I cut the Cable

It started out so innocently. Two of the 3 kids were sick, dad was out of town, and I was exhausted from being awake half the night and losing my patience with all the whining. I flipped on the TV and the vegging began. Yes!!! Finally, a little bit of peace, the kids would mindlessly suck down Popsicles which made them feel better, got down the necessary liquids, and kept the whimpering to a dull roar. The plan was perfect. I dozed, got my energy back…and everyone recovered from the flu/stomach bug/”who knows what this is” virus.

What I didn’t plan on was the TV addiction that followed those days of illness. At first, I shrugged it off to low energy, the kids still recovering, you name it. Besides, I enjoyed the quiet, and it gave me a chance to read and write these blogs. Not only were the kids addicted, I was too. BRAVO became my best friend. I love “Top Chef”, “Project Runway” & and new show called “Flipping Out”. This was getting bad. No more excuses for too much TV…the only reason was addiction.

My husband and I tried everything. TV timing, bribes, earning TV time in 10 minute increments, taking it away in 10 minute increments, nothing seemed to work. The kids were sucked in….and loving it. I got the cable bill in the mail, and I was mad. I called them up and canceled cable. No more. I packed up the box, took it back to Comcast, and we were done. The kids couldn’t believe it…..the TV was fuzzy. Better yet, what are these funny silver sticks coming out of the top? My 2 year old decided they were swords and used them to fight off his older brother and sister.

TV time as we knew it is over….PBS on a slightly fuzzy station is just about all we get in our house. My kids will tolerate it for a little while…then run off to find something else to do.  Success! Now I have to deal with BRAVO withdrawal.  Can somebody tape my shows for me?

This is an original post to Silicon Valley Moms Blog. Heather is reading a lot more now that there is no tv to watch.