When I get my AARP card

I just got home after a relaxing evening at Toad, one of the coziest little music venues I've ever encountered. The crowd was mostly 50s and 60s couples, and they were having a rockin' time singing along to "Some Kind of Wonderful." My friend and I were impressed by these older folk's willingness to come out on a Wednesday evening and socialize like all-stars. They seemed like such joyful people that I find it hard to believe that their energy doesn't permeate the other parts of their lives. I know that's a snap judgment (albeit a positive one) to make after observing people for just a few hours, but if you had seen them, I just know you would agree with me. (Yes, I'm aware that that's another assumption...my fourth grade teacher would say that I've made an ass out of myself and you twice in just a few sentences.) I hope my life is as full of good friends and good music as theirs seem to be, when I am their age.

That got me to thinking about what really defines a good life. That's a little too deep and complicated for a late Wednesday night post, but I did conclude that I don't want my life to revolve around TV. I know work can be exhausting and sometimes all you want to do is curl up in front of reality TV or a cheesy sitcom. Here's something to think about, though: Have you ever felt really fulfilled by watching TV? Nope, I didn't think so.

I started thinking about how much TV I watch, and it disgusts me. It has become a main part of my evening routine with my roommates...we get home from work, pop on the TV, watch while we eat dinner, and then we sit in front of it in a dazed state until it's time for bed. (Most) TV doesn't inspire, or challenge, or stimulate me. Why, then, do I watch so much of it? Sure, I love Chuck, White Collar, Thirty Rock, and the Office as much as the next person. But I don't want them to be my primary post-work activity.

I've done an unintentional experiment with my roommates over the last few days. On Monday night, my roommate came home and enthusiastically announced that Law and Order SVU was on in just a few minutes. When I told her that I had decided not to watch TV that night, she was dismayed. Both of my roommates were a little taken aback by my shocking proclamation, but after the initial confusion, they decided not to watch any that night either. Instead, we ate dinner at the kitchen table (revolutionary!), had great conversations, and did some reading. By the end of the evening, I felt infinitely more restored and refreshed than I usually do after a night of zoning out in front of the TV.

So far this week, I've been sticking to my resolution to watch minimal TV, and I'm so much more relaxed. I'm going to keep to it as best I can over the next few months, but it will be tricky. Most of my friends automatically turn on the TV when they have friends over (apparently, conversation isn't sufficient). Anyone who doesn't watch TV is scorned and accused of being judgmental. I've garnered quite a nice little reputation for myself as being extremely judgmental, but I can honestly say that this decision is 100% judgment free. I feel better when I don't watch TV, and it's that simple. This is for me. If you unwind in front of the TV, then by all means, go ahead and pick up your remote.

I think I have my work cut out for me, but I'm going to do a lot more reading, conversing, and other good clean fun at night that doesn't involve anyone named the Situation or Ryan Seacrest. To all of you who are reverse judging me for judging your TV habits: I could never go without my beloved John Krasinski or Tina Fey. I'm not forgoing all TV; I'm just going to be a more intentional viewer. I'll be watching NBC on Thursday nights with everyone else. You can rest easy, now.