Nearly a year ago, I made a decision that had the potential to forever change my life. Having recently moved to an apartment that was not wired for cable television, I decided to try and make it through the summer without one of the few constants in my life.
I wish I could say that I chose to go without cable for either an ideological or a financial reason. Sadly, it was primarily because I am by all accounts lazy and I did not want to deal with the hassle of calling the cable company and scheduling an appointment to have them drill a hole in my landlord's house.
In lieu of taking you through the emotional roller coaster I've been on since June 1st, 2007, I will provide you, our loyal readers, with a list of pros and cons of not having cable in order to allow you to come to your own conclusions.
Pros:
- I save roughly $75 a month. Coupled with the fact that I "borrow" wireless internet, I save a nice chunk of change.
- I have become more aware of the entire schedule of the CW. I find that most of the shows are intolerable, but watching the CW has helped me develop an intense hatred of Tyra Banks.
- In my days of cable television, I would typically watch ESPN Sportscenter as I got ready for work. On account of not having this option, I began watching NBC's The Today Show. Much to my surprise, and the surprise of my loved ones, I have developed a deep and meaningful attraction for Ann Curry, a contributor to the Today Show.
- I find that the money saved assuages any guilt that I would otherwise have when I buy a video game or DVD.
- I live in a basement and I can only get the CW in clearly. Although this has the positive advantage of solidifying my ill will towards Tyra Banks, the CW is typically low quality television.
- I still watch TV despite the fact that there is nothing on. I feel as if this might be a character flaw. (Loyal Readers, this is our first contest: Whoever gives me the most interesting hobby idea, will gain the knowledge that I am adding fulfillment to my life and will also receive 7 digital pictures of Matt and myself engaging in said activity.)
- The sickening sense that I have stepped back technologically.
