Two days ago, I turned in our cable boxes.
I KNOW, RIGHT?!
It was like cutting an umbilical cord made of wires & screws. I even got a little misty-eyed as I shut down the DVR for the final time, saying goodbye to the saved Carolina basketball games of the 2008-2009 season & my Lipstick Jungle episodes (curse you, NBC, for cancelling my weekly dose of Brooke Shields!). When I tell folks of our new freedom, the first question is always “WHY?!” quickly followed by, ”What will you do about television?!” The first, I shall address in a moment. The reply to the second? Not a damn thing.
Nate & I have discussed cancelling cable for the past year, once Harrison made his entry into the world. Mostly, to save money. We are constantly searching for ways to cut costs so that I may one day stay home, but alas, knocking $100 off our monthly bills doesn’t quite cut it yet. & when it boils down to time, we’re looking at maybe 4 hours in the evenings between arriving home & bedtime. & those 4 hours will already be full of dinner, bedtime routines, working out, & getting ready for the following day. But we never could bring ourselves to make the first move. Until this week.
The first nudge came from an old friend of mine who cancelled her own cable in favor of Apple TV as a response to her new full-time job as a mother. It’s always easy to fantasize about cutting something so drastic (at least, drastic in American culture), but so hard to pull the plug. But to see someone else take that step? It’s like a light goes off that says, “HEY! You can do this & not wither away into irrelevant oblivion!”
Drawing inspiration on Nish’s courage, I tried to cancel. No, really. I actually called the cable company on Tuesday morning & told them I was cancelling. “But Mrs. Blair,” the customer service rep asked with a gasp. “How will you watch your shows? You don’t really think you can be completely televison-less, do you?” I stuttered. “I’ll tell you what,” the rep crooned. “I’ll lower your bill for you. How about that? $98 per month? You’ll have to cancel your DVR, but that is $50 off your bill.” A few nice words later, I hung up.
DAMN IT ALL TO HELL. He got me. That conniving little bastard, probably high-fiving the headset in the cubicle next to him, smug over keeping one more idiotic fish in the Time Warner sea.
But then Wednesday afternoon, we received our cable bill. $140. With a notice of rate increases that would raise our bill to roughly $150 per month. This tidbit of information was about as well received as Tiger Woods at a Promise Keepers meeting.
So Thursday, I steeled my mind. Crawled in the dust behind both televisions, disconnected the boxes, loaded them & Harrison up in the Subaru, & drove downtown to the cable company. Where I promptly dropped a box of equipment on the counter & said, “We quit.” I like to think that I looked quietly determined & that is why the lady silently took the equipment with no further offers, but the truth is that between Harrison squawking in his car seat, the dirt smear on my cheek from the dusty cable boxes, & me still feel duped by the customer service rep, I probably looked one Prozac away from a padded cell.
Forty-eight hours into being a cable-free family, Nate & I both agree it is the best thing we’ve done since reproducing. We haven’t even hooked the cord into the wall to receive our free channels. It’s so easy to lose track of the mindless hours we spend in front of a television, not paying attention to each other or life. Today, we woke up & fixed a hot breakfast – biscuits & gravy for him, Nutrisystem pancakes for me. We played with Harrison as a family for over an hour - not just one of us half-assedly batting a rattle while the other channel surfs. Nate emptied the dishwasher without being asked (because y’all, he wasn’t sucked into a golf tournament). We read more -outloud & to ourselves. We play board games. Our Wii now hosts several old school games that take us back 20 years. We laugh more – with each other, not at a cartoon prancing across the screen.
So our television stand may be empty. But our lives are far more full of this:
and this:
I think we’ve gained more than $120 in our bank account, don’t you?
You have gained a lot more than the money in your bank account! Sounds like a great life. We haven't cut the cord yet… but have talked about it… a LOT! Maybe soon….
You are my new hero (and not just because we rescued look alike dogs). I would KILL to get rid of my $140/month Comcast bill! I bet we could watch all of our shows in the computer anyway… food for thought, Blair. Thank you.
Thanks for this post! As a newlywed of three weeks, it's been so refreshing(?) to live without the boxes and wires. I get your worries about irrelevancy, and I'm happy to find that they don't pan out (so far) for your family. Thanks for the encouragement to not need cable!
Well, shit. You are not helping my argument that we would DIE IF WE DON'T GET NICK JR AND BRAVO!!!11 Way to make me think about stuff.
Good luck, and thanks. You may have just inspired me.
