Our Frugal Answer to Technology!

So, we lived for a month or so with no internet, T.V. or land-line telephone. After realizing the withdrawals wouldn't subside, we added DSL internet, just knowing that we could plug the computer into the T.V., and it would be almost as good. But, it just wasn't. I mean, for the sake of frugality, it was ok, and Andy was fine with it, but I was missing it. In fact, I was doing pretty poorly. I realized just how much I use T.V. to unwind and get my mind off of things. I mean, I'm not a bottler or anything, but I'm definitely a dweller - even after I talk about it, I have to talk about it 47 more times to as many people as I can find that will listen, and without distractions, I'll just dwell. So, being the good man that he is, Andy discovered that we can get all our local channels, including a channel similar to TBS and Style Network (entertainment stuff and decorating in one channel - how fabulous!) for a mere $10.00 a month through Dish Network (we already had the dish and receiver). No, there's no DVR or HDTV, but it's all I need. And, on top of that, to cut down on our cell phone minutes, we invested in a Magic Jack, which is a pretty great invention. For $40.00 we bought the jack, which plugs into the computer if you haven't heard of it and gives you a phone line through your internet connection. The first year of service is free (unless you consider the $40.00 for the item itself), and then after that it's only $20.00 a year for phone service, which includes voice mail, caller id, free long distance, and registers you for 911. So, we're back in the world of the technologically connected, and things feel normal again. (...don't judge my addictions - I haven't even brought up the Reese's Cup/Redi-Whip concoction I'm hooked on right now - if only you knew the whole truth...)