So many thoughts swirling around this big head of mine so I thought I’d just go hog wild and do some brain dumping right here on the blog. You know, with people that can’t walk away from me when I’m talking. Okay well technically you can but I can’t see you so I’ll think you’re still here. You are here, aren’t you? Hello? Hello?
Is it wrong for a grown woman to cry when she no longer has cable? I mean really it’s only been a day and I am seriously going through withdrawals. I watched the clock every couple of minutes the entire time I knew Dancing with the Stars was on and then this morning I couldn’t help but wonder if Regis and Kelly were missing me. I’m sure they are just as devastated as I am (don’t you burst my bubble!). And the shakes, please, it’s so pathetic. Can we say addicted much. Good grief! To be truthful though I’m secretly relieved to have had this decision made for me in the wake of my husbands impending job loss. I don’t think I would have had the strength to do it on my own and obviously that big black box in my living room has more of a hold on me than I even realized. I have a feeling this change in my life will be huge.
If you are hanging around my blog these days you may come across a lot of links that are crossed out like this. I had a new super cool plugin installed on my blog that kindly points out all my broken links by doing this with them. I am working my way through fixing them bit by bit but just wanted to tell you so you didn’t think I’d gone all crossed out crazy on ya for no apparent reason except maybe to drive you nutso. Now would I do that to you? Don’t answer that.
Isn’t that picture awesome? Wouldn’t it be great to really see that in the sky out of the blue one day. It would just tickle me silly.
So I’m very excited that I’m an Organizing Junkie has over 500 fans now on Facebook. Just past the 500 mark today I think. Anyhoo wasn’t sure if everyone was even aware I had a Facebook Fan Page. It still annoys me that I can’t get my links to appear in my sidebar or a links tab to appear across the top but despite that I do hang out over there once and awhile and would love to have you join me.
Speaking of my blog…I’m the type of girl that gets bored easily, that likes to re-arrange rooms and containers and freshen things up on a regular basis. And while I absolutely love my current blog design, I’ve now had this same look for two years. TWO YEARS! I’d change it myself but well I have no clue how..lol. I’ve been thinking about a blog re-do for forever but here’s the thing. I’m terrible to work with. No really I am because you see I’m a visual girl that can’t quite make up her mind on what I want until I see it. And you know what that means don’t you…a lot of work for well whoever is helping me. I wouldn’t even want to work with me! Just ask my hubbie how annoying I am when I ask him to move the furniture around just so I can change my mind when I see it and have him put it all back. Oops. So when it comes to describing to someone what I want…well I just don’t know. I’m so helpful like that. I know I want change, a new look, perhaps even a new WordPress theme but really that’s probably not quite enough information to give someone..lol. I have no idea why I just told you all that but hang in there with me. I’m sure I’ll figure something out soon 🙂
Okay gotta go, I’m working on a very cool Christmas ornament this year that I can’t wait to tell you about. Well that is if they turn out. In my head they look awesome but we’ll see how that translates in real life. Wish me luck!
So what’s new with you?
livvie says
I have been thinking of canceling cable as well, especially since I watch the majority of the shows I like online. I know that Dancing with the Stars is on Hulu.com and you can watch it when it is convenient for you.
Tara says
Laura,
I know it is hard to let things go. We had to stop our tv programing a couple years ago and it was hard! Fortunately we had enough $ to sign up for NetFlix. We watched a lot of movies. I found the love comes softly series and watched them over and over again. I also started reading again. It gets better and easier. It is crazy that it really is a T.V. addiction. I will be praying for you.
Tara
Laura says
Here in Canada we are unable to watch ABC and NBC online. It’s so sad 🙁
Laura
Joyce says
Once you don’t watch it for a long time, you’ll forget about it. We haven’t had a TV since we got married (our first year to just spend time together), and we’ve found so much more time to do other things. We’ll eventually get a TV one day, maybe when the kids are older. We do watch things online. I do miss Reg and Kelly though. =p Can’t wait for a new look. We never even got passed the basic look for our blog. hehe
Chels says
I would love to know where you got your plug-in that detects broken links.
