Since the writers’ strike began almost three months ago, there’s been less and less new content worth watching on television, and more discussion of other ways to fill that time. Since my tendency is to watch TV for specific shows and otherwise leave it off, I’ve actually adapted pretty well, although I do have a few shows I’m really missing at this point. I’m going to take this assignment very literally, so my list won’t include things like “watch TV shows on DVD” or “watch TV clips on YouTube.”
- Read. Read a book, a magazine, blogs…just read.
- Spend time on a creative hobby. Write, take pictures, knit, bake, build model cars…or if you don’t have a hobby already, think of one you’d like to try out.
- Play with your kids.
- Hang out with your partner. It’s so easy to veg out together in front of the TV after a long day. But without it, you have the chance to find other things to do with each other that involve more…interaction, shall we say.
- Get outdoors. Take the dog on a hike, go for a drive somewhere scenic, build a snowman.
- Socialize. Meet up with friends you don’t spend enough time with. Call someone you haven’t spoken with for awhile. Get back in touch with an e-mail or a letter.
- Plan your summer vacation.
- Go to the movies. Sure, you could watch them on DVD at home, but some movies really merit the in-theater experience. If you can, splurge at a nice theater with stadium seating, great sound, and real butter on the popcorn. (We just went to one this weekend. It was totally worth it.)
- Start – and finish! – a home project. Rearrange furniture, organize the closets, clear out the stuff you’re really not going to use again from your storage area.
- Organize your online libraries. Make some new playlists for your iPod. Catalog your books. Edit and sort your pictures.
There’s talk that the end of the strike may be in sight, though, so maybe before long we won’t be bothering with many of these alternatives and we’ll be planted in front of the TV again. Till then, how are you making use of your TV-free time? Check out the main post at Ten on Tuesday to see what the players there are doing.
I don’t watch television, and my life is so busy, I often wonder how on earth people fit it in! Of course, I usually have time to read, hang out with my kids, and talk to my partner.
Hmm…
What? NO TV?? Excuse me while my mind boggles.
Next, you’re going to suggest no Internet. 🙂
(Great list, by the way!)
And there you have it, the two sides of the coin. 🙂
MaryP – You illustrate that it’s all about choosing how to use that limited resource known as “time.”
Donna – No Internet?!? OK, I know you’re joking now. 🙂 And re:#8 – I’ve finally been to the Arclight (the Hollywood one, not Sherman Oaks). Absolutely worth the splurge.
Your statement about having a tendency to watch TV for specific shows fits me as well. 🙂
Your #1 would be my first choice!
Literary Feline – I think I already knew that about you :-).
It’s still my first choice if I count blog-reading, but blog-writing and related stuff has cut into that time a bit.