Dear TV
Thanks for the letter. It was good hearing from you…I guess. Glad you’re doing well. It’s hard to believe it’s been 129 days since we broke up. I know, I’m still counting, which probably isn’t a good sign, but try not to get your hopes up.
I hear a lot about you through our mutual friends. Bill is always talking about Survivor. Bryan weeps when he mentions that Lost ends this year. My mom and sisters are all into Amazing Race XXIII.
Speaking of them, I wish you’d stop hanging out at my parents house – it’s weird when I go over there and they’re all talking to you in the corner. What am I supposed to do? They’re my family – I can’t ignore them. I guess it was kind of good seeing you, but I’ve got to admit: just the sight of you reminded me of why we broke up.
I’m not trying to be mean, but really? Is that the best you can do these days? A golf event where they’re still trying to incorporate Tiger, even when he’s 37 strokes behind? A middle round NBA playoff series? What are you doing with your life? More importantly, what are you doing with your Sunday afternoons? I think I even saw, uh, probably not, but pretty sure, you were showing, um…bowling?
My Sunday afternoons, unlike yours it would appear, have actually improved since we broke up – I’ve been reading Jason Boyett’s O Me Of Little Faith, taking uninterrupted naps, and having picnics outside with the wife and kids. You should think about turning yourself off every once in a while, get out into the world. You’re kind of egotistical.
And to answer the last question in your letter…I do miss you sometimes. Sometimes. And I know I’ll miss you a lot next month when you’re showing the World Cup. To be honest, this fall, when the NFL starts up again, I don’t know what I’ll do without you. But I’m taking it one day at a time.
So stop writing. And leave my family alone.
Truly
Shawn
I think the lack of media entertainment has made you loopy :) Luv it!! ha!!!
this is my favorite post of yours thus far. really enjoyed it. and props for giving up tv and sticking with it. i live in rural tanzania, and even i have a tv (no cable or satellite or channels at all for that matter, but a tv all the same).
just promise me you’re not going to go back and watch all you missed this year on dvds. that would definitely be cheating….
thanks james. to clarify, we have a tv but like you no cable or satellite and cannot get any stations. the kids watch an occasional dvd, as do maile and i on date nights.
we’re not really into any tv series so i don’t think we’ll go back and watch anything in particular.
TV’s overrated anyways. After the 90’s there’s just nothing worth watching.
Very inspiring fast!
I wondered when you were going to mention the whole TV thing again. I think it is a great idea. In fact you are partially responsible for the inspiration that led me to implement “Technology Free Tuesdays/Thursdays” or TFT for short. I blogged about it here: http://kitpalmer.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/who-needs-technology/
Basically, that means on those days, after school & work no TV, video games, mp3 players, etc… and we basically have family night. We either cook a big meal together, or play a board game or cards, or do something outside like tennis or riding bikes. Sometimes I even read to them (usually they want me to read something Tolkien or C.S. Lewis)
It’s not quite as drastic as your TV fast, but it has made a huge difference in our family dynamic (for the better). Sometimes we even forgo TV do stuff together on other days of the week too! Amazing!
Anyway, all that to say, thanks for the inspiration!
Props to you!! I would love to do this at our house!!
Bravo. Many times I think life would be better without all the gadgetry, especially TV. May take the idea from one of comments above about have a technology free day.
Also, your RSS button doesn’t seem to be working.
Thanks Eric. Just tried the RSS button and I think it’s back up. Let me know if you still have problems.
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