Another belated birthday present!

I have a new television! My parents generously offered me their "gently used" flatscreen and brought it over Tuesday night. Since I wasn't home, they even hooked everything up for me.

Still surprised by how large it is --
my cabinet can barely contain it!

An unanticipated benefit is that I can actually watch network t.v. again -- LIVE! Remember how I got rid of cable last year (wow, was it really 18 months ago)? Turns out, the cable for the regular antenna didn't fit on the hookup for my old television, so I haven't even had limited t.v. viewing. All I've been using it for are DVDs and VHS (yes, I have a combination DVD and VCR -- I'm replacing my VHS tapes really slowly). It was so lovely to sit and watch Modern Family last night without worrying about the inevitable spoilers on Facebook or blogs today. I laughed AND I cried! Two really good episodes to initiate my new t.v. in my apartment!

I was surprised at how many commercials there were. I've been mentally complaining about the length of the "ad time" on Hulu, but it does take less time to watch there.

Now the temptation will be to sit and watch my t.v. whenever I'm bored... but when honest with myself, I admit that I've been time-wasting on Hulu and Netflix anyway. The only difference is that I can drag my laptop into my bedroom. I keep the television in the living room for a reason so that I can shut it off and go to bed (there is sometimes a temptation to fall asleep on the couch, but my bed is sooo much more comfortable)!!

Good-bye, old, reliable Panasonic. You have been my roommate in every home I've lived in during the past eleven years and I am grateful! I hope your next family appreciates you as much as I have.

Anyone want to volunteer to lug the old television out of my apartment and over to Deseret Industries? I really should have had my parents do it when I had the chance...

Happy 10/11/12 (October 11, 2012) everybody!