Go ahead and cry about cutting cable. A girl needs to cry about something once-in-a-while otherwise it builds up and she takes it out on someone else (at least I do). ? I think you’d be surprised to know just how many of “us” are out there these days- listening, agreeing and going through the same thing. We can hide behind our online activities and blogs but the reality is still there. I’m one of them and it’s nice to read about little struggles that others are having so I can feel normal.
Your blog is cute just the way it is! No need to re-design!
Shannon says
We have the very basic bottom of the line cable. At first I went through withdrawals, but I’ve adjusted nicely now! I don’t even miss TLC anymore. I get HGTV in black and white when the wind blows SE and the stars are aligned, so really I can’t complain. You’ll get used to it in no time!
Ginny says
We are hoping not to have to cancel cable, but it is a consideration. My husband has cancer – treatable for now, but eventually fatal – and having cable has been good for him. It allows him to watch a good movie that makes him laugh (good medicine, better than that chemo he has to endure!) or an educational show when he’s feeling lousy. Phil hasn’t worked since his diagnosis nearly four years ago, so we live on disability funds, which aren’t generous. I’m learning a lot – again – about being more frugal. The current task is to cut the grocery bill. Right now, that’s kind of fun, seeking out the best deals in this town where the only grocery store that runs specials is too high priced, even with them. I’m also working on revising a menu-planning method I did years ago.
Hang in there. Be faithful in the little things. You will make it through this difficult time, and be stronger for it.
Organising Queen says
Is cable like pay TV? We have Mnet and DSTV here and I refuse to pay for either. I really believe there’s enough on the free channels already.
What I do with the blog thing is make notes of blogs you like – then send those to someone – they will be able to spot trends (funky. casual. whatever kind of style). I’m like you too so that’s what I do with design issues and it seems to work. Of course we will ALWAYS need tweaks but that’s just part of the process isn’t it?
now i hear my laundry cycle has stopped – you know how much i hate laundry – so let me do it so it’s DONE!
Jeanne B says
Hulu.com, fancast.com–both great web resources for online viewing of TV shows. You should be able to get them in Canada, but I’m not certain of that, being Stateside.
To Organising Queen: we no longer have free channels in the US since the digital switchover occurred. I suppose there are a few channels that can be seen with a Digital Converter box (I have a friend who hates cable), but it’s really a monopoly now. No cable, no TV shows. Unless, as previously mentioned, you have high-speed internet and catch full episodes online.
Which I do, ironically, using my cable-provided internet connection.
Hmm. So… I’m STILL paying the cable company to watch. HMM.
Tamara says
We don’t have TV either. It isn’t a choice thing but some some low life helped themself to it on Monday. Totally annoying as our free to air TV is terrible, only 3 channels and all the sport and other specialty shows you have to have cable for. I wonder how long the insure company is going to take before they believe me that I did not do the smash and grab thing. I blogged about and even stuck in a large photo of my front door which is now bolted shut.
Tamara says
I should add that I believe after all the drama my life has encountered int he last 3 years that something good always comes out of the low moments. I hope your good moments do not take too long to find you.
Christina says
Laura,
I’ve been reading for quite a while now and wanted to say I really love your blog. I have a very small house so your ideas come in very handy.
I don’t think I could handle the no cable right now. More-so because it comes with the DVR and I can record all the shows my husband hates and watch them when I want. I’ve tried watching online but it’s just not the same. 🙁
As for your blog, I can help you out there. I’m extremely patient and all my clients have found that I take way more time and allow many more revisions than most designers. Check out what I’ve done for others and let me know if you’d like to give it a shot.
~Christina
Nora says
Laura, I have found that when one thing goes, another comes in to take its place.
Books are much more addictive than TV. So if you’re looking for something to replace TV, go to the library, check out a whole bunch of novels and give each one about 20min of uninterrupted reading time. If you don’t love the book after 20min, ditch it. There are so many good books to read, that you shouldn’t waste time on the boring ones.
Also, you could share your visual and creative gifts with the world and make some art! Art does so much good.
