TV Watching Junkie
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been in love with the television. From my earliest remembrances of watching my grandmother doing exercises with Jack LaLanne, to Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Green Jeans, the television has always been part of my life.
Old movies with Elvis Presley, and fantasies like Star Trek, the television was a source of escape from a world of chaos and evil. The Rifleman was the “law. I know now what Miss Kitty was, then she was a diamond in a prairie town in need of a bit of polish. Unrequited love was unknown to me, but I remember wondering why she and Sheriff Dillon always seemed to be making google eyes at each other. I met “Festus” once, at a county fair. Man did I think I was important meeting someone for the television.
There was Bugs Bunny, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and Wiley Coyote and the Road Runner on Saturday mornings. My grandparents and mother weren’t too worried about any violent tendencies I might get from these two shows. I don’t know what the Saturday morning line up has anymore, I stopped watching a long time ago.
I remember many nights staying up late and watching the NBC Peacock display it was signing off, just before the National Anthem played. Then there was nothing but static. I don’t believe there are any stations that do that anymore, because now the hours of non-standard programming are filled with infomercials.
This weekend I realized just “how” much TV I watch when I was getting the DVDs of the weeks shows ready to mail to the SGM in Afghanistan. Nine hours worth … three DVDs. Man, when do I have time for other stuff? The DVDs hold: “24“, Boston Legal, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY; Survivor: Exile Island; CSI; Stargate SG1; Atlantis and Battlestar Galactica. When in the world is he going to find time to watch all those shows?
Oh — and that doesn’t count the stuff I “didn’t” tape, like the Amazing Race season opener.
I also watch 2 hours of Soaps when I get home: All My Children and General Hospital.
This week I added the new CBS Show “The Unit” to the DVD mix to be taped.
Okay, some of you are like “Man bitch, you need a life.” That could be true, but I do have a wonderful life. A lot of times I’m watching these shows while I’m also reading a book or updating my blog. Sometimes they are just on in the background while housework is being done or I’m taking a nap. Let’s not talk about all the hours I watch the Food Network shows, NASCAR and then QVC and HSN. In between all of that are hours of Fox News too.
The house is empty — It’s just me and Bubba, so I’ve falling back on an old habit I learned growing up. Gone are the days of the really good shows though. Don’t get me wrong, I like each and every one of those I’ve mentioned above, and even have some on DVD; but, there will never again be another Matt Dillon, Captain Kirk, Miss Kitty, or Mr. Green Jeans.
The television is my connection to the world through news and my escape from the world that is just a bit too lonely right now.
What do you watch? Why?
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1Alabama Improper
wrote on 9 March 2006 at 6:56
I could be a TV junkie too. I know all about those shows you mentioned. The Brady Bunch is the family that raised me. LOL
Right now though I don’t watch a lot because of several different reasons. If I do have the TV on now it’s on Fox News. On the weekends, when I have time, I may try to skip around and try to find a movie. Now late at night I’ve been hooked on the Iron Chef on the Food Network. LOL I also like the History channel.
OK, sorry for blathering on and on. I’m done.
2Karen
wrote on 9 March 2006 at 10:19
I grew up with the same shows as you. I still remember watching the Ed Sullivan Show with my Mamaw and saw the first appearance of the Beatles.
I love the Amazing Race and am glad they are back to the original format. I am a news junkie. Fox News for me. I also watch Food Network, especially on Saturday mornings. I love Grey’s Anatomy and always check out what is on QVC when I get a chance.
3Merri
wrote on 10 March 2006 at 9:48
Jo – I love all of the headers and changes to your site that you do, but I like this header the best so far!
Ahhh…TV. Grew up on the stuff. My mom worked overnights, so when she was off on the weekends, we spent a lot of time, her and I, looking for those cheesy Saturday night movies (like the Godzilla movies!). On Sundays, Dad and I would end up watching “Kung Fu Theatre” together every once in a while and laugh our butts off at the crazy dubbing they did. I still remember when Mom let me watch “Carrie” for the first time. I don’t think I slept right for a couple of days after that!
All of this to say that I don’t watch as much TV as I used to, but it was a significant part of my life growing up. But you know my addictions, Jo….gotta watch “24″ for sure! I also watch “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Biggest Loser.” …and of course, Food Network (Rachael Ray in particular). I’m so happy to have DVR or I’d miss half of what I want to watch due to Cartoon Network or Nick Jr. being on. :-)
4sandy
wrote on 13 March 2006 at 22:36
Hey, its not like we have a lot going for us. We don’t drink, screw around on our man, shop till we drop, have expensive hobbies. So what, we love TV. I think that is healthy for us. What do we care what others think? They are not sitting in our living rooms watching TV with us. Just what am I supposed to watch when there is nothing to watch Sat. morning when cartoons are on or when reruns continue to filter through our tv over and over and over.
I try to save as much as I can and I start from the oldest and keep going forward and eventually I will run out of stuff to watch. Right?