The Power Button

     


     It took a long time post Christmas to get the house back to regular chaos, knowing full well deep cleaning, purging, and organizing is still needed. I blame this on both illness but also my youngest being here for two full weeks. Let's just say she and cats are the equivalent of micro tornados, touching down and leaving a mess each place they touch. While Monday we all were still not great, after working remotely in the morning, she finally packed up, no spare room in her little Sonic, to resume normal life. 

     This should have been my jump to get things done. Instead, I had mindless TV on while I scrolled on my phone. Enough though! I hit the power button and declared an end to the television being on after 8:00 a.m.  and before the 6:00 p.m. and even then only if there's something I'm intentionally wanting to watch. Amazing what the quiet can do for feeling calmer. I think background voices and sounds are comforting, but coming from the TV, too often I got sucked in after a glance, or hearing what's on. 

     I need to figure out something though for music or radio. I might drag out an old boom box for both a CD player and radio. When I was working, I'd often have my phone streaming BBC World Service or Public radio. That's still an option, but call me an ostrich as I really don't want news blasting all day long as it's too upsetting and I have enough of that in immediate life right now, without going into details. We all have our woes. But, I can turn off the TV, not have interruptions with breaking news stories, game show shrieking, and celebrity interviews, and product endorsements. It also supports a goal to reduce screen time this year. Power to the remote. 

Comments

  1. BelindaJanuary 8, 2026 at 6:57 AM

    I like to have the tv off when I’m doing stuff around the house too. Having it on is very distracting like you said.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 8, 2026 at 4:57 PM

      It's either news on repeat, which is depressing, silly talk shows, or repeat sitcoms. I'm sure looking out the window is more stimulating.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2026 at 7:26 AM

    Sam, buy an Alexa! They are very inexpensive, work off your internet and have lie streaming music of all kinds. We use it constantly and do not pay for any special channels. This background music really helps! I may get one for the basement eventually! Not Bossy here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 8, 2026 at 4:58 PM

      Perhaps, but not sold on anymore gadgets in my life.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2026 at 7:26 AM

    Sam, buy an Alexa! They are very inexpensive, work off your internet and have lie streaming music of all kinds. We use it constantly and do not pay for any special channels. This background music really helps! I may get one for the basement eventually! Not Bossy here!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cheryl KimbleyJanuary 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Do you have cable TV? My cable has about every type of music around available 24/7. All music and no commercials or video.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 8, 2026 at 4:59 PM

      I ditched cable/ satellite three years ago and just have antennas and switch up streaming services.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2026 at 8:24 AM

    I stream music from my phone, and cast it to our house speakers (we have a Google Home, but an Alexa would also work). The lower tech solution would be earbuds & your phone. I use my workout belt (super slim, flat belt you can put on & attach & wear around the house or while doing yard work) & get your music. I don't like the feel of wearing ear buds for a long period of time, so I prefer to cast the music to a speaker. I don't like music while I work, but do like it for house or yard projects. - Hawaii Planner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 8, 2026 at 5:01 PM

      My hearing aids are Bluetooth actually, so could work. Like earbuds, they do bug me after a bit, and behind the ears is sort of irritating.

      Delete
  6. ElleJanuary 8, 2026 at 8:48 AM

    I recommend a good quality bluetooth speaker. I have a Bose. I paid under $100. No way would I have a device in my home that listens to every word.....meaning no Alexa. This world is invasive enough-tracking every word and sound in my home? No thanks. http://tiny.cc/ccdx001

    I connect it to my phone, my laptop and my TV. I record a lot of PBS programming so it's nice to listen to those that are not visual and I can carry my speaker into any room and continue listening.

    Happy Thursday to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 8, 2026 at 5:02 PM

      I'm trying to avoid more gadgets but can lok into the suggestions. I'm really thinking old school and my CD collection might make a comeback.

      Delete
  7. jjJanuary 8, 2026 at 11:34 AM

    I second a bluetooth speaker and music from your phone - Youtube has tons of great options for music. One of the kiddos may have an old speaker laying around, or you can use earbuds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM

      Yes, I'll see what options might already exist. Low spend year and looking to declutter not add so I'll check with them.

      Delete
  8. SharonJanuary 8, 2026 at 6:35 PM

    That's exactly how I feel when my daughter comes home. I love it, but it is like a tornado especially now that she usually brings two dogs and a baby with her lol.
    I listen to audiobooks while I'm doing stuff around the house or podcasts on Spotify (free). I do have audible, but I'm thinking of cancelling it as most of the audiobooks I've been listening to have been free through my library app. Usually, I just stick on my headphones so I don't have to take my phone around the house lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 9, 2026 at 5:44 AM

      I've been trying to think about using audiobooks while puttering around the house. Good idea. You can relate to the love to have them, hate the mess feelings.

      Delete
  9. KathyJanuary 9, 2026 at 7:47 AM

    My daughter used my old boom box to play Christmas music last month. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 9, 2026 at 10:51 AM

      There's at least two in the house, both with CD players and radios. I'm going to start using one.

      Delete
  10. VixJanuary 9, 2026 at 9:55 AM

    My TV times are similar to yours. Jon has the TV on all day, not to watch it but because of the background noise. I was watching an interview with Nile Rogers a few years ago and he says that musician's brains are wired differently and that they need constant noice for their creative brains to work whereas plebs like me need silence! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMJanuary 9, 2026 at 10:52 AM

      I'm a pleb, not musical at all, but do like the background sounds.

      Delete

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