I Can Stop Anytime

Hello, my name is Fairly Odd Mother, and I am an addict.

When I told my oldest, eight-year-old Belly, that Monday starts TV Turnoff Week, she asked me, a bit mischievously, "Does that include the computer too?"

Without a beat, and because I was cranky, I said, "Yes, it means all screen time."

"You too?"

Crap. What about me indeed.

Even though we did this in '07 and '08, I have never really participated in TV Turnoff Week. I just wait until they are sleeping and then I flick on whatever show I want to see and, well, cheat. Heck, isn't this week created to get KIDS off of the screen, not their parents. Right? RIGHT?!

But, honestly turning off the TV? That wouldn't be all that hard---I have a zillion book recommendations from you all (I just finished reading Geek Love. Whoa boy, is that one messed up book!), and while I'd miss my Tough Love for the week, I'd survive. But the computer? Well, that is where things get sticky.

First, I have a job. And, I have two (soon three) blogs to keep current. I pay bills online, my calendar is on the computer, I order library books through the library website. I am known to search for "quick dinner recipes" at 5pm many nights a week. And email is how most people keep in touch with me (I loath the phone).

But, I also love Twitter. I have 120 blogs in my Reader. I have a Facebook account. I turn to my laptop when I'm bored, when the kids are playing together, when the house is asleep and I'm alone with the TV.

And, yeah, I turn to it too much.

So, for Belly, I will go dark (ish). I will still do my work, and will not hesitate to look something up on the internet for our homeschool or to check the calendar. I'll check email 2-3 times a day (believe me, that is a huge cut back). I may update my blog(s), but at night, after the kids are sleeping.

And, the TV will go dark except for my daily workouts for Team Bob (no one is messing with my quest for a six pack!).

But, no Facebook, no Twitter. Period. No Google Reader (but seriously, if something major happens in the blogosphere, please email me, okay? I don't want to miss a major joy or tragedy because of this test of willpower).

And, no TV.

If the kids can do it, so can I, right? wimper


-------------------------------------------------------

Tragically, another blogging mama lost a child a few days ago. My heart goes out to Gorillabuns whose son Thalon died unexpectadly. As a fellow mom to two girls and then one precious little boy, I can't even imagine the pain she must be going through with the loss of her little man.