Who Needs Television

Even though I did not watch TV last week I still got to watch:

crime stories

family documentaries

medical dramas (I was told this patient was sprayed by a skunk)

and nature shows

There was also plenty of comedy and even several episodes suitable for Super Nanny or Dr. Phil.

My Week Unplugged

I decided to interview myself to give you the scoop on my week without tv and limited computer time.

So how did it go?
It went well. I did not watch any tv from Monday to Sunday and was only on the computer for 10 to 15 minutes a day.

How did it change your week?
I was way more productive than I normally am. I made muffins, playdoh and more muffins. I cleaned out some files and organized all our craft supplies. We spent a lot of time outside playing and working in the yard. I read a great book (more on that later) and caught up on my bible reading (I was a little behind). I also got to bed earlier.

What did you miss?
I really missed Dancing With the Stars (and no I can't believe I am admitting that to you). By the end of the week I was getting tired of being so productive and just wanted to zone out in front of the tube. I also missed communicating with a couple of friends/family that I email back and forth with a few times a week.

Any cheating?
I did listen to American Idol on the radio. :)

What were you trying to prove by doing this challenge?
Over the past few years it has just become a habit for me to plop down on the sofa after we get Abby to bed. I either watch tv or mess around on the laptop or do both at the same time. I really wanted to take a week and force myself to do other things.

So will you continue this unplugged lifestyle?
No! But I do plan to make some changes. I really enjoy both the tv and the computer but they are huge distractions for me. I found myself less stressed this week and more present with Abby and Adam. I really feel like I was a better wife and mom this week and that is worth missing has-been actors try to become ball room dancers any day.

Happy Earth Day

Abby and I spent the day at the Greenway. The highlights of the day were riding a horse named Tiger and participating in the "Cow Pie" throwing contest. My daughter refuses to finger paint and will not play with homemade play dough if it is too oily but she was one of the first in line to throw cow poop.

So my unplugged week starts tomorrow. I will allow myself a few minutes (less than 10) on the computer each day since so many of our activities are arranged through email. Wish me luck and pray for good weather. :)

I'm gonna do it, I don't care what ya'll say...

Unplug that is. Well, I was hoping that my little corner of the Internet (this blog) was an inspiration to the masses that are following. After my post on giving up tv and computer for a week, I just knew I was going to have readers joining me left and right. That did not happen. If this were a sitcom, this would have been where you would hear the crickets chirping. When I have brought it up in person with various friends, I notice that they get this glazed over look and then quickly change the subject. I have even had some negative feedback, from people who share my last name no less.

It's okay. I will swim upstream in this increasingly technological world. I will twitter with the birds instead of my followers. My Facebook status will be UNPLUGGED.

Wordless Wednesday

Lazy 5 Ranch

During Abby's spring break last week we took a trip to The Lazy 5 Ranch. If you like animals this is the place for you. The highlight of the day would be riding a horse drawn wagon and getting to feed lots of different animals.

National Turn Off Week

Could you go without TV for one week? What about the computer? April 20th through 26th is National Turn Off Week. I am thinking hard about participating in this challenge. I have always enjoyed watching tv but my main time waster would probably be the computer. I read a few (50) blogs, play Scrabble on Facebook and try to keep up with email. Could I give all that up for a week??? Can Abby survive a week without Olivia, Little Bear or Handy Manny?? I can only imagine what Adam will say when I suggest we unplug. :)

I have visions of crafts being completed, books being read, board games being played. I will probably get to bed earlier. My blood pressure will get back to a more normal rate when I am not ticked off about my consistently bad scrabble stats. This could only be good right??? I mean it is not like we will really be roughing it. We will still have hot water. We will still be driving around in a car that is really too big for 3 people. Heck, I will even stock up on chocolate and coffee to help get us through the toughest moments.

I am going to do it! Who wants to join me?

Canola Oil

Did you know that Canola Oil is: Canada + Oil ? I read on another blog today that it is just a play on words. I guess I never really thought about it. I just assumed it was some sort of corn oil. Evidently "Canadians bred canola from the rapeseed plant in the early 1970s..." Who knew? Now you do!

Wordless Wednesday - after an eye doctor appt.

Q and A with Abby

What is something that makes you happy?

jumping up and down

What does God do?

He keeps the earth healthy and watches us

When does God sleep?

at night (duh!)

What are you afraid of?

scary, mean monsters

What is the best thing about daddy?

He is just cute and a good fixer.

Best thing about mommy?

She has lots of good decorations. (what????)

What is mommy's job?

to clean the kitchen and protect Cleo ((sigh))

Enjoying the View

Do you see that???? Leaves, Glorious leaves.

Just a week or so more and those neighbors will be out of sight. :)

Wordless Wednesday