The big challenge

It turns out the hardest part of not having a television (due to the sound outputs failing) isn’t not watching TV. Nor is it inconsistent access to one’s console video games, though that too perturbs when the Ace Combat bug bites.

Rather, it’s the silence. Even when I’m playing games on PC I tend to have the TV tuned into MSNBC during the non-Lockup hours, or Cartoon Network/Comedy Central late at night, when a man gets his Futurama/Daily Show/Venture fix. I absolutely Ozymandias when I’m working, and while I can set something playing via Hulu or Netflix instant queue, it’s just not the same. For one, the speakers are a shared resource. For two, I don’t have speakers. Well, I do now, rather had to get them as falling asleep whilst wearing headphones in bed just doesn’t end well. But that means two active sound devices, splitting audio sources, etc. Pain in the ass.

I also keep thinking “It’s too quiet. I’ll turn on the TV”, or I glance over and notice the darkness in the entertainment center, indicating a lack of powered televisions. Then I notice I can see into the entertainment center, indicating there IS no TV, after I reach for the damned remote which isn’t there anymore.

I’m annoyed by a lack of constant news input, but looking for streaming options. I’m more annoyed by the overall silence, which my brain actively protests by constantly reminding me “It’s too quiet. It’s too quiet. It’s too quiet” as I try to work.