On not having television
Many of you may not understand what one gives up living abroad, but let me just say, this shit ain't easy. Apart from language barriers, sexism, backwards driving, and the like, there is the catastrophic lack of television. Well, let me clarify: when I turn my TV on I can get 6-7 channels static-free, but these feature mainly Japanese gameshows.If you've never had the experience of watching said gameshows, they are definitely recommended, once. What starts out as bizarre and hilarious quickly becoming physically tiring to view. I swear Japanese TV personalities are force-fed Speed before going on-air. So basically, I was done with J-TV by about last April.
One can get satellite, on which I'm told one can view dated English programming, but I figure, if it can't compare to REAL TV, then why bother? I mostly stick to rentals; I'm halfway through the entire series of Sex and the City.
Most days I don't notice the lack of TV, but then, suddenly, I'll be trying to waste a half hour (a moment in which I would have zoned out to HGTV), or find myself unable to fall asleep (my cure usually involving a lengthy blank stare at the Food Network), or worse, someone back home will mention a show that I used to be fond of (all of which were featured on FOX), and then jealousy kicks in.
All in all, I sometimes miss TV. Never would I admit to being an addict, but let's face it: TV is good times. In conclusion, anyone who would like to be my BFF (best friend forever) should consider sending me the second season of The OC on burnt DVDs (my DVD player won't play Western originals). Apply within.
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