Nora
se7en says
Apart from it being a miserable time in your life, this is really all about withdrawal… trust me it will pass as soon as you find something purposeful to fill the time gap – give yourself a reward during the time you usually watch… And make sure every one knows this is your time to Read a favorite book, write a letter, write in a journal.. whatever…claim the time as yours and you will soon look forward to it.
Kim says
Oh me! I hear so much of me in this post! LOL.
But I do have to tell you that we’ve been without cable for 5 years now and I don’t miss it at all. Yes, I actually had withdrawals from the Disney channel more than any other. Oh wait, the Food Network but other than that I don’t…..oh and HGTV..but that’s it I don’t miss it at all. LoL. You’ll be fine trust me!
Blessings
Kim
Ally0005 says
Yes it will be huge but in the end you’ll be glad because you learned so much!!!
Hang in there
Ally
Cindy says
We have basic cable, which is, well, basic. You get abc, nbc, pbs, etc. We have had that for 10 years and really, the only thing I miss is HGTV. Now I belong to a book and dvd exchange club and am hooked on books and movies. We now have movie night at the house. And, if I don’t want to keep the item, I can put it back up for exchange and let someone else have my books and dvds that would otherwise clutter my “library” 🙂
Here’s a link to the book swap:
Join our book club and swap used books for FREE – PaperBackSwap.com
Here’s a link to the dvd swap: Swap, Trade or Exchange DVDs for Free! – SwapaDVD.com
Take care.
Cin
Angelle says
We got rid of cable about 7 years ago when I wanted to stay home with the kids. I haven’t missed it. When we think of getting cable again I cringe thinking about how it beckons to you to watch it.
We have a digital converter box, $40 at Wal-Mart, that allows us to pick up the free signals of abc, cbs, nbc, pbs, etc. We didn’t have to buy a new tv or anything. I find plenty to watch in the evening when the kids are in bed.
Toni says
I just found your blog about a week ago, and its now one of my daily visits. Keep inspiring me to organize! I love it, and so does my husband. Anyways, remember you can use an antenna to get some free channels (maybe even regis and kelly). I know when the cable is out in our house, we bring out the bunny ear antenna. Works better than nothing. Also, I found a website that has free blog Background designs, and thought you would like to take a look! Here is the exact link… http://hotbliggityblog.com/backgrounds.php?offset=30&limit=15&querystring=
Julie says
Since the digital switch we have more channels than my sister did with cable! they keep adding more too…check into that. We love it
Sandy Watts says
We also bought the box at Wal-mart and have plenty of channels with just an antenna like when I was a kid, BEFORE cable. The only problems we have are weather related and we had those WITH cable and satellite service. We gave those up about 5 years ago, got fed up with being ripped off! You will adjust
Laura, and wonder why you ever wasted the money!! Everyone else has given you many good ideas, too. I, also, love reading, especially your blog. You are awesome!
Ellen says
My husband and I gave up cable this past July. It was incredibly hard lol. But seriously after about a month or two we were ok with the adjustment and the other day we were talking about “why did we ever have cable?” So don’t worry, grieve, but don’t get too wound up about it. It will get better!!!!!
April W says
I can honestly say that although I don’t watch T.V. During the week , (I Tivo everything, and watch it on the weekend) I think I would cry too if I had to get rid of my cable. I am still praying for you guys!
Amanda from Faith, F says
It will get better! *hugs* I can honestly say that if it weren’t included with our apartment (we don’t pay anything, just the rent), we wouldn’t have cable. I never get to watch tv, or at least very rarely. I always let the kids have priority over me. And I don’t have tivo or whatever it’s called.
The only thing I would miss is Food Network (which I rarely get a chance to watch anyway and 18 kids and Counting (The Duggar Family show). I just don’t get into all of these shows that are on now.
I hope your husband finds another job soon. I know that is always a scary thing to have happen. God bless you all!
Amanda
ter @ waaoms says
I love your term “brain dumping”. I might have to rename my random blog posts to “brain dumping” !! I Love it!
