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!

marcy james said on April 7, 2008
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 on May 5, 2008
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~