Desperate times call for desperate measures

I miss US television.  Luckily, my dad is an early adopter of technology and bought a Slingbox last summer.  The technology actually boggles my mind. I have no idea how it works or why it should even be able to work but really I don't care.  It works. It's like magic.  Andy and I can access my parents' television and their DVR via my computer.  So we can set their DVR to record, let's say, LOST, and watch it later while my parents continue to watch their TV without interruption.  Genius.  So, we have been able to stay current (like a day later because of time difference issues) on LOST, Project Runway, and Friday Night Lights... and one day we will stay current on our (my) other favorite shows now that the strike is over. 

Oddly, being over here has made me crave all things American, even those shows that I would never have watched at home.  Shows I probably scoffed at actually.  Really, I just mean American Idol.  I am not entirely sure how Andy and I started watching it this season.  Maybe it's the whole absence makes the heart grow fonder thing?  I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that we not only watch it but we enjoy it. Oh no.  And to make matters worse, I have my favorites.  

One good thing about being here is that they play some US shows every single night.  Some are shows I have seen over and over and probably memorized like Friends and Sex in the City, but also others that I tried to or wanted to get into at home but didn't for whatever reason like House and Numbers.  Now I have the time and the drive.  Even more fantastic is that because for most shows the UK is a season (or series as they call it here) behind, I can now start watching the two shows that started in the fall that I couldn't take on because I didn't have time. (Call me a terrible TV fan for prioritizing an international move and a wedding over new television. I can take it!)  That's right,  ITV2 will soon be airing Gossip Girl and Pushing Daisies.  It's incredibly exciting. 

Something else I have decided to do, is to take on a few British shows... but it's hard.  The channels really are dominated with US television shows (because they are so good). Sometimes I forget I live in London until I am reminded by the British voiceovers in all the adverts. We should have moved over here years ago when they had The Office and Coupling.  A show called Gavin and Stacy is coming back for a second series so I am going to try to take that on... plus there's Skins which I am going to try as well.  The other stuff is harder to dive into.  Neighbours and East Enders just aren't grabbing my attention.  Gavin and Stacy is actually going to be made into a US TV pilot so that's a good sign.  I will of course let you all know which shows win me over.  

Beyond my Prime Time TV watching, I miss my Good Morning America.  The BBC "Breakfast" is okay but it's just not the same.  No one can replace Diane, Robin, Chris and Sam, clearly.  But maybe that's okay... I mean, now I can at least get to work on time.