I hope your husband will find another job soon and then you won’t have to worry. I would cry too if my cable went out. Actually I cried recently because the stupid remote didn’t want to work. (new technology…. love/hate!!!) If you want to know, I had to unplug the whole thing just to get the remote to work again! Isn’t that just crazy?
I hear you about rearranging things. I moved my couch recently … it wasn’t and still isn’t where I want it but until I get someone in to help fix a few things I can’t get my couch where I want it. However where it is now is “almost” normal and my living room feels so much bigger now.
well, I hope things are going well! (I’d help you with your blog layout but I know nothing about how to do that either, that’s why i’m using a pre-made free one… I’d like a change too someday soon)
Kim says
I love you – you know that! You are such a sweet crazy funny warm-hearted freak!
Laura says
Ahhh so nice to know that others have suffered and survived TV withdrawal. That is great news 🙂
Hi Kim, right back at ya girl!
Casey says
We haven’t had cable in over 2 years!! It was very difficult at first, but now I don’t even know what shows are popular. We did get the digital converter boxes last year and now we get about 15 channels on those. Mostly PBS but that’s all the kids watch anyway. (Not sure if y’all up there in CA have the whole digital TV thing like we do here in the states.)
Hubby and I occasionally watch TV on Hulu. It’s great for those of use that don’t have cable. Hang in there…. It will get easier. 🙂
Courtney says
Same here — I didn’t have cable for four years! It’s annoying at first but you’ll soon be used to it!
Belle says
I will totally not judge you for crying over cable. I would. Hulu.com should save you though!!
Shawnee in Oregon says
Bless you for all your changes. I can’t wait to see the new look for your blog. It’s also Christmas apron swap time .. I hope you can join in the fun!!
http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com
-Shawnee
Alison @ HH says
Life without cable is AMAZING. We’ve been 3 years without it, and I don’t miss it at all! The only show that we really liked was “Amazing Race” and so now each season that it’s on we get together with friends and watch it together each week! It’s a great time of fellowship (at their house of course, because they still have cable!!!) and we get to watch a cool show. 🙂
And if you still really miss a few shows, you can try going to youtube.com and searching for them, because most people post them online. 🙂
Amy says
Hmmm…I read someone’s comment that we don’t have free T.V. anymore. I do and so do a lot of my friends. We have a Mac and put Apples T.V. tuner on it ($100 one time fee to buy it), put an antenna in our attic and we were good to go. We haven’t paid for T.V. ever. Our channels come in very clear. Maybe all you need it the converter box.
Julie says
Hi Laura,
Your post made me smile–because I empathize with you. If I had to give up coffee I would also cry. You will get used to being without cable and you will also get used to your basic channels that you have available. Actually, the fewer the choices the better. Cable has too many channels. Sort of like the cereal isle in the grocery stores these days. I would like to tell you about something I have been enjoying, especially in the dark days of winter–the BBC movies which you can get at your local library or if you have a basic netflix subscription (way cheaper than cable). Last winter I enjoyed “Bleak House” (Charles Dickens) “Jane Eyre” just to name a couple. The quality is superb and the enjoyment level is high. Even my husband, who is not into that sort of genre enjoyed them.
Liz Jenkins says
Laura – I just redesigned my blog onto wordpress and I’m so glad! I bartered organizing services with a gal who did wordpress and it turned out to be a good partnership (you know, not all barters are equitable or work out so great). I wanted something that blended well with my website but had it’s own identity. Still tweaking but it felt so good to start fresh!
I hardly watch TV but the stuff I do watch – I need cable! Project Runway, Top Chef, etc. I’d love to cut it out but haven’t chopped it yet.
It’s funny – you are one of the few bloggers that even when you are blogging about, well, not much, I still love to read you!
Shawna says
Hey!! Just want to say that we don’t have cable either. We do have SkyAngel..a Christian cable type thing, but I don’t watch it often–we are old movie people!!!Or, cartoons on dvd of course!!!! It is hard to adjust at first..but you will be so thankful you did it. And I love the smiley in the sky!!!!
