Unplugging: preparing to ditch web & TV for awhile (in the house, anyway) [Archive]

Starfish

04-07-2008, 06:54 AM

In a few weeks, I will be moving to a farmhouse without cable or DSL. I'm just gonna ditch TV and internet at home for awhile. If I find I really don't want to be without the internet at home, I might try a broadband card for the laptop, but I think I might just see how it goes first. (Despite being out of cable range, I'm only a few minutes from the office.)

It has been awhile since I've lived consistently without TV (which I did for several years in a cabin without power or phone, let alone internet), but it has been a LONG while since I've not had internet at home. I've gotten used to having morning coffee checking up on what you all have been saying on TE! :)

Hmmmm, what to do? Actually read again? :rolleyes: Get back to producing something artistic? Actually spend more time again in prayer and my Bible? Do some writing? Play some music? Just sit quietly more often?

I know there will be a period of withdrawal, as I have been using TV to distract myself in the evenings. Anyhow, just felt like sharing! While I can! :p

Trekhawk

04-07-2008, 07:01 AM

Good for you Starfish!!
When we were in the States I could not stomach the thought of paying for TV so we went without. 3 years with no TV and my kids even survived. Now we are home its funny but we really do not watch that much TV it just seems less important. I do however enjoy seeing the sports again.

Starfish did I read right are you climbing some scary number in August??:eek:

Starfish

04-07-2008, 07:07 AM

Starfish did I read right are you climbing some scary number in August??:eek:

Well, you know, we will see. Last year, after I did the Shasta Century, I was REALLY motivated to come back and do the Super Century this year. But, I have to say, I might change my mind. I am taking a month of unstructured training right now to sort out what I really want to do this summer. My attitude is pretty bad lately, and with our below-average temps, above-average rain, LOTS of gravel/sand on the roads, and increased traffic...well...I am just PO'd these days about training. Oh, and the Park is probably closing off my one sustained climbing route for training.

So...I am considering what I want to do. Start a walk/run program, and get back to lifting weights and swimming? Start setting the stage for a Tri? Just relax with training and see what happens for the climbing ride?

I am thinking of still going back to Shasta, but taking a few days, and just doing the climbs one at a time, for fun.

Anyhow...long response. Bad attitude.

(I guess since I am the OP on this thread, I can drift this thread through two topics! :) TV and my lack of motivation for training.)

indigoiis

04-07-2008, 07:14 AM

You might want a subscription to Backhome Magazine. Lots of great ideas in that rag!

www.backhomemagazine.com

Indy

Trekhawk

04-07-2008, 07:14 AM

Anyhow...long response. Bad attitude.

(I guess since I am the OP on this thread, I can drift this thread through two topics! :) TV and my lack of motivation for training.)

Not a bad attitude considering the weather and park closing etc.
Im sure you will have fun whatever you decide to pursue.:)

Brandi

04-07-2008, 07:21 AM

So will you be going online when you are at work? I hope you will check in every once in while and let us know how you are doing? A barn? Why? Sounds very cool to me!

tulip

04-07-2008, 07:56 AM

I was TV-less for many years, and I don't think I missed much. I did read more. Now I have a TV and basic cable, and I enjoy watching a few shows a week. But I have to be careful, otherwise I'll end up spending six hours in rapt attention to all those Law and Order episodes that I missed the first time around.

I keep my TV (it's small) in the closet and drag it out for shows I want to watch. If it's out all the time, it's sometimes too easy to just turn it on. I didn't grow up with a TV, so I can't just have it as background like some folks can. If it's on, I can't do anything else.

There's plenty to keep you busy in the country. Will you have a garden? I can spend hours in my garden. If you have any garden questions, ask me here or in a PM, as I've been gardening for years. It's good exercise, especially when you incorporate lifting of things and building and turning compost.

