Sunday, July 5, 2009

We aren't wierd, I promise!

Ok, so it has been a few years since we've had cable and many months since we had PBS. Now we have NO television (no television as in actual channels. We have 3 tv's in our house, all with a functioning dvd player). Many years ago Tyler asked what I thought of not having tv in our home and I thought that sounded crazy. Only wierd fanatical people do things like that right? Apparently not. Here's how it happened to us...

We couldn't afford cable or satellite, but for some reason we were getting cable. Tyler called several times to let the cable company know that we were getting cable and weren't paying for it. They basically told us to enjoy it while we had it and it would get taken care of eventually. So we did enjoy it. HGTV became one of our favorite. After many months of that while we were watching a kids channel the screen went blue, no more cable.
It was a little sad, but I suddenly filled that time with other things, mostly reading and crafts. We still had regular channels and PBS, so when we really felt like watching something we could usually find something. Well, then the whole digital thing happened and we lost PBS because they changed their signal early on, and now...nothing, all the stations have gone digital. I know we could spend the $40 or $50 bucks for the converter, but it's alright, we don't have that right now, and even if we did, I have found better ways to spend my time.
The other day I mentioned something about getting tv again if Ty's furlough days were ever taken away and we had some extra money. Micah replied, "I don't think we should do that cause we don't really watch much tv and when we go to Nana's it wouldn't be as much fun to watch her tv." So, I guess we'll stay tv free.

Anyone else out there as crazy as we are?

15 comments:

megatron said...

Emy and I are totally the same. We cant afford cable and we watch movies or go to my parents....i get alot done not having all the channels. I feel more free without it?!?!?!?!

Grandma Honey said...

I hear you. We have TVs and cable or satellite, whatever it is, but rarely do we turn it on. I remember my last 2 boys leaving on their missions and not even knowing how to turn the TV on...they just so rarely did. I think it's a good thing. And like Micah said, It wouldn't be as much fun to watch Nana's TV if you had one of your own!

Susie Demke said...

It's not weird. It's probably one of the best things a family could do for themselves. I think its very wise. If you really think about not much GOOD comes from television. Really. So Good for you for just going with it.

Lauren Call Green said...

I think that's great!! If my husband didn't grow up having the TV on 24/7, I'd would be TV free in a heart beat! Life must be so much better without the TV constantly on :)

The Faridoni Fam said...

We have really considered going tv free ourselves. Don't know what I'm scared of. Maybe it's losing Bravo. But heck I can get the updates on the computer. Good for you guys. You have just inspired me to reconsider.

The Smith Family said...

We were talking today about how we watch too much tv. I turned it off and it was so nice to have an afternoon of reading books ONLY. We only have network tv (w/ the converter box) but I think we plan too much of our time around watching stupid stuff. Good for you guys Kelly! Maybe I'll follow after you!:)

Krissy said...

We did that for about a year when we couldn't afford cable. It wasn't too bad. The kids could watch their Nick Jr and Disney shows online. BRandon would download our shows, then put them on DVD's so we could watch them on the big TV. Even now, we don't watch very much TV, my struggle is limiting the Wii time without arguments from the kids.

Caleen said...

You are not crazy!! We haven't always had cable. It was nice when we didn't. we did seem to play together more, games, reading,..
I wouldn't have a problem not having cable. most of it is junk anyway.. My kids mostly watch the kid channels but, I have no problem saying "Enough TV" and I push that button!! HA! You do what is best for your Family..

Melissa said...

The cable company has a package for $10-15 that allows you to have just the local broadcast channels. They won't tell you about it. You have to tell them that you know and want it. However tv free is good too.

Yasmine said...

I think it's sad that a lot of families consider TV a NECESSITY along with things like health insurance and groceries. We didn't pay for TV for YEARS until we could afford it and we've always treated it like a luxury, not a necessity. Good for you for realizing what's important.

Luna said...

I have a love-hate relationship with the TV. I am always throwing the idea out there, but it never seems to stick.

Janelle Ehat said...

Hey we should try to get together while you are in town! How long will you be here? Maybe we could take the kids to a park or something for lunch.

Miranda said...

I think it is great!!

Cassie said...

We don't have cable either. We only watch PBS a few days a week. I really don't miss TV. Like you said, it leaves time to do other things that are much more fun.

Shannon said...

I am going to be honest...I think it's a little strange, but whatever works. I definitely could NOT go without my tv. I'm not gonna lie...I love TV.