Melissa says
First off BREATH!!! lol it will be ok, we’ve been going through ur situatation will be a year in feb. we lost our house in the situation (we had to sell and sold to the first buying and LOST money b/c it was in forcloser status) so in return we got cable, but living on 1/4 of the income ur use to it’s HARD and i COMPLETELY feel ur frustration. But i promise cable will be the least of ur worries!!! We hadn’t had cable in 6+ years until my husband lost his job traded the house for cable lol j/k! but we really didn’t have tv for 6+ yrs and we did fine 🙂 lol i promise things will get better and kelly and regis will have u back. and yes btw today they asked about you 🙂
Jennifer says
Props to you for making the decision to cancel cable. I know many people who refuse to do that even when their husband works (and they cant afford anything). January 2008 my husband and i cancelled cable to save money and for a whole year we did not watch anything at home (even free channels disappeared). Do you know how much more you can get done when the TV isnt playing in the background!?! When the digital switch over occurred we got our free converter box and now we have several stations and i notice we are watching tv a whole. Anyways, long story short: its really not so bad to miss all the shows. You get used to it. Good luck!!
Jennifer says
Sorry, i am writing on my blackberry. I meant to say above that I know we are watching tv a whole ‘lot more’ now that we have the free stuff again!
Kelli says
I am just as bad as you. 🙂 I, too, am horrible to work with because I have to “see” it. The lady that did my blog, Diana, is AWESOME! She totally gets me and what I want. Plus, her rates are great. 🙂 Give me a hollar if you want her site info
Michelle Sarabia says
Laura,
I know what you mean, we went without cable for two weeks until we were able to get the money again to turn it back on. I actually thought it was great because it reconnected our family!
I would be happy to redo your design for you for FREE!! I do blog designs for Blogger and WP. Let me know if you are interested and we can talk (EM) more about it!
Lori says
You will find much more time to organize your whole house without the distraction of cable! I gave TV up as a whole 15 years ago, and wow, I found time to do so much stuff that I had been putting off ‘for another day’ – sad to say though, my cross stitching has been completed since! That was my past time as I sat in front of the ‘black box’! But I wouldn’t go back to it. Found out my life is FOR REAL and don’t need pretend stuff to make me feel better or worse! LOL
Lori says
OOPS, that should read “my cross stitch has NOT BEEN COMPLTED” lol
Tia says
Hi,
This is my first time here, and I really enjoyed this post. I think it reminds me of how I think of first one thing and then another and another. I find myself trying to reign those thoughts in for the people around me. Oh there I go again, rambling.
My sons and I have been going without t.v. for the past three days, and this our fourth, we are from school because of the nor’easter. It was a choice I made, so we can focus on God and family. I have to say they have been handling it pretty well so far. It’s off by my choice, but if we change this lifestyle, I may consider cutting our cable service too.
Denise says
Hang in there! Cable has become a luxury now. We have not had it for a couple of years now and use Netflix (we love movies) and Hulu.com to watch plenty. I was never interested in watching online before we got a laptop and I can sit where I want to watch- even in the kitchen! I used to have tivo/dvr too and so Hulu is great for me. it doesn’t have everything, but I make do cause it is FREE! We also have the converter box and somehow only get 2 channels. Need to check into that… 🙂
Laura says
Yes signing up for cable is the only way we can get any TV stations at all here in my small town. Now that I’ve turned it off we don’t get any stations whatssoever and unfortunately sites like hulu and fancast don’t work in Canada 🙁
Sue says
“First I was afraid
I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
without you by my side
But I spent so many nights
thinking how you did me wrong
I grew strong
I learned how to carry on….
…I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
I’ve got all my love to give
and I’ll survive
I will survive…”
Yep!!! Ya will survive!!! lol
Sue
Rebecca in Colorado says
Wow. As my 12-year-old would say: “That was really random.” Loved the post! (Was there a point? oh, maybe several, right?)
Yes, hang in there with no cable. We not only don’t have cable, but last year I GAVE UP reality shows because I was obsessing about when I was going to fit in watching tapes of Dancing with Stars, the Broadway Grease search, Survivor, Amazing Race, Biggest Loser, Survivor, American Idol, The Apprentice, and maybe more. At any given time, there were at least 3-4 of those on each week, so I QUIT! The only one I have watched since last Fall is Amazing Race.
