Three months and counting....

Don't let the heading fool you, I am not pregnant. Dad, pick yourself up off the floor. Instead, I'm celebrating (okay, acknowledging) three months of no TV. Truth be told, I do own a TV. A sharp 42-inch plasma. It's shiny and impressive in my living room. It's just never on. I'll start at the beginning...

I found myself in this position, not to make a statement about the mind-numbing effects of television, but for a far simpler reason – needing to save money. Cable cost $92 monthly. The rational side of my brain screamed $92 is a lot of jack for little return. The emotional side cried but which stripper Bret Michaels will choose on Rock of Love Tour Bus?

So I canceled my cable. While this is certainly not earth-shaking, it must be mentioned the role television fills to a person who lives alone. It is almost always on. From the morning newscast and weather to the last Law & Order, the barrage of voices was a constant hum in my life. It staved off the silence that can overwhelm single life existence.

TV characters were my friends. Matt Lauer and I dined together for breakfast. Meredith Grey helped clean my house. Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) directed my dinner menu. Feeling down? The real housewives of Orange County lifted my self-esteem. Yes, I have real flesh and blood friends. But they have lives of their own.

The first month was tough. More than I'd anticipated. Being alone with my thoughts is not all that interesting. But like with any habit, it gets easier. I eat slower, read more and sadly, talk to myself more. Or maybe that's just the multiple personalities. And when it gets too quiet, hello music.

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Get This Party Started

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