Our TV (that was won years ago) finally bit the dust. It was about time. This was the TV that provided us with many stay at home movie nights. It gave me something to pass the time while I was on bed rest, pregnant with both of my children and it has seen us through many years. It has shown more than it's share of soap opera drama, probably so much that it would make anyone gag. The Television was loyal and good to us. In a sentimental way, it has been there through the single yesterdays, the young married with no children freedom, all the way up to the latest episodes of sesame street. The time has come to say good-bye. The TV, in almost a scary way, had become a part us. Looking at this family situation, it seems so shallow.

Almost instantaneously, my husband and I opened the Walmart ads, the Best Buy circular, and we included Circuit City in our search. It seems we could read for days and we stared at the price tags. Some Televisions seem reasonable and others, that look like the same exact TV, have a much higher price tag. It was all so confusing. When did buying a TV become so stressful?

All of this upgraded digital broadcasting system "mumbo-jumbo" boggles my mind. Some TVs are compatible (I imagine the higher priced ones), some need a converter box, some don't need anything because we have digital satellite. I can't believe that we are this technologically out of sink. Are we that old?

It's not that we can't afford a new one, because we can. We could charge it and end up paying double the price after we pay the interest off. We could take it from the next paycheck or eat in the next couple of weeks when we planned on dining out.

We could go out and just by any TV, but why does it seem that we are making a life changing decision. Are TVs really worth this much time. How beneficial is a TV in these days when we have online resources such as the herald online to keep us informed. =) Even Netflix has a watch now option. Do we really need a TV?

With all the things that are needed in this household, I am not convinced we really have to have a TV. I know that I need more time left in the day! (can I get a heck yeah from any of the moms out there?) The kids need a bath, one needs a story read to him before he goes to bed, and the other needs a drink of water. I need to write my next article, then I need to make a grocery list because we all need food in the fridge. That is just to name a few, without even bringing up my husbands needs. ;)

Maybe we will listen to the experts, turn our eyes away from the tube, and have fun with each other instead. I know our life is centered around more important things than shown on a simple TV, however my living room (for decoration purposes) is lacking something. Which leads us back to the questions, where, and what to buy. I need to get on with the rest on my life. It is just a simple new TV, not a life or death situation. I know the 12 inch spare makes you struggle just to see Elmo. We can handle a few more smaller than life Doodle Bops or Katie Couric episodes for a couple more days, but a 12 inch TV can only take you so far. I guess its time to stay focused and sort this TV stuff out! We need help.......S.O.L.(save our living room).