Second Thoughts: Cable TV

I saw on Twitter how upset Netflix subscribers are about the company's decision to increase their rates to offer more services to customers. Many have threatened to cancel and voiced the dissatisfaction with the lack of new releases in Netflix's instant stream library.

We have been Netflix subscribers since early 2008 and I am quite satisfied with the service.   I texted The Hubs to advance of the change (since he pays that bill) and he also seemed a bit annoyed at the increase.  I jokily responded that we can cancel the cable and it wouldn't matter.  To my surprise, he texted that he agrees and we should cut that expense.  I didn't respond right away because I was actually quite amazed that he was seriously thinking about eliminating the cable. I actually felt a little bad and decided not to cancel it right away because I wanted to make sure he truly agreed. He likes to relax with a comedy and sometimes a documentary, and now that I was having the chance to make a change I wanted, I didn't want him to feel like I was bullying him into it.  I wanted to be sure the decision was mutual.

When he came home last night, we discussed it more and decided that eliminating this bill will not only save us several hundred dollars per year, but also hopefully divert our attention to more meaningful experiences.  Don't get me wrong, I like watching TV like the next person, but I think we have a tendency to use TV as a distraction more than a means to educate ourselves.

In Karol Gajda's book, Luxury of Less: The Five Rings of Minimalism, he writes, "Think about one of your heroes right now.  It can be anybody...Do you think any of them got to where they are by, for example, watching TV?  Not a chance."  I agree! People who are doing many great things in their lives aren't usually sitting at the tube like zombies.  They are spending valuable time researching, being mentored and making positive moves in their lives.

As much as I agree with what is said above, something a little unexpected happened after I called Directv to cancel.  I had a moment of regret.  What if there's something I really want to see and Netflix isn't an option?  What about  when football season starts or there's a sensational public figure being interviewed by Diane Sawyer?  I was having second thoughts. I think it's natural to have second thoughts when making changes in your life.  I have been watching countless hours of TV since I was a kid, so of course this change is overwhelming.

Where do we go from here

Our decision to not have a TV in our room or cable doesn't mean that we will no longer watch any TV.  In fact, we have decided to continue with our Netflix subscription.  If there's a program that I've missed the Internet is more than willing to give me a recap.  Also, since ABC offers full episodes of their shows online for free, I can still watch Modern Family. :-)

Making this change wasn't because I think TV is necessarily evil; we will continue to watch it.  I just feel turning off paid programming will hopefully curb some of the senseless hours of watching TV just because it's available.

One In, TWO Out

"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." -Will Smith

This post is inspired by Angela Yee's $70,000 shoe collection.  The New York radio personality says she has accumulated several hundred pairs of designer shoes over the years.  Even though the number of shoes she owns is astounding, I can't say I'm too surprised. As a society, we tend to become slaves to overconsumption.  It is ingrained in us from an early age to acquire as many luxuries as possible to obtain a sense of  status and security in American culture.  The theory of work hard to acquire more isn't too far fetched in our society.


A Solution for Life

Yee's article has forced me to reflect on my own overconsumption.  I've decided to test out the One In, Two Out philosophy in my own life.  How will this work?  If I purchase one item, I will go home and donate (or sell) two items.

The Logic Behind this Decision

In my quest to streamline every room in our house, the One In, Two Out plan will allow me to control the additional clutter and maintain an organized living space.  I have decided to apply this philosophy to my own stuff only, and will continue the One In, One Out with the kids.

I'm optimistic about this change because I think it will:

*Curve impulsive purchases- I will likely not want to give away 2 of anything, so this decision will force to me think long and hard before making any purchase.

*Make practical buying decisions-I will more likely to seek out products that not only make our lives easier but offer multiple uses

*Buy Less, Have More, Save More-Amazing Domino effect

We deceive ourselves into believing the purchase of a larger home, newer car, or designer clothes will make us feel better about ourselves. In actuality, after the excitement of a purchase wears off, the emptiness settles in and we look for the next new, shiny, and very temporary fix.  It's a cycle.  A vicious cycle that we have all fallen victim to.  Not to mention, the additional responsibility of maintaining this new item, which can include additional expense and time. Time taken away from relationships and issues that are truly important to us.  My plan is to combat any feelings of emptiness with prayer, love, and laughter; not overconsumption.  I want to get back to the basics and focus more on quality time with family, exploring new hobbies, writing, and not falling prey to the media ploy of more is the key to happiness.

