Thursday, September 24, 2009

the idiot box

I had an idea early this week.

What would happen if we would have 1 hour per evening w/no t.v.?

I know. Sounds like it's on a lot. And in my opinion, it is. Others in my house would disagree.

I enjoy a good t.v. show just as much as the next person. I also enjoy quiet. Time to read. Play a game. Ponder. Talk.

One evening this week (as we were all gathered in front of the idiot box) I asked what would happen if we were to have an hour w/out t.v. each evening. Ahem. Not everyone was on board. Ok, I'm willing to make concessions. It is football season, you know.

I suggested maybe we begin with 2 evenings a week. Still didn't have everyone on my side but no one shot me down with a dirty look.

Last night it was only the two girls and me at home. They both had alot of studies to do as they are both preparing for tests in the next couple of days. No t.v.

Just the 3 of us, in the t.v. room, studying, quizzing and reading books. For over an hour.

So refreshing.

2 nights a week. That's all I ask.

8 comments:

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

I love that idea....but "dirty looks" rang a bell...lol!

Lisa said...

I wish we could do this, but it's almost baseball playoffs, ya know? I think our tv is always on if someone other than myself is home. I tend to leave it off and enjoy the quiet if I'm alone, which is never.

Wren said...

I don't think we've really had the TV on since about April. Downgraded the cable and signed up for the minimum movie on Netflix. I don't miss it. Good for you! I was only allowed to watch 1 hour of TV a day when I was a kid - got me reading a whole lot more! My "winter reading project" is piling up... can't wait to hit the books... : ))

Anonymous said...

funny, I just have Joe the challenge last night of not watching TV for a week - maybe I should start with a night. He is HIGHLY addicted to the TV. I teased him that the remote does not leave his hand once he gets home from work.

good idea to even just start with an hour.

Jenni said...

Danny thinks it's antisocial of me to want to read in the evening. If I suggest all of us reading together (our own books), I get eye rolls from everyone. Somehow watching TV together is not antisocial, but reading in the same room at the same time is.

Jenny said...

I often wonder what life would be like if we gave up watching TV. I don't see the need though, because there are some interesting shows. I do think I ask someone every single day to turn the TV off. We're no TV daily from before dinner until about 8. We all have a must-see show...The Closer, The Office, Barrett's Car Auction, ESPN(in general!). We're so busy sometimes crashing in front of a show at 9 seems like a relief. The oddest thing to me is I seem to frequently find the TV on with no one watching it?!?!

Anonymous said...

Good luck! It seems easier without a man in the house, I know I'm stereotyping, but exhusband had that darn thing on 24/7.

We rarely have it on. The girls will occassionaly flip on Nick or Disney to watch but I watch the few shows I watch on the computer now so that I can watch them on a night that works after the girls are in bed.

I feel you though, that constant drone used to drive me crazy!

Kerri said...

Hello from Spokane! It's been awhile since I've posted on your blog. After being at camp all summer, I'm back to teaching and trying to figure out life again. Our tv is rarely on. If Mr. York is home, it's usually on something sports related. I might snuggle up with the Beagle Boys to watch a chick flick in the guest room if I want to relax. But I really don't watch tv anymore. I don't miss it, But if you took my computer away, then we'd have to talk! :)

Hope all is going well with you and your family~ sounds like you've got a busy fall schedule.