I just spent two weeks in a pool house in Long Beach, California.  “We really need to get a TV out there,” said my hosts.

“Don’t bother,” I replied.  “I’ll be fine.”  I wasn’t sure I would be, but I figured I could always go into the house and sit in their darkened media room and watch the big LCD if I needed a fix. 

But, surprisingly, I didn’t.  I was busy, had writing to do, had correspondence to handle, a radio and some books to read.  I just didn’t feel the need, which surprised me.

I’m not an anti-television snob.  I was listening to This American Life and there was a story featuring a man who literally did not watch any television, and he joked about people who pretend they don’t watch network television but secretly do.  “I don’t usually watch television,” they say.  “But I do enjoy Nova.”

Seriously, I try not to be a couch potato but, if it’s on, I watch it.  And, I am one of these people that when the TV is on, I watch it in a trancelike state.  Sitcoms I hate. Reality shows that horrify me.  Commercials.  Even bad commercials—the ones that make me feel as if I’m chewing aluminum foil.  I can’t seem to stop myself.

I live in a tiny cottage where the largest central room contains my office, my dining table and my living area.  Oh, and the TV.  So, yes, it does get watched. 

In my defense, my brother is living here, too, and he does turn on the TV when I probably would not.  In addition to movies, which he loves, he watches local sports team and the channel that broadcasts all public meetings involving the state legislature.   The people that get up and speak in favor or against a bill are more interesting than you might think. 

When Bob moves back to his summer home in a week or two, the real test will begin.  Will the hours I spend spellbound by ads for products for which I have no use decline?  Will I limit myself only to the shows I consider to be really good:  House, Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives?

Will I get more reading done?

Will I get more writing done?

By the way, I am working on a proposal for a book that has me so excited I have a hard containing myself.  I can’t reveal details yet, until I have the proposal in the hands of my agent and thus documented—but it’s HOT.  Maybe I better unplug the TV until I get it done.