Never mind the first days of school, the crazy tornadic activity from Hurricane Fay-- my family and I are facing our own crisis of epic proportions-- no TV.

I'd like to say I was one of those moms who only turns on the TV for special events, or, like one impressive family I know, doesn't own one. But that's not me. We watch a lot of sports, which I think is fine. We also watch the educational music program, "American Idol". We watch the manners show, "Supernanny." We even watch the show about broadening perspectives-- "Wife Swap."

So when the first television died, I was matter of fact about it. We took it in to get fixed, and we're waiting to hear whether it even can be. It was in our bedroom, and I thought-- that's okay. This is a great opportunity for me to read more in bed, and get other things done. (Not that. Okay, not just that.)

But when the second TV died, I must admit a sense of frustration and somewhat claustrophobia-- sort of like being in the same room while my kids watched "Full House." All summer long.

Ideally, I'd tell you that as time passed, my children and I found pleasure in the simple things, they told me their innermost secrets, I learned to bake multi-tiered wedding cakes. But again, that's not me.

Instead, I'm barely holding on until the repair tech (my new best friend) shows up to fix TV # 2. I'm thinking of sending repair tech # 1 some flowers, as a small incentive.

In the meantime, I think I'll go spend a few hours at Best Buy. Window watching.