My TV addiction

I'm here today to admit that I have a problem. I'm addicted to television. It doesn't matter that we went to basic cable and have maybe 7 stations worth watching. I watch them anyways. I'm happy to say that I'm a functional addict. I can still go to work and do my job. I do not neglect my child in order to watch TV. However, once she's in bed, my butt hits the couch and I become a drooling idiot. My addiction started at a young age, the TV was always on at my house. I was very functional then too. I went to school, did my homework (at the last minute and in front of the TV), and played sports. Even now I have other interests. I love to read. Our bookshelves are overflowing and we have stacks of books everywhere. I actually read on most days, usually a chapter or two before I go to sleep. At work I listen to books on tape while I set up reactions. I also love sports and other outdoor activities. A lot of them I'll have some restrictions on now that I'm pregnant (like rock climbing, my latest interest), but I can still swim (and I do, I try to go at least twice a week). But once I enter my house, the damn thing grabs control. I'm very worried about making Erin a TV addict. Right now she loves to go outside, will that change? I realize that when I'm away from it, I don't really miss it (when I'm in the field for instance, but that's another form of escapism that I'll talk about later). Why then does it take control of me at home? Oh well, I guess there's worse things to be. My house is usually clean (or at least not gross, although that's usually the first thing to be neglected when a good show comes on). I do watch a lot more PBS now that we only have basic cable (it's educational right). At least I know I have a problem, the next step is doing something about it.

The latest things I watch on a faithful basis (notice there's usually 1 for every night):
Monday - The Scholar (10 smart high school seniors competing for a full ride scholarship to the college of their choice). This shows almost over so maybe I can break my Monday addiction.
Tuesday - Rock Star INXS (I'm not sure if this is going to be the normal night. It was on Mon, Tues, and Wed this week. Its a more rocking, more talented version of American Idol. I actually blame John for this one because I hadn't planned on watching it.)
Wednesday - Brat Camp, reruns of Lost (I watched Brat Camp last night and immediately started praying that our kids don't turn out like that. It shows exactly what is wrong with kids today. Lack of discipline, responsibility, and a healthy fear of authority figures. That's a whole other diatribe though. I watched Lost during the regular season but I missed a few episodes. It's very interesting to watch the reruns to try and pick up things you missed.)
Thursday - I'm too ashamed to say what I watch this night. Really crappy reality shows that aren't worth mentioning. This would be the easiest night to give up if forced.
Over the weekend John and I will usually rent movies. We used to go out to the movies every Friday night as our date night. Now with Erin we just rent and I sit in front of the cursed TV.
I'm sure there's others that I forgot.

I will be strong, I will beat these addictions. At least until the Fall season starts :)