The freaking out can officially begin...

In most addiction programs two consistent elements prevail: denial and acceptance. Yet, I think I am an exception to the rule because I don't believe I've ever been in denial of my addiction to television. I've actually relished it. It has allowed me to enjoy endless hours of entertainment, been there for a non-reciprocal hug when I was stressed, given me a wealth of information needed to finish crossword puzzles and vacated countless brain cells from my body when I didn't feel like thinking. Most of all, television has given me the ability to be a true connoisseur of pop culture. I possess countless amounts of trivial information that allow me to have a conversation with most anyone, no matter their age or background, provided, of course, that they watch television. I can talk shop about kid shows, game shows, soap operas, dramas and comedy (on both basic and premium channels), documentaries, award shows, political commentary shows and, the true feather in my cap, reality shows. You do not want to even think about crossing me when it comes to the Entertainment category in Trivial Pursuit. I actually pride myself on my ability to watch a lot of tv and use the knowledge I gain from it to my benefit and come off as a fairly well-rounded and intelligent person.

However, as most addicts do, I think I've hit my rock bottom and begun to accept that I have a problem. I have too many shows on my DVR taking precedence over other things in life. I want to read more. I want to work on professional projects more. I want to listen to more music. I want to find other ways to relax. I want to talk more to my husband. I have a son that doesn't need to grow up in a home with the television on at every waking hour. Don't get me wrong - I do read, work, enjoy music (a lot), talk to Steve (whom I love desperately) and play (a ton) with my son. But, given the choice, I would choose Oprah over Chaucer, American Idol over Yo-Yo Ma, and an hour of Biggest Loser over actually working out.

It is for these many reasons that my husband, Steve, and I have made a commitment to stop watching television in our house for 365 days. We are even cancelling our cable service to prevent any regressions. This may possibly be the best (or worst) decision we've ever made as a couple. We will have rules that we will post. We will have a list of fears that we will also post. I just hope I can blog more before we turn it off, because I will be making the most out of the last days I have left. The freaking out can officially begin. D-day is March 4th.