We gave up cable after college…mostly…well entirely because we couldn't afford it. And we both agree that it was one of the best decisions we ever made. Although we moved last year to a condo that came with cable…while it doesn't get much use, having the Food Network has made me a better cook!
babyproofing your marriage is a fucking great book. also? nice job lady. i wonder how many people you're going to inspire to do this? awesome.
the BEST book. I highly recommend it to anyone that has a spawn.
especially if you think you don't need it.
Hmmm, this post has me thinking. I would probably get a lot more accomplished if I wasn't sucked into Law and Order: SVU marathons everyday. I might have to broach this idea with the fiance tonight!
We cut our cable a couple of months ago and haven't looked back either. While the extra money is nice, (we're trying to make it possible for me to stay home as well) it's much nicer to not have the noise all the time. Now, if I could only convince my husband to play a board game instead…
Yay! Go you!
I don't turn my television on half the time either. And when Andy and I watch tv it's usually movies. Enjoy your new found freedom.
Also, how are you liking Voyager? It's one of my faves.
LOVE Voyager. I had a beast of a time getting into Dragonfly in Amber, but I feel like I'm flying through Voyager.
Of course, "flying" through a book has new meaning with a 3-month-old
The Outlander books are probably my favorite series ever and may have had a slight influence in my choice of mate (a 6'3" tall readhead
.
Dragonfly in Amber is definitely the hardest one to read imo because of the way it's structured and the fact that they're not together.
If you're interested in books on tape (or cd now I guess) I highly recommend the unabridged versions of the Diana Gabaldon books. The woman who reads them is absolutely fabulous! They're probably available at your local library, just make sure not to get the abridged ones (yuck!).
First of all, can I just say that I love seeing your copy of Voyager in the last picture? Secondly, yea for you for making a choice about t.v. you know will be good for your family. My husband and I opted not to get cable when we moved into our new home, and we've hardly missed it. It helps us stay within our budget, which can be hard with only one of us working and the other one a student. We still watch the shows we like through the internet and rent movies, but we don't just automatically turn on the t.v. in the evenings. Hope you enjoy life a little less plugged-in.
You are inspiring me to take the plunge. We've been considering unplugging for the past week since our cable company took away FoodTV and HGTV. Without those channels, is there really any point??
My husband asked me the other day what I thought of shutting the cable off, I said easy for you to say since you play the computer while I watch tv but since then I have been thinking more about it. I still will watch my favorite shows online but it sure would be nice not to have that bill! I did however tell him we could "try it" in the summer.
My husband and I got rid of our $100/month cable and got $16.99/month netflix instead. It has helped cut down our television watching and I don't miss it at all.
I've had cable for like a whole year of my life, and let me tell you, you can still get sucked in even with out it! We just have the rabbit ears & converter box, but still get a FREE 24 hour cartoon channel (thank you Qubo), which comes in handy when the 18M old wakes up screaming at 2 AM & you're sick of watching the 3 episodes of Yo Gabba Gabba you have taped. Good for you!!!-and you seriously won't miss much (you can either watch everything online or rent seasons). Now, if they could only limit the amount of time my internet worked…
We got rid of our cable about 4 months ago. Some days, it is hard, but it is for the best. Like you, it was to save money. We do Netflix, though and I love the watch instantly option. Plus, so many networks stream episodes online that if you are dying for tv, you can find something. Good luck and congrats on more family time!
I think you've just started a conversation in my house. Thanks! Blair!
We have this conversation every couple of months when we review our budget. With so many shows available streaming online and even my nightly news shows online (or podcasts I can listen to working out), it seems like it would be the simplest thing and a huge monthly savings. BUT we still have no consistent way to get the Cowboys and Braves games. Those are two must haves in this house.
So we suck it up for now. And we are locked into a contract with Dish for the moment, so again, we'll suck it up for the time being.
Man, that's awesome! If I had it my way we would be at least cutting out the super fancy cable, but my hubby is too hooked on the soccer channel. He doesn't believe me when I say that for the past week, the tv doesn't get turned on until around 5pm to watch some news while I breast feed.
Woohoo! We just cut our cable too. Glad to know I won't be the only one missing out on reality tv. You're right though, it's worth it!
We never got cable when we bought our place 6 years ago but we still seem to have the TV on all the time. And the computer. And the stereo.
Welcome to the family. We cut the cord last month. We're dealing with it really well.
I desperately want to get rid of our dish satellite. It is such a waste of time and money. I usually find myself watching movies I have seen before anyway! I'm not really into any shows except for The Office. But my hubby keeps preaching about how he HAS to have ESPN. Ugh.
Between the cable and cell phone bills…that's a car payment! We lived without these 10 years ago…why not now?
I think it's a crime to have to pay for TV.
But then there's my husband….
