Television

The spot in my living room where, I figure, most people would situate a television. February 2013.

Television took a prominent role in my childhood. And I had a television through college and graduate school and on into my early working years in Chicago. I turned it on as habit, even if I thought I wouldn’t watch.

Yet I sold pretty much everything when I moved to London—including my television. American televisions don’t work over there, anyway.

In London, I needed necessities. Once I got settled enough to consider television, my life had structured around other things. Besides, I lived in London: Shouldn’t I appreciate it rather than sit at home?

Eventually, I moved back to the States. By the time I got situated in Houston, I’d lived a television-less life for years.

I haven’t had a television since 1998. I have no plans to get one now.

Interesting aside: Television culture so pervades society that I miss few references, despite never having seen the shows. I’ve never watched “Sex in the City,” but even before a friend took me to one of the movies, I knew the characters. I’ve never seen any part of “Jersey Shore,” but I know its vernacular.

Today, if the world raves about a show, I can watch it on a computer. Also, my brother gave me a big screen upstairs on which I can run DVDs. Rarely do I watch either, though: Sitting in front of a screen makes me antsy these days. I’d rather read, play outside, or do something productive.

And if I’m weary and just want to vegetate? I find something light to read.

I’m sure television would suck me back in if I had one. Like so many other people, I’d turn it on for “background noise” when I came home and swear I don’t really watch it. (Right.) Television-less-ness started as a byproduct of other life maneuverings and has turned into a definite choice.

I highly recommend it.