Zen

04-07-2008, 08:34 AM

I could easily go without TV as long as I had good radio reception. I do feel lost without my NPR.
If you get tired of reading and want to veg out you can always watch a DVD.
Like Spinnervals:D

NoNo

04-07-2008, 08:43 AM

When I moved last September, I cut out the internet as a cost-saving measure. I don't miss it one bit. I sit at my desk all day long at work, I don't need to go home and sit at a desk some more. Occassionally it's a bit of an inconvenience, and it makes it hard to post pictures (such as this past Saturday when two Blackhawk helicopters landed in the ballpark across the street:eek:), but I've learned to live with it. Actually, if I really need to look something up, I can use my phone. The funny thing is, last week I got promoted. The first question everyone asked was "Are you going to get internet now?"

TV's another story (and I'm with you on the Law & Order addiction). But I'm a sports nut, and I need my ESPN. Even if the game's just on in the background while I do something else, I like the company. It's not like I can have a discussion with my cat. :rolleyes:

Zen

04-07-2008, 09:28 AM

OOOOOO, I just thought of something.
TdF in July :eek:

OakLeaf

04-07-2008, 09:30 AM

Oh, man, I rarely watch TV, but internet? Fuhgeddaboudit. Up north we were on dialup until just a couple of years ago when we finally got DSL. (We tried a satellite setup, but our trees are in the wrong place :o.) When we needed to download a system update, we'd drag the computers to Starbuck's or a truck stop and sign on to their hotspot :rolleyes: I don't know if dialup is even a possibility any more, with the amount of bandwidth everyone's putting into their sites. But I couldn't live without internet. Then again, I don't work, so if I gave it up at home, I wouldn't have it at all.

BleeckerSt_Girl

04-07-2008, 10:51 AM

How about a mini-internet connection on an iphone? Can you do that without a standalone internet connection? (I don't have an iphone, so I don't know these things)

Other than that....reading, knitting, learn to make baskets, writing letters to friends (a lost art), making handmade books or poetry, making canned preserves and chutneys. Doing more outside in the daytime (hiking, gardening, birdwatching...)
I stopped watching TV altogether (as in completely) about 10 years ago. Gave me lots more time to live LIFE. :)
Getting Netflix so you can choose an occasional good film to watch is cool though, a treat, like going to the movies. We are slowly re-watching all the great films, one per week or so (Felini's 8 1/2, Seven Beauties, Taxi Driver, The Bicycle Thief, Last Picture Show, etc...).

Starfish

04-07-2008, 11:47 AM

Wow, lots of responses here! Let's see...

Brandi: A barn? No, no barn. An old farmhouse. And, yes, I will be in my office every day, and I'm self employed, so I can check in on TE!

Tulip: I'm not likely much of a gardener...I am extremely busy with work right now. But, I do love making non-traditional quilts, and I have some unfinished projects I will take up again in the evenings. Also, although the piano will stay in storage for awhile, I might pick up the violin again. I am an awful beginner, but with no close neighbors, the timing will be perfect! ;)

Zen: For DVDs, I can use the laptop. Although using Spinnervals to "veg out" is not my idea of relaxation! :eek: Regarding the TdF...there is a big screen TV in the office reception area, with great leather couches...so I could even sneak back to the office if I had the courage to let everyone see me at work watching TV at night! :eek:

Bleecker: I did double check, and my cell phone carrier does have wireless broadband in this area, so if I really want internet at home, I can probably get a broadband card for the laptop. In fact, if I do that, I can do more work from home, and it will be a business expense! But, for now, I'm going to try it without.

ETA: Actually, I'm not quite ready for this yet...but there will come a day when I unpack all the boxes with several years' worth of my mom's journals. I do intend to read them, and at some point, perhaps edit them into something. I'm not quite ready for this, yet, but the day will come.

Pax

04-07-2008, 12:22 PM

Sounds like a worthy use of time. I've been spending much more time reading, seeing friends, helping my mom, and puttering around the house...I find it more fulfilling than the endless hours of TV and internet usage I've engaged in in recent years. I still enjoy watching DVD's though, we're re-watching the 'Buffy' series right now.

shootingstar

04-07-2008, 08:39 PM

Ok..y'all know that I haven't lived a household for past 1/4 century that had a car. ;):D

Well, y'know, I also lived in places for about 20 consecutive years without watching TV. :o But did hook up to the internet in the latter 8 years of that same time period.

When I bought my own home, I never bothered to hook up to any TV.

