(#1) Life without Television

            When my family’s only television set went to the repair shop the other day, my parents, my sister and I thought we would have a terrible week. How could we get through the long evenings in such a quite house? What would it be like without all the shows to keep us company? We soon realized though that living without television for a while was a stroke of good fortune. It became easy for each of us to enjoy some activities alone, to complete some postponed chores, and to spend rewarding time with each other and friends.

            First of all, with no television to complete our time, we found plenty of hours for personal interests. We all read more that week than we had read during the six months before. All the books that we have in our mini library are touched and read. Sixty percent of them we had perfectly finished. The holy Koran that we were not often read also been read by all of us. My brother and I finished reading it three times in a week. We each also enjoyed some hobbies we had ignored for ages. We took all our favorite equipment such as the fishing equipment, archery equipment, and others back out and enjoyed doing them again.

            Second, we did chores that had been hanging over our heads for too long. There were many jobs around the house that needed attention for some time. We cleaned all the dry leaves around the house and repaired the leaking ceiling and room. We also cleaned the drains at the back of the house. We also had a chance to do some long-postponed shopping. My mother and sisters were very happy as they could enjoy and have their time to shop. They bought the Satinni collections and others. And, each of us also caught up with e-mail and did paperwork that was long overdue. Many e-mails we had not stared. E-mail from Facebook and Twitter were the most filling.

            Finally, and probably the most important is we spent time with each other more than usual. Instead of just being in the same room together, staring at the screen, we actually talked for many pleasant hours. We also did some beneficial indoor activities like chess and completing the Sudoku. The most precious moment was when my sister gave us a surprise. She played the piano for us as she is taking Diploma in Music in Sultan Idris Education University. Moreover, for the first time in many years, my family played some games together, like table- tennis and some other games. And because we did not have to worry to watch TV shows, we had an enjoyable week together.

            Once our television set returned, we were not prepared to put in the store room. But we had a sense of how it can take over our lives if we are not careful. We are now more selective. We turn on the set for our favourite shows, certain sport events, and the news, but we do not leave it running all evening. As a result, we find we can enjoy television and still have time left over for other activities and interests.