What can we do w/o cable/internet?

[VivaciousJewelz]

So, long story short, we are fighting a losing battle with the bills. We were doing great for a long time, but then DH got laid off again and then we just couldn't keep up.

We have the basics, like food, gas, electricity, BUT our cable and internet got shut off this week and we are DYING. DH more than me since he doesn't work and stays home and now has nothing to do but clean all day.

So, WHAT do you guys do if you're not watching TV/internet? I'm trying to see if they will turn it back on, but we owe a lot, so it doesn't look good, and honestly, we can live without it, we just need something to keep us occupied.

Ideas?

[judeshoney]

Where we vacation every year there is no phone (I don't even turn on my cell), no TV, and no internet. We play cards, build puzzles, soduko, crossword puzzles...stuff like that.

Actually, we build jigsaw puzzles every winter when it gets too cold for the kids to go outside and play. It keeps them thinking.

If you go to the library, you can find the "Book of Hoyle". That's got every card game in it known to man. You can learn a new one. Invite friends over if it's a 4-player game.

While you're there you can also rent DVDs...you don't need cable to be able to watch those.

I have to say though, if my husband were at home cleaning all day I'd be tempted to let that go on for a good long while!!

[billig]

LIBRARY!
I don't know where you live, but the library has free internet, and I think it's great just to hang out and breeze through some interesting books.
Plus, there's other things going on at the library that can be fun, but all libraries are different.

But the guy stays home and cleans all day...hmmm, I want one of them.

[billig]

Yeah, judeshoney's DVD suggestion is great...another thing you can borrow from the library for free!
Plus if you have Redbox around you, every Monday lovely sweet people here post the free code for that day under 'free stuff for individuals'.

[lmcconne]

There's got to be some frugal type thread on here somewhere. Anywho, if you don't already have your digital converter box and digital antenna, that would be quite a boon compared to no reception. I understand that expense may be completely out of reach, so moving on. Videos (if you have a VCR or DVD player) could be available your local library for no charge. And you could post on a community Craigslist (sp?) asking for people's cast-offs.

There was a time, generations ago, when television and computer were not only not common but not yet invented. No one died of boredom.

Take up a hobby.

Read a book.

Visit a museum.

Exercise.

Volunteer.

It's a bit of a culture shock, but being unplugged could be a positive.

[kval07]

Read books is what I say. I spend about 6 hours out of the day at my job with no work to do. I read 2-3 books a week, just at work. I LOVE it! I used to read all the time. I really enjoy the "free time" at work since when I'm at home you can usually find me on HCW.

[billig]

Read books is what I say. I spend about 6 hours out of the day at my job with no work to do. I read 2-3 books a week, just at work. I LOVE it! I used to read all the time. I really enjoy the "free time" at work since when I'm at home you can usually find me on HCW.

dang, I want your job, what is it?

[shetlandponyluvr]

I agree with everyone else, get yourself to the library. Free internet, free DVDs to borrow and best of all, books.

[computerguy923]

Go with the free DVDs from Redbox. Use rabbit years and get lots of HD channels. Internet is free at most libraries if you really need it. Also if you have a laptop with wireless card, there are lot of food places that offer free internet. So go sit there and bum away.

[couponnewbiemich]

We have both cable and internet, but I hardly ever turn it on. Things I do with my DD:

Knit or Crochet - You can borrow how-to tapes from the library if you don't know how.
Any other type of craft - Scrapbooking, collages, jewerly making, etc.
Board Games - I bought mine cheap at the thrift store. Just make sure they have all the pieces.
Puzzles - bought them at the .99 cent store.
Museums (my local library gives free passes to certain ones)
Cooking
Baking
Reading

Society puts so much emphasis on TV, internet and video games that good old fashioned fun feels like a thing of the past. Heck, I was shocked when people were paying over $150 for Wii Fit! What happened to good old fashioned yoga using a borrowed dvd from the library?

Or, one of my coworkers insisted that she NEEDED a video game called Dance Dance Revolution in order to work out with her kids. Ever heard of walking, or playing a game of ball at the park?

Anyways, I am going off on a tangent...