Call me hillbilly shootingstar! How did I manage this anachronstic habit born and lived in Canada my whole life so far?

Easy, when growing up as a kid, my parents' black 'n white often broke down. So we went for months without having it fixed. When it did work, about 5 channels were clear/non-fuzzy. Seriously, they did want to control our tv fixation and hit the study books instead/read lots for school. They also didn't want to spend money repairing it all the time. Nor did they have enough money until I was 16 yrs. old to buy a better quality/ bigger tv....after they bought their lst car. I became a serious bookrm....and loved it...had a casual contest with my best friend on who read the most bks. per month. Some months I was clocking over 30-40 full novels. (Had to be forced to help with housework...)

Then at university, my 2 roommates had an old tv which I never seemed to want to share tv watching with them. Then for few years after university, I had zero interest in spending my first hard earned salary dollars on tv. It was more on sewing, travel.

So only when I moved in with my partner in last few years, I can finally claim I live and watch tv.

still I seem to sit down and watch about 4-5 hrs. of tv weekly uninterupted. Rest of the time it's on while I'm in the kitchen, not really focusing hard without...cutting my hand while chopping up veggies, etc.

Internet would be more important, Starfish.

kelownagirl

04-07-2008, 08:46 PM

The big TV in our living room died about 2 months ago. I haven't lifted a finger to replace it. DH watches hockey on the TV in our bedroom once in awhile and we rent movies once or twice a month at most. My son watches some programs on his TV in the basement. However, I DO spend HOURS on the internet. However, I truly believe it's time much better spent than sitting and starting a mindless TV programs.

I must say my life is much more joyous since I stopped watching the news, and reading the paper. I check the local news website once a day so I'm aware about what's going on the world, but I generally only read the headlines.

Good luck!!

BleeckerSt_Girl

04-08-2008, 04:36 AM

Pax

04-08-2008, 04:55 AM

You can always tell a family that watches a lot of tv...all the chairs in the living room are facing a big tv and 'entertainment center' (always cringed at that term, like you have to go to some 'center' to be entertained?). The tv/entertainmentcenter looks like a huge shrine of some sort. Families that don't watch much tv have their chairs all facing each other...as though people communicate with each to 'entertain' themselves instead. :rolleyes: :cool:
We struggle with this at our place. My honey has a job that would make a saint nuts so when she gets home she really likes to sit and watch the news and then veg in front of HGTV to unwind. I'd prefer to have the TV be sitting in the corner that gets turned on for specific shows. So far I'm not winning this battle. ;)

Lifesgreat

04-08-2008, 05:52 AM

Hmmmm, what to do? Actually read again? :rolleyes: Get back to producing something artistic? Actually spend more time again in prayer and my Bible? Do some writing? Play some music? Just sit quietly more often?

Sounds like you already have some great ideas!

tulip

04-08-2008, 06:18 AM

Sounds like you already have some great ideas!

Listen to the birds.

Starfish

04-08-2008, 06:25 AM

when she gets home she really likes to sit and watch the news and then veg in front of HGTV to unwind.

Yep, it is the veg out phase that gets me. When I'm not done in from work, I will gravitate toward things that are interesting to do. But, I need a new "right after work when my brain cannot read one more thing, but needs a serious distraction for awhile" thing.

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

Geonz

04-08-2008, 06:33 AM

Solitaire :)

tulip

04-08-2008, 07:07 AM

yoga or pilates

or a beer:cool:

Starfish

04-08-2008, 07:09 AM

yoga or pilates or a beer:cool:

The little known Hop-a yoga? ;) :p

Blueberry

04-08-2008, 07:11 AM

Zen

04-08-2008, 07:13 AM

Commune with my dogs.

Tuckervill

04-08-2008, 03:07 PM

I do all those things AND watch TV. :)

I love my DVR even more than I thought I would, though.

Karen

kelownagirl

04-08-2008, 04:00 PM

If I turned off the internet, I'd have more time for housework. :eek::eek: No incentive there... :rolleyes:

twin

04-09-2008, 07:32 AM

4 now so no TV and yes to the internet.

