Unplugged

A Comcast guy came by today wanting to know if we wanted to upgrade our internet service with a cable TV package.

"No thanks, we don't watch TV."*

His eyes bugged out in genuine surprise. "No TV!? You don't use an antenna or anything?"

"Nope, and we're not really interested."

"How about your phone line? We've got a great deal for internet/phone service. Or do you just use cell phones?"

"We just use cell phones, thanks."

"Uhhhh. Well let us know if you change your minds. Have a great day."


When Jon and I got married we decided that television wouldn't be an important part of our lives. We've never had cable or an antenna hooked up. Sure we have plenty of other vices, but wasting time watching mindless shows isn't one of them. In my experience, it's just too easy to get sucked in.

My resolve has only strengthened after our last trip. We had cable in our hotel room. Matthew loved watching the cartoons and the advertisements that go with them. "Dad, Dad! Can we get that? It makes you jump high! Dad! LOOK! That's sooo cool let's get that!" Trying to explain that the ads are there to convince you to buy things you don't need completely went over his head. "But Mom, Dad! It's cool!"

So do I miss TV? Nope. No regrets.



*We do watch movies, and occasionally order televisions shows on DVD after reading reviews. We also play lots of console games... (that would be one of our vices).