If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: give me the simple life. I finally made good--well, semi-good--on my threat.

I've been thinking about "unplugging" my television. There are very few shows I enjoy, and many more I watch--only to keep me company in the evening. It has become more aggrevating than entertaining.

So yesterday, I called DISH Network to cancel my subscription for pay TV. That was my first step to breaking the television watching habit. Another reason for canceling was to save $70/mo. Money down a rat hole. It's not that I can't afford it. It's the principle. I loathe waste (and remember the phrase: "TV--the vast wasteland"?).

I told the nice young lady why I was dropping DISH. She didn't try to persuade me to quit, but mentioned they have a very basic unadvertized package for only $15/mo. That includes Food and MSNBC, my two favorite channels, plus all the local (Indianapolis) networks. And this isn't just an "introductory" promotion. I succumbed to the enticement. I signed up.

It's a start. Quitting TV cold turkey wasn't going to be easy. I can now be less selective--I have no choice. No temptation to flip to ESPN or any other "cable" sports (no Cubs!). Simplification can be a good thing. Stay tuned (pun intended).

Have a good weekend (assuming the world doesn't end!).