Flybye

04-09-2008, 08:37 AM

Starfish- that sounds so nice and quiet - can I come, too?

Starfish

04-10-2008, 07:56 AM

Starfish- that sounds so nice and quiet - can I come, too?

Hey FB, you ought to plan a girl's weekend and come on up and visit when I get settled in (and after our weather improves in 2 or 3 months)! That is, if you and DH aren't off galavanting in Hawaii or something!

GLC1968

04-10-2008, 08:09 AM

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

Hang with the dogs, read for pleasure (my favorite, but I limit this or I'll spend ALL my time wrapped up in books) and clean. I also find knitting to be a great way to unwind as long as I'm at a simple/mindless part of the project.

I discovered last night that working on my bike after one of those stressful days is a really, really BAD idea. I had absolutely no patience and I was about to flip out at the silliest stuff. I finally just got it rideable again and gave up. I'll save the rest of my tasks for a better day. ;)

I"m glad to hear that you'll still have access at work! I'd miss seeing you around here!!

Starfish

04-10-2008, 08:13 AM

I"m glad to hear that you'll still have access at work! I'd miss seeing you around here!!

Hey, thanks! :)

Who knows...I might have to break down and get a broadband card.

And, I'm with you about not working on the bike (or other technical chores) after work. I'm thinking reading won't do it for me, either. I need something really relaxing and fun with no brain cells involved! I will be a 10 minute walk from the ocean. Maybe a 20 minute walk after I get home would be the thing. But, usually I need a real distraction to get my brain off work and onto something else.

GLC1968

04-10-2008, 08:15 AM

Ooh yeah...I don't know why I didn't include exercise in my list. That's a BIG unwinder for me! This is partly why I love biking to work, the ride home does wonders for my mood and general brain function. :)

cyclinnewbie

04-10-2008, 09:09 AM

For those of you who have demanding jobs that fry your brains (meaning the last thing you want to do after work is be creative, read, or think), if you don't use TV to shut your brain off for awhile between work and evening (and you can't get outside due to awful weather) what do you do?

I'm a bit late in responding, but I do yoga to unwind, or go for a walk or to the gym, or just go home and pour a glass of wine and talk to my kids/hubby/dog. Sometimes when everyone's gone when I get home, I crank up some really good music (classical/stevie wonder/U2/bagpipes..whatever I'm in the mood for) and just veg. Music renews the soul...

And OMG 10 minutes from the ocean??? What else could be more relaxing than watching waves? Glass of wine or cup of tea, walk to the beach, find a log and sit. Sounds like pure heaven to me!

Flybye

04-10-2008, 11:32 AM

Hey FB, you ought to plan a girl's weekend and come on up and visit when I get settled in (and after our weather improves in 2 or 3 months)! That is, if you and DH aren't off galavanting in Hawaii or something!

THAT, my friend, would be an absolute blast. However, we are without funding. Since November, we have had to replace our dryer (so, of course, we got a new washer too. and a dishwasher. might as well, we were there) our garage door opener, our water softener, and our water heater. Yesterday we woke up and the furnace isn't kicking on so now, we pay more $$ for repairs. This on top of the $$ that we shelled out in Hawaii.............

Can I take a rain check, please???

Starfish

04-10-2008, 06:59 PM

Can I take a rain check, please???

Absolutely...all you would have to do is get yourself up here. I have a couch. Maybe I would make you take more pulls out on the rides, to pay me for the couch space! :p ;) :D

Starfish

05-21-2008, 03:41 PM

Hi everyone! Well, I have not been on TE for weeks! I did, indeed, move to a little rural house, and I do not have any internet out there (or TV). I must say I thought there would be an adjustment period, but there wasn't! :)

I do care about a lot of folks here on TE, and I still have my email set to alert me to PMs...and I can check those in the office during the day, so if anyone wants to shoot me a PM, feel free...I will see it!

I have not ridden my bike for about a month -- our weather continues to be cold, windy, and snowy in the hills. But, it is about time to hit the gym again...I have been settling into the new place and generally really enjoying myself.

Here are a few pics...not of the house, because this is the big wide world of all access internet...but a couple pics of what I see from my windows, yard and porch!