You are so right. We've talked about getting rid of cable for a few years. At that time, we were watching network TV through fuzz, so we reluctantly got the cable. But now there are so many shows online. Hmmm. Maybe I should mention it again tonight.
I couldn't agree more! We got the same reaction when we disconnected our DVR & cable service. I never thought DH would go for it but suddenly he was all about it. One year later and we both still think it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
We do have the free digital antenna & Netflix, but we don't watch nearly as much as TV and we love it.
we did the same about a year ago and i honestly don't feel I've missed much. We are only out $50 on "entertainment" a month for the internet. Now That is where I'd feel like my arm would be cut off. Gotta have my internet!
I've wanted to cut the cord for a long time now. The only thing stopping us is DHs love of ESPN. He's a former sports writer and sports is his outlet. If there was a way to be without cable and let DH have his sports, we'd do it in a heartbeat.
We haven't even had a tv for the last 9 months….and people think I'm in the dark ages for not having cable. I will tell you that you can still count on hulu.com if you have any shows you really want to keep up with…..it's free! I hook my computer up to the tv.
Even watching a dvd or a show here and there…..it's nothing like having that tv on 24/7. So…you know…if you get to missing it….that's an option.
It sounds like a great decision for your family! I just wanted to comment and say that Voyager is a great book!
We were cable-less for 4 weeks after we moved.( And internet-less. -That one stung.) You know, I have to say, we didn't miss it. I've even questioned why we decided to hook it back up in the first place… and then I remembered the dreaded contract. After April, we will also be a cable free family!
Good for you, Blair. It really does allow for more family time.
Nice
It's great, huh?
Grabbed this article earlier today and it has some good ideas if you plan on watching shows online: http://abcnews.go.com/m/screen?id=9485783
Good for you guys! We are thinking of doing this too….. And with HULU you can watch just about anything online, so you really arent missing out on much!
I don't have TV. Nevermind the free channels, we don't get anything. We HAVE a TV on which to watch streaming netflix on our xbox and play guitar hero. Sometimes I miss cable. Usually, its really nice. You'll get used to it.
good for you guys! We try to only watch TV when our little one naps. We'd cancel for the savings, but it's only $12 a month, it's the internet that costs us and I'm not strong enough to say goodbye to my connection to the outside world!
Enjoy your "free" time
Blair is my hero…
You are a better woman than I. No really you are.
I'm so impressed! I love this post. I just shared it with Josh. He's not sure how he feels about it. We'll see though. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Blair,
Congrats on the no tv move! that's great and I'd totally consider it too!!
Another note— are you in NC? I have always wondered as I am too and then when you said Carolina games I had to ask!
have a great night!
Wow…I think you have inspired a lot of people. Reading this post made me want to cut the cords too, but I don't know how willing my husband would be to do that…and there are a few of my weekly shows on DVR that I think I would really miss (probably not in the long run when it comes down to what is really important in life…but it's my little indulgence once the kids are in bed). Maybe one day we'll get to that point in our lives of realizing we don't need our cable and dvr boxes either! Have fun enjoying each other and your adorable son!
It will be a good thing Blair! I don't watch much TV anyway, but am being "forced" into no TV in Germany…plus my husband will be deployed. I figure…who needs TV in Europe and/or with a brand new baby?! Right? Of course…it won't stop the netflix from coming.
we've been off cable for almost a year now, not even free channels. everything you want is online anyway- have you discovered hulu yet? LOVE.
Blair, I stumbled across your blog accidentally but I just have to say you make me laugh out loud so hard, it's ridiculous. My husband thinks I'm crazy when I read your blog. I feel like you are my long lost sister! You're the best!!!!!!
The "Tiger Woods at a Promise Keepers meeting" seriously almost made me pee myself.
We just did the same thing with our cable. We are saving SO MUCH money… even though I lament the loss of the hours upon hours of Friends reruns on the dvr when I took the box in. We are keeping the antenna for The Office on Thursdays and and Today show on mornings when I need something to listen to other than fussy baby and yappy dog.
Way to go!
After debating for 6 months. We officially decided to go cableless this past monday. I hated that call to comcast. I seriously felt like if they would have just offered that rate plus the $15 off they were promising from the get go I might have never have called. We would have cable to enjoy all the new HBO shows about to start and the Superbowl. But we've found a work around with Netflix streaming, Hulu and buying the must have shows in a season pass from Itunes. I definitely don't miss it as much as I thought I would and it's made our relationship even better. Good Luck to you and the family!!
I've tried to cut out cable and Charter always sweet talks me into keeping them. I'm going to try harder next time though. Your family is so sweet looking.
