That was then, and this is now.
When I decided to give up cable back in January, I hoped it was a step in the right direction and I promised I'd report back.
My take on it now that it's been over 6 months? I wish I woulda done it sooner. Seriously.
OK, I will admit that NBA season was tough. Tortured during the playoffs since I love me some NBA action. But other than basketball, I really don't miss it at all.
Speaking of basketball...I resorted to watching playoffs at various sports bars. Yes, a bit spendy. But? It got me out of the house and in social mode. Living out in KS does not translate into throngs of visitors, so it was a trade-off.
The litmus test was when I visited my parents in June. They have every channel known to man. And one day while they were out running errands, I turned on HGTV to see if it still held the same allure for me. Nope. Not at all. I'd lost that lovin' feeling.
These days, even when I have the chance to watch cable at a friends house, I don't. I use my laptop to watch DVD's. Use my laptop for Hulu. Typing this while doggie-sitting in Thornton in a house where they not only have cable, but Direct TV and Apple TV. Watched maybe 15 minutes of HGTV and I can honestly say that addiction is over.
All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to give up cable and TV in general. I definitely pay less than I used to and I've become more involved in other interests that get me out of the house and interest me in other ways.
Of course, this is just me and my own personal decision...to each his own, ya know? If you love TV and can't live without it, well then don't! Do what makes you happy.
And just in case watching NBA playoffs make you really happy, you know who to call in case you want company :-)
As hooked as I get on the crap, I think back to when my family didn't even have a television for 6 years and realize that there were some great benefits. We took back the DVR at Kelly's and now that I don't have control over what's on, it all feels like junk and I don't want to watch it.
Posted by: Gabe | Monday, 03 August 2009 at 10:00 AM
Oh, we love the NBA playoffs. I am totally a Nuggets fan now. That alone makes paying for cable worth it for me! You are totally welcome to come over next year to watch them with us!
Posted by: Jess | Sunday, 02 August 2009 at 09:51 AM
I'm watching cable at my parents' house while I'm house-sitting and find that it's just a nice luxury. I'd rather go somewhere to watch a Cubs game, spend my money on the beer there instead, and enjoy the game with a few other people!
Good for you getting rid of TV. I don't think I'm 100% clear from wanting to watch TV, but it's more and more of a luxury for me.
HGTV is getting awful anyways!
Posted by: Jen | Sunday, 02 August 2009 at 12:22 AM