How I don't watch TV

Things I do instead of watching television:

1. Keep my house clean. I have a routine for morning and afternoon, and keep things orderly throughout the day. I like to clean as I go, plus I like to have one big chore for the day.

2. Make myself presentable. For me, this is hair and makeup, and a nice outfit, even if it's just me cleaning the house. It lifts my spirits, and it takes up time to do it well.

3. Take a walk or go for a jog. Exercise is vital for health and wellbeing, and I love to walk for a long time. I take short jogs, slowly building endurance. It's lovely to jog to the marina park, and then rest while watching the water and wildlife.

4. Read books. I've read so many books lately. Non-fiction mostly. My horizons expand and my brain gets to chew on ideas and useful information. I also enjoy spending time at the library. They have an art gallery there, as well as events such as concerts.

5. Research. I spend time on the internet researching all kinds of things: homemaking tips, articles for Christian women, natural healthcare, do-it-yourself projects, and history as well. I think it's important to always seek to improve and to learn from the past.

6. Read my Bible. I haven't done as much as I should, but I do it more now than before.

7. Pray the Rosary. This is something I've let slide and I want to get back into. But again, I'm doing it more than before.

8. Spend more time at markets, making better consumer decisions because I take my time and also research where to go for certain things. I like the European way of hitting the local markets more often during the week instead of the typical American way of doing the week's shopping all at once at a big supermarket.

9. Fix things around the house. For me, this is mostly sewing and mending, but if anything in the motorhome breaks, I can take the time to investigate and problem-solve.

10. Feel unhurried and satisfied with the quality of my life. I don't rush through the things I have to do just so I can spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the television. I noticed that people subconsciously do this. I once did. I didn't do it purposely, I just learned to do it. It seems to be the American way. Spend a few minutes on each important task, spend hours watching TV. I am also counting those who watch TV shows on the internet. We will occasionally watch YouTube videos or a movie, but no TV shows.

11: I have the time to iron laundry, which is especially important when I've dried it on the line. I really enjoy it, and my husband loves having pressed shirts. I think the bed looks nicer with pressed pillowcases. And it's a meditative task. I often use the time to pray as well.

12. Take my time planning dinners and cook from scratch. It really does take up time, but it's worth it. I will go out and pick a lemon from the tree for slices in our water glasses. Maybe I'll add sprigs of mint from the garden. I also take the time to make myself presentable before my husband comes home, and I set the table nicely. I make sure the table has fresh flowers, the mail and clutter is dealt with, and the placemats are clean. It's easy to let things pile up on the table throughout the day, since it's the only flat surface we have. So I take extra time to ready it for dinner.

13. Write letters to friends. I am doing a teabag exchange with my friend in Colorado and her mom who lives north of me. It's been sweet. I also like to send cards to friends and family just to say hello.

14. Work on home health projects. I am slowly amassing medicinal herbs and working on tinctures, teas, and other personal care items.

15. Write and sing. I write on this blog, as well as in a paper journal, and I love to sing. Even if it's just by myself at home, it's good for me to keep my pipes from getting rusty. And seeing as all the songs I know are from church, God will be praised.