Can't wait for tomorrow since it is Monday! McFatty Monday rules! Cheers to your tryout on Nutrisystem!
My hubby and I have been batting this idea around for the last couple years… we always end up with no follow through. I think I might just broach the topic again.
Thats Awesome! Me and my Dh have done that a few times to cut down on bills but we always ended up going back, I hope your will power is way more stronger then ours!
Sorry I am so use to the parents.com social board I ment me and my hubby, haha
We did the same thing for several months after Emily was born and don't regret it at all.
Even now that we have added it back (t's only $65 tho, so maybe you should work on getting a lower tier if/when you subscribe again) I don't have any time to watch what I want b/c Emily always wants to see "elmo" or "kitties" or "doggies"! I wouldn't be surprised if we cut back again if we finally get to buy a bigger house. That money can add up if you are careful to budget it elsewhere! Good luck!
We cancelled ours a while back and pulled out all DVD TV shows in the evening. That was how I found Dexter and my sanity to read. We did go back and sign up for Direct TV because it was cheaper and we got the NFL ticket for the hubs, but needless to say – life without cable for a while was nice. Way to cut costs!
Blair, I have been thinking of doing this for MONTHS and you just gave me the inspiration to really do it . Cable is SHUT DOWN as of midnight last night.
I have noticed that since we had our daughter 3 months ago we don't watch nearly as much tv as we used to. I wish we could cut the cable cord, but if my husband didn't have his Red Zone for Sunday football he would go nuts. I'd rather keep our blockbuster service and ditch the cable. We would just watch movies instead of tv. You are brave. Bravo!
You go girl! We don't have cable and neither have us have. You're so right b/c it does allow us to do more together as a family. We love being outdoors, playing games, doing a couples devotion, etc. It is very rewarding to have the time spent together and not watching TV where you don't interact with each other.
I don't know if I've lost weight, BUT, I feel like I look a little better this week. I am feeling sexier already…..despite my lovely stretch marks!
We canceled cable about 10 months ago and because our TV is so ancient, we don't even get local stations. We thought it would suck on an epic scale, but we don't miss it at all. We've made it through all four seasons without skipping a beat.
We spend a lot more time playing with the dogs (instead of trying to keep them quiet so we can hear the TV), reading, playing board games, and just talking to one another.
Because we weren't trying to save money per se, we instead allocated those funds toward having someone come in twice a month to clean the house. This brings us far more joy than any TV program every could. Goodbye dust bunnies!
We cut out cable in August when we moved into our new apartment and Mr. started law school. We did have to invest $15 in an HD set of bunny ears, but you can't even tell it's not HD cable until someone asks to change the channel to ESPN! Love it!
I won't lie, I love TV. It's my escape, and one of my favorite ways to unwind… so it's not going anywhere
Plus, how else will you watch Carolina Basketball?!?
But, your post did get me thinking about ways we should "unplug" and have more family time. Not just with the TV, but with the ipods, internet, and anything else we stare at besides each other and our baby!
Way to go! My hubby and I have been cable free since the day we got married more than three years ago. There have been times when I feel a desparate need for some "What Not to Wear" or even "The Office", but all in all, it has been great for us. All my friends think we are totally crazy, but we enjoy our time working jigsaw puzzles and playing with the babe. Best of luck!
I think you will love this and wonder how you ever lived otherwise… I pulled the plug about 10 years ago and have never regretted it. Yes, eventually I caved when I got married and brought in some rabbit ears, to stay connected, but we rarely used them. We rent DVDs of tv shows we'd like to see and call it a movie marathon. We love being TV-free and actually cringe when the TV is on when we're guests at someone else's house… "Think Outside the Box"! WAY TO GO.
I have begged my husband to let me get rid of cable AND the home phone. He won't do it.
We have cable, internet, and phone for $100 a month. We NEVER watch TV. We always watch movies–either Elizabeth's kid stuff or movies we already own. When we sit down and try to watch TV, we never find anything.
It's a huge waste of money, but he can't cut the cord.
By the way, I love the comment about Tiger Woods at Promise Keepers! (teehee)
We did this a few months ago. Wouldn't go back (especially for the money we save)!
My husband and I don't have cable and haven't for over 2 years and I love it. I can't imagine having it. Where would our time go? We are already busy without it.
We go to the library and get free books and movies. I play with our dogs. We engage in certain "extra-cirricular activites" more often and more freely. I do projects around the house.
And the TV isn't blaring at us 24-7.
I do have to admit that when we go on vacation its hard to get us out of our hotel room b/c with the cable TV in there we are like to fat kids in a candy shop. Oh well.