There's a Reason Its Called a Boob Tube

I'm still around. I just haven't been in the studio much lately. I broke my New Year's resolution to refrain from purchasing more art supplies for 6 months. I really have plenty of supplies to last a long time but there were just too many good sales to pass up! Some of my purchases have arrived but I just piled in the studio and I seem to be hibernating in front of the TV.

And speaking of budgets.... I put myself on a strict 'play money' budget awhile back, but along with some tax changes, both real estate and the federal tax, I'm feeling a pinch in the household budget too. So I was trying to find ways to cut back. When I moved from the country to the big city in 2005, I got myself in the mindset that I 'had to' have cable TV. I really enjoy using a DVR to record some series shows and thought I could not live without it. The complex I live in only has two options for regular cable and I didn't want to deal with a dish setup for several reasons (and still no cheaper). The cheapest cable company, which I've had for several years, just announced another increase. I decided enough was enough. It is pretty stupid for a one person household to have a cable/internet bill of $115/month.

So I have spent this week trying to get ready to pull the plug. (I need to be weaned from this..LOL.). I found a 4G wireless internet provider that has a service for $35/month with no contract. I got this going this week. Then I bought a streaming video device for access to NetFlix, Hulu Plus, etc... and then I got my TVs setup to receive the 'over the air' local channels. For some reason, I forgot there IS free TV - !!! DUH. I guess all those years living in the country far away from the broadcast channels made me stupid (or it could be the years watching the boob tube!). I now live so close to the local broadcast channels, that I get them perfectly!

I want to spend the weekend checking the speeds on this new setup, and if it continues to work as well as it did this week, I will call the cable company on Monday and cut the cord!! Imagine the difference in cost - $115 before, to $35... and even if I pay for Netflix and Hulu Plus for about $16 it will still be less than half the cost of cable with internet!

Then maybe I can get myself in the studio more while it is cold because before you know it, it will be Plein Air season!!