The girls hate watching television with me. I think it has something to do with the fact
that I actually want to watch the show that’s on. Correction.
I want to hear whatever it is that we’re watching. I treat my television viewing entertainment
just as if I was at the movies and I had paid the equivalent of my mortgage for
the big screen pleasure. I even go
through the same speech.
“Cell phones on vibrate?
Everyone have a drink? Does anyone need to go to the bathroom? Okay, now settle in and no talking. The show is about to start.”
When I sit down in front of the television, it’s not to have
background noise for something else I’m doing.
It’s to watch a show. It’s not
that I can’t multitask, because I can. Every
day, I work on three to four manuscripts while writing a blog, texting,
listening to music and enjoying a second pot of coffee. However, certain things are meant to be done
solo. That’s why I hate restaurants with
televisions. I can understand going to a
sports bar, hanging out with friends, drinking beers and watching a game. However, when I go out to eat with friends, I
want to eat and talk with them, not watch six different 60 inch screens with a
different channel on each. Likewise, when
I watch television I don’t want to socialize.
I do, however, don’t mind eating.
The girls don’t share my proclivity for silence during
Criminal Minds. We’re all together, so
it’s time to talk. They can’t save it
for a commercial because we rarely watch shows when they are actually on. We record all of our favorites and watch at
our leisure. Therefore, no commercials. However, now an hour show takes less than
thirty minutes. Of course, it would if I
wasn’t rewinding it constantly to hear what I missed because someone was asking
some question about something that happened while they were talking. Yet, I’m to ignore all the ooos and ahhhs
while Arrow is changing shirts, which is the reason they watch the show in the
first place.
The 8-year old even knows the routine. When the girls go grocery shopping on Thursday
evening, the munchkin and I will pop a big bowl of popcorn and toss in a Disney
classic, settling in for the night. As I
press play I ask, “What’s the rule?”
“No talking during the movie. I know, Robbie.”
Of course, like the older girls she doesn’t always remember
when that urge to gab comes out. An hour
into the show and she’s been as quiet as possible. Now, the questions come. “Why did they do that?” “How could that happen?” “Who’s your favorite character?”
“Okay, that’s enough show.
Time for bed.” I can only keep
focus so long before I just lose interest and start checking my Facebook and
Twitter. I surrender and decide to watch
the rest of the show when everyone else is asleep.
I’d never survive the sports bar scene, either, to be
honest, because I go to watch the game. This
part confuses the girls.
“You hate sports.”
“I know, but we came here to watch the game. Why isn’t anyone actually watching the game? I could have drank my beer in my fridge and
saved money”
“Because they’re having fun.
They’re talking, laughing, and having a good time.”
”Then why didn’t they just say come do that? Why say, ‘Hey, let’s go watch the game?’ They
never intended to watch the game, just drink beer.”
“And that bothers you why?”
“Because they said they wanted to watch the game!”
“And again I say you hate sports.”
“That’s not the point.”
And it’s not. Really. I don’t talk and read a book, and I don’t
want to talk and watch television. It’s
not a social event. It’s more a
spectator thing. You watch. That’s it.
At least, that’s what I’m trying to teach the girls. So far, it’s not working; not even with the 8
year old.
* * * * *
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Another cute post! Maybe you should make your self a "MAN CAVE" buy yourself a Big Screen, and call it Good!...lol...Catherine
ReplyDeleteLOL..I'd never get away with it. My porch is my sanctuary and I am there most of the day. Thanks, Catherine!
DeleteI agree, you need to set up your porch as a Man Porch complete with a big, No Talking, sign. LOL Laurie is notorious for talking, texting, chatting and asking questions during television and movies. It drives me insane but luckily, her girls are just as annoyed by this so she is usually being scolded by four people simultaneously any time she interrupts our viewing. I never understood why people ask questions as if I have written the show. I'm with you, thank goodness for Netflix and streaming content because pause/rewind has become my new favorite thing. Thanks for another enjoyable read. : )
ReplyDeleteI already have my bar and music out there...now to charge admission lol. Technology has ruined our manners in so many ways it's amazing. And I get the questions all the time, as well.
Delete"Why did he do that?"
"I don't know, hun. We have to watch it to find out."
Thanks for visiting and commenting as always, Stephanie :)
Just start a moralizing lecture. They'll tell you to be quiet in no time - and they'll be afraid to talk then.
ReplyDelete:)
Nah...they're used to ignoring me lol
DeleteI am the same way! I want to be with everyone else and watch together, but I would rather not have any interruptions!
ReplyDeleteExactly! LOL
DeleteThanks for visiting and commenting :)