Good luck to you, and I love your blog!
cathy says
You won’t miss it for long. You will find so many other positive things to fill your time with. I probably watch 2-3 hours of tv a week, I ask myself everyday why we even have cable. Pick up a good read. As sue pointed out… you will survive!
Laura says
It’s been four days now and the twitching has subsided and I’m barely looking at the clock anymore. I’ve also gotten so much done the last couple of days. This is great, I never thought it would be possible!
Laura
Laura says
Thanks everyone for all your encouragement and support!!
Laura
Luz says
You can get used to anything except hunger. Be patient. God bless.
Becky L says
I think I could live without cable. We got it earlier this year because of getting a digital tv and not getting many stations well in our area. My husband loves to watch all sorts of programs and he’s a couch potato sometimes on Sat. but that’s ok, I guess. There are alot of programs that I won’t watch. Am more addicted to reading blogs on the computer. ARG!! As for what I’m up to, not doing good on finishing the quilt I told you about. A bit at a time and it will get done. :0) Hang in there, Laura.
Martha says
The computer is good for tv, but I found for myself that when I got past the habit, it wasn’t so bad. That being said, it is still really challenging!
Hang in there, Laura! It will get better!
Warmly,
M
Karen says
It has been nine years since we gave up cable and almost a year since we thought we lost network television. We go to our library and check out videos and watch our favorite shows online. It is actually nice not to have to sit through the raunchy commercials and get caught up in a show I really don’t want to, need to, or should watch. It takes some time to get used to, but it is liberating.
Jada says
I love reading your blog; not sure that I’ve commented very often. I didn’t know you had a Facebook Fan Page…but I am now a fan!
~Jada
Rebecca says
Not to interrupt your productivity but some shows that air on NBC & ABC are available to watch at http://www.ch131.com and from my understanding it’s based in Canada so maybe you can find them there? If not netflix could be a great tv entertainment option if that’s available to you.
I know I’m a little late on this but I think I would be emotional about losing cable too. Not so much because of the loss of cable but because it would be an in my face reminder about the challenges we would be facing.
I think it shows so much strength & courage for you to share something so personal, maybe someone else who is experiencing financial changes will be encouraged by you & not feel alone. I am sure things will look up and who knows what opportunities could be ahead for your family.
Cinella says
Yup…. no cable here! But we are good, we still get to watch all our shows!! My hubby hooked up a computer to the T.V. and then he downloaded this probram called VNC viewer where you can use your laptop as a remote and then use your TV as a computer, hence, watch all your favorite shows on ABC or other TV websites.
Juggling Motherhood says
I crave change too and get bored easily…I was wondering how bloggers can continue blogging and not get bored day after day, year after year? I guess we just have a lot to say!
Donna Ruark says
How is your local library? We can get DVD checked out for a week at a time. And it’s free (unless your ar late returning them.) My library also has a free book rack that they use to circulate paperbacks. I love the inspirational romances.
We are all glad you still have the internet!!!!!
Jennifer says
We ditched our cable a few years ago, and we are amazed at how much more productive we are! We do a little bit of online TV watching, but we do not regret the decision to get rid of the cable.
Thea @ I'm a Drama Mama says
I’m not sure I could go without cable. But if I had to…I guess I would have to, LOL!
Have you checked out Ruby & Roja Designs?
Pam Gorder says
Hi, Laura:
I’ve been away for a while and am just getting caught up on your blog. Good luck with your ornament crafting! I hope you’ll post pictures.
I’m starting a local group for “Crafternoon” meet-ups. (There’s a fun Web site by the author of the “Crafternoon” book that inspired me here: http://www.crafternoon.com/)One of our goals is to use up old craft materials that we already have in our stashes. We also swap materials that we don’t want anymore. It’s win-win — we have less stuff to organize in our craft areas, and save money, too.
As to how to fill the TV void, I bet you’ve probably already adjusted to your new situation, and are finding great ways to fill the time. Happy holidays!