When we decided to try Media Free Mondays, I didn't have any "pie in the sky" expectations that we would be transformed into some cheesy TV family who always gets along. I did, however, have some ideas of how things might play out. I pictured myself doing a lot of reading and enjoying the lack of background noise. I anticipated my husband and youngest daughter would channel their competitive spirit by playing lots of board games. And I assumed my oldest daughter would be holed up in her room doing homework.
What I didn't plan on was Dan having an insane work day that stretched well into the evening hours. My own workload got pushed back due to an appointment in the late afternoon, Kelsey was at her job, and Emma had a pile of homework. As a result, we all ended up doing this media fast on our own for the better part of the evening.
We decided to shut everything off at 5:00, just as I was preparing to make dinner. Our kitchen is open to the family room, and I have a habit of turning on some goofy sitcom while I'm cooking. Not 30 seconds into the experiment, and I found myself reaching for a remote. Yikes. I caught myself but was surprised to discover how habitually I reached for electronics.
I went back to cooking but decided the house was much too quiet. I thought, "I know, I'll just turn on some music!" Or not...since all my music is on my computer and Ipod. This was getting harder.
Dan, Emma, and I had dinner together and enjoyed our conversations. Early in our marriage, I had always insisted the TV was off during meal times, and I also had a rule about not answering the phone. I'm not sure when or how that lapsed over the years, but until last night, I hadn't really given it much thought. I guess the distractions can creep up on you.
Before dinner was over, we caught Dan reading a text on his phone. He didn't even realize he did it; it was just so natural to pick it up.
Dan went back to his office to work, Emma headed to the shower, and Kelsey was in her room doing homework. This would have been the perfect time to enjoy a book, but I found myself too sleepy and lacking in concentration. I have to say, it really surprised me how much I missed unwinding with mindless drivel on TV.
The thing I missed the least was the cell phone, although I do usually communicate with my son each night through text messages. Maybe he needed the break though!
We did have some time to talk and relax before bedtime, and as we processed our thoughts for the evening, there was some concern expressed about bedtime rituals. Most of us fall asleep to some form of music or noise, and we decided it made no sense to be militant about the fast if it meant interrupting sleep.
I saved the best moment of the night for last, so you can leave laughing. About 30 minutes into Media Free Monday, Emma was lamenting the loss of her music and the inability to chat online with her friends. Her comment: "I feel so Amish!"
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