Wednesday, January 4, 2012

TV Time...or Is It?

I used to watch a lot of TV. I used to watch repeats of repeats. And although I still think there's nothing wrong with curling up with some good old episodes of some classics/favorites - I want to, I need to, limit my TV time. (I hear my husband cheering in the background.)

Now, I wish I was one of those people who never, or rarely, watches TV. Or even owns a TV. They always just seem so much more creative and peaceful and tuned in to real life. But I'm pretty sure that's not going to be me any time soon. I admit it: I like TV. 

However.

There's a lot of junk on and I get sucked in very easily. (My husband is nodding vigorously at this.) I don't know why, but I do. So, for me, it's more about limiting what I watch. If a show sounds intriguing or the preview looks good, I'll give it one episode. Maybe two. If I'm not hooked, then it shouldn't make my line-up. (It's similar to my system for keeping books - I have to really like it/love it for it to find a home on my shelves.)

I record most things then watch them at my convenience. I also pick up DVDs of shows I might've missed the first time around. (A great example of this for me is "The Walking Dead" - I heard so many great things about this show around the Internet, I finally got the first season on DVD and whew! Loved. It. I cannot wait for the rest of Season 2...)

This is where you all come in. Please share your TV habits. Do you watch TV or no? Do you even own a TV? Tell us why. Tell us how this affects your lifestyle. What are some of your favorite shows? Or tell us about ones you heard were good but maybe haven't gotten around to watching yourself yet. 

(If it was up to my husband, we probably wouldn't even own a TV but I managed to get the tortoises to vote with me - a few leaves of basil was all it took - so the vote went my way, three-to-one.)

10 comments:

  1. I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to give up my TV. I watch it, but if it weren't there, I'd fill my time with other things, like reading. That wouldn't be a bad thing!

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  2. Good point, Emily! I'm thinking it depends on how and what I watch - am I doing it mindlessly or on purpose? Am I truly enjoying what I'm watching or am I just doing it to do it?

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  3. i used to watch loads but now only select stuff, and never on the tv. Once you stop it gets really easy not to go back.

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  4. Interesting, Mood. What kind of "select stuff" do you watch? Anything you'd recommend?

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  5. I'll watch the short run dramas (12 episodes) like Boardwalk Empire or Dexter or Breaking Bad, but I'll collect all the episodes and then watch them all in one day. No waiting till next week for me.

    I'll also save up so-so shows on my computer (I quite like Fringe) and then have them on while I'm browsing blogs or websites.

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  6. Thanks, Mood. I've heard good things about Boardwalk Empire - it's already on my list. :)

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  7. We use the DVR for favorites, commercials will keep me from watching but the DVR is wonderful. I'll have the TV running for background noise if I'm home alone but I am generally reading or on the computer.

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  8. I love the DVR, too, Sally. I use it for almost everything now but I do also pause live TV (if I'm watching it) for a few minutes, so when I put it back on, I forward through at least a chunk of the commercials. :)

    Do you have any favorites you like to record?

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  9. I have to admit, I'm a total TV junkie. I love watching shows on DVD though as I hate waiting week to week. I also love the cable series with 13 or so episodes, that is just right for me. I recently watched Homeland and got totally hooked on that, and Mad Men is another favorite. Love Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey as well. There's too many to list as I really am a junkie ha.

    Have a great weekend Madeline!

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  10. See, Julie, I like the idea of watching the seasons on DVD but sometimes I just can't wait. I was going to watch Season 2 of The Walking Dead on DVD but there was no way I could hold on until then. :)

    I've heard good things about the shows you mentioned, too. Some more for me to check out...eventually. :)

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