isolated. Even though we still had the internet, I felt disconnected from the world somehow.
The first couple of evenings were interesting. We seriously sat around staring at each other. Ruby just kept asking when Family Home Evening was going to start, since apparently that's the only time we'd all just sit around staring at each other.
I'd have to say the family togetherness has been the biggest benefactor of "playing pioneer." We engage so much more than we used to. Which is great, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I'd kill to just flop on my bed, turn on the tv, and zone out. And now that American Idol has started up again, what's a recovering tv addict to do? (Don't even talk to me about trying to watch it online -- they've got that thing under serious lock and key.)
I mean, how much family time does one family need? We still have very productive, informative, spiritual FHEs. Isn't that enough? For instance, last week at FHE we were talking about how Jesus and Heavenly Father love us and Ruby looked over at the picture we have of Jesus and said, "Yeah, I wuuuuuv Santa."
Santa? Oh, man ... we've ruined our kids.
Or maybe the tv did. Yeah ... let's say it was the tv.
Good riddance.
11 years ago
9 comments:
Bring the TV back. Moderation in all things. The 1800s are over! Do it Do it!
-Bec
we played pioneer for about 3 months. It wasn't too bad until LOST started back up... I'm a tv aholic. I can't go without for too long.
You are so brave, I don't know if I could do it, it's the best babysitter in the world ;) I LOVE your family pictures, you guys all look so great! Miss you!
I watched Idol last night, and five minutes of it was really worth it. The rest of the time, I was sure glad I had a book in my lap. BTW, I found you with the "Next-Blog button." I sure wish there were a "Last blog button" so you could go in the opposite direction. I'm at retiredintherockies (starts and ends like yours. First time I heard of FHE, I thought it ended in FI FO FUM, I smell the blood of an Englishman. Sorry about that. Do like your blog, though. Nice photos. Forget the TV if you want. Kids are more fun to watch anyway.
I always admire that "pioneer" families, knowing that my husband would never do without his sports-so I I'm safe. I'll blame him. heehee.
Cute story about Ruby loving Santa. During FHE last week Ella wanted to teach the lesson. Somehow it turned into how much Jesus just loves cupcakes. Funny girls.
Found your blog through Heather's.
We've been cable free for WAY too long now. Loved your post and could totally commiserate. Two sites for you(which you may already know about) hulu.com and atdhe.net - for when you absolutely HAVE to have a fix!
Haha great blog, if I advise you one thing it would be to steer clear of dish network :p
Oh, man! Celia, you're amazing. I've been counting down the minutes until Sienna will sit still and engage in cartoons long enough for me to take a 5 minute shower! ;) I'll admit it I have a few guilty pleasures. Maybe I could it, but Dan couldn't give us sports. He would choose ESPN over me, I'm sure of it. I love the FHE comment. So funny!
Way to go- that is pretty courageous. We have cut cable but our tv still picks up all the PBS kids shows so I still get a shower in with the house not burning down.
And I am glad to hear that my kids aren't the only ones that confuse Santa and Jesus
Hope you are well- and next time you are in town can we get together? Serously it has been too long!
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