Internet Sabbatical

Last week I decided to take a break for three days to see how productive I could become without the distraction of being online.  I lasted only two days but I feel pretty good about my progress; mainly because I rarely go a day without the Internet.

Here's what I did:

*Made mango sorbet



*Drank some beer-what's the deal with me about beer right now?

*Walked/jogged 16 miles

*Read a book

*Watched the boys chase fireflies



*Visited a Civil War battlefield







*Watched  A.N.T. Farm with the chipmunks



*Celebrated

Master Closet Reveal

"When our homes-the containers of our daily lives are overflowing with clutter, our souls take a backseat to our stuff.  We no longer have the time, energy, and space for new experiences.  We feel cramped and inhibited, like we can't fully stretch out and express ourselves."

I purged our master closet last week and here's the new space....



We still have a few things to give away but we 're both enjoying the space so far. I'm glad that we have a  little "office space" since our home lacks that formal room.

It can be quite difficult to get a moment to clear your thoughts, work on your blog (I have been interrupted twice since I started typing this while in the dining room), or some reading done with three little ones running around.  The new closet has given us a chance to "escape" for a few moments and that is such a great gift.

Anyone wondering what the deal is with the dolls?  Well, I started collecting special edition Barbie and porcelain dolls back in high school.  I thought I would eventually pass them on to a daughter, but with having our 3 chipmunks, I decided to give most away.  I discovered that I had a total of 13 Barbies before the purge!  They were all stacked in the corner collecting dust and I didn't even remember owning some of them.  I decided to keep 4, but the number may end up being more like 1 in the near future.

I also kept the porcelain doll sitting on the desk because it was the first one my mom gave me while traveling in Paris.  It definitely holds great sentimental value.  :-)

Background Noise

"When we cut out the background noise, we put what's truly special to us in the spotlight."

I chanted this Francine Jay quote several times while in Orlando.  Why?  Because I knew I was about to embark on another big transition once I returned home.  I wanted to constantly remind myself why it was so important to finally rid myself of a background noise that consumed a large portion of my day.  The distraction is none other than the TV in our bedroom.



I was endless hours watching mindless shows instead of focusing on more important things, like spending quality time with the boys and exploring new hobbies. I talked to The Hubs for several months about the possibility and he wasn't interested.  He felt my "aha moment" was punishing him and wanted to keep the TV along with the 150 channels that we subscribed to.

With the relaxing week away and many hours of conversation, I was able to get him to consider and then respect my decision...with a compromise of course.  I agreed to keep the TV in the family room (with satellite service).

When we returned from Orlando (Thursday) I didn't disconnect the TV right away like I'd planned to do.  I was purging the closet and had every intention of not watching it, until my sister called to tell me one of my favorite  movies was on.  Of course I could have turned it off afterwards, but while channel surfing I crossed a show I like and the cycle continued.

I kept the TV on for the rest of the night and early the next morning called DirecTV to cancel the receiver.

I spoke to a very nice man who offered us 3 months of free HBO before we hung up.  I told The Hubs the rep must have sensed our satellite days are numbered; since we only have two receivers on our plan.

Another advantage to this change is, that I can now admire the beautiful of our armoire. It was previously stuffed to the rim with the box TV and clothing that I doubt we wear. Now I can close it for the first time and we can use it storing writing materials and books.



It's not that I will never watch TV again or that I necessarily hate it. The point of this change is to allow more time to BE STILL.  I want to give my mind more time to wander and hopefully use this new time to explore fresh interest and hobbies.  I admit that I still have moments of "what will I do now?" or "what have I done?" but I truly  believe those feelings will dissipate as the days go on.  If not, I still have the TV in the family room. Five people sharing one TV? This should get interesting.  :-)