Reality TV Junkie



I am a reality TV junkie. Seriously. As I write this, "American Idol" is on after we finished watching "Kim and Kourtney in Miami". "The Bachelor" was on last night, and my co-worker and I are planning a virtual viewing party for next week's finale. And I'm counting down the days to "Dancing with the Stars".

Why do I love reality TV? I think part of it is the escapism. I can watch the Kardashians and dream of having a life like theirs. Then I watch "Hoarders" and appreciate the life I have.

I also receive a varied education from reality television. "Extreme Couponing" taught me how to save sixty percent off my grocery bill while "Selling New York" gave me tips on how to show homes in their best light. I learned how to lighten up my favorite comfort foods on "Not My Mama's Kitchen". And how not to install my own kitchen cabinets on "Renovation Realities."

But the emotional education I've received can not have a price placed on it. I learned how much compassion I have for others after seeing "Intervention" and graduated from Oprah's "Lifeclass" and "Master Class". I discovered my love language, my learning style and how to discover my passion.

Reality TV gets a bad reputation based on a handful of shows. Some of that is deserved. But there is a wealth of information ready to be explored. Lives examined and changed.

And how does reality TV relate to my writing life? It's a lot like "American Idol". When you find the right voice, the right song/story and put them together, then you'll find where you're supposed to be. For me, that's Harlequin Heartwarming.

Comments

  1. My goal is to watch Castle. I've seen one episode. For my eight year old, I watch Ninjago, The Clone Wars, and movies like Harry Potter and the Journey movies.
    With my husband, I watch Pawn Stars, House Hunters, and Fix It.
    As for me, I watch. Er, my goal is to watch Castle. I've seen one episode.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pam, I watch House Hunters with my husband too! And I'd like to watch Castle, but I haven't had the chance to sit and really watch it.

      Delete
  2. Syndi, Of all the shows you listed I've seen Hoarders only because my kids love it when they come. I think it's sad. I love Dancing With The Stars and avidly follow it since it started. I don't watch a lot of TV otherwise. Like Pam, I do the Home and Garden channel to watch House Hunters to wind down at night. I love the ones in Hawaii especially as I once lived there and it's my notion of Shangri La. I did watch Castle, but then it got not so humorous and darker with yuckier murders. I just am such a wimp when it comes to watching murder and mayhem. But I love that you learn something from all of those shows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roz, I watch House Hunters with my husband too. It is cool to see what houses are like in different places. And you lived in Hawaii? I'm so jealous. I visited once for a week and have wanted to go back since.

      Delete
  3. Yay! A fellow reality TV fan! I love Dancing with the Stars and was so happy when Melissa won on All--Stars! I also love Project Runway-partly because I like to sew and make baby clothes, crib sets and dresses- though not vey well! I'm always a little sad when Heidi says, "you're out". The hero in my upcoming novel, WISH ME TOMORROW, is a single dad and he sews his daughter's dance costumes... I just love the idea of a tall man hunched over a sewing machine stitching tulle :) thanks for the fun post, Syndi!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Project Runway! I knew I was forgetting a show. My husband aand I both love that show. Especially when the judges critique the outfits. That relates to my writing too. The contestants have to maintain their fashion point of view while still giving the client/judge what they want. It's like us wanting to keep our voice during the editing process. I knew we were kindred spirits!

      Delete
  4. Hi Syndi,
    My husband and I are addicted to Beauty and The Geek, Faceoff, and King of the Nerds!! We really like the competition reality shows. We also just started watching The Job and Be the Boss-another two great competition, feel good reality shows:)
    Great post! And thanks again for the warm welcome into the Heartwarming author family:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer, now I'm intrigued. I think I have a list of shows to DVR LOL.

      Delete
  5. Hi, Jennifer! Welcome from me, too!

    Syndi - at least you didn't mention Honey Boo Boo! As a rule, I don't watch reality TV, though I do like the Food Channel. I'm a terrible cook, but I love to see other people creating wonderful meals and desserts. I used to love to watch people shopping for new homes, but some seem so demanding of expensive perfection. And since my life is all about make-do on the cheap, I stopped watching. I LOVE Castle! PAM - someone gave me a whole season for my birthday. I'll send it to you and you can sneak it in when your men are asleep! Fun post, Syndi! And I agree, we can learn so much, even from things we don't like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Muriel, I must admit that I have seen an episode of Honey Boo Boo, but my husband said it hit too close to home for us to keep watching LOL. The Food network is AMAZING. I used to watch Guy Fieri's Diners, Dives and Drive Ins. They once featured a place that's not far from me, and I've been wanting to go there since. And you're right: some of the shows are intimidating. My dinners don't quite come out looking like theirs or cost near as much. LOL.

      Delete
    2. Muriel,
      I have season one, but haven't seen it yet. If it's not season one, I'll take you up on it. Right now, we're watching Andy Griffith. Yup, the old show. We watch one episode a night. My son is the same age as Opie, so I want him to see a simpler show.

      Delete
  6. Syndi - meant to ask. Is the cat in the picture yours? I have two tabbies that haunt my office, push my plants over, knock over my bowl of paperclips. But I wouldn't have it any other way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that's my Diva. She looks so happy in that picture that I felt compelled to share her with you all :)

      Delete
    2. He's very handsome. Wish I knew how to send you a photo. He's typical Tabby with a little orange in the stripes on his face. He's in love!

      Delete
  7. Stormy, my msle tabby, sends greetings and a wink to Diva. I think there's a romance in the works. He sits in my lap while I work and saw the photo.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Diva says to tell Stormy he's got a great name and wonders if he's got a cute face to match ;)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment