Less is More

For the past two weeks, I’ve been living without any furniture (except for my bed) and no television.  I sold my furniture to my family in preparation for my move to Missoula.  I don’t want to have to rent a trailer or moving truck for the move.  I just want to be able to fit everything in my Jeep Grand Cherokee.  So the furniture and my 26" widescreen TV had to go.  (So does my bed, but I haven’t gotten that far yet.) Originally, I was planning on buying a USB TV controller that would allow me to watch television on my laptop.  However, the night before my television departed, I decided I would just go without for a while and see what it’s like.

I’ll admit the first couple of days were a little rough.  I kept looking for the remote so I could see what was on.  Gradually, I found other things to occupy my time and I started thinking about television less and less.  Watching a few DVD’s once in a while on my laptop helped a bit too, especially during that first weekend.  As I approach the end of the second week (tomorrow) without television, I can definitely say I won’t be buying that USB TV card.  I don’t miss television anymore and I’m pretty sure I’ll be way too busy this summer to sit around and watch it anyway.

As for the furniture, I don’t miss that either.  I’ve been using a couple of folding camp chairs with some throw pillows added for extra comfort.  They’re no where near Lazy Boy’s, but they work well.  I really don’t notice any discomfort while I sit and work.  One of them is even a recliner and works great when I decide to throw in a DVD.  It’s surprisingly comfortable.  For end tables and a desk, I’ve been using folding TV trays.  I replaced my lamps with a couple of cheap clip-on desk lamps and one of my umbrella/flash stands.  When I need the stand for photography, I just unclip and go.  It doesn’t look pretty, but the whole set-up is pretty functional.  Now I just need to get rid of my bed and all the big items will be gone.

Bring on summer!

2 Responses to “Less is More”
marcy james said:

hi tony.
congratulations on retiring your tv. i am considering doing the same thing. i noticed your entries on the rmsp bulletin board and couldn’t help but check out your site ( i am a lover of research) beautiful photos. i am especially fond of your 365 day project. i wonder what you are going to do with those images. will you ever be able to see all of them together as a whole? i look forward to meeting you when you arrive in missoula. and you are right…you will be too busy to watch t.v. this summer. have a great 49 days. see you soon.
marcy
your curriculum director at rmsp

Toni said:

Hi Tony,

I looked at your photos and just wanted to say that they are really, really good.I saw the link on the Career Training Board. I am also going to be moving to Missoula to go to RMSP this summer and fall. I am a complete beginner but am looking forward to learning all I can. See you around!

Toni~

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