by Christopher Della Valle

Created on: February 11, 2009

I find myself asking this question often especially between the hours of 11am and 5pm. This is usually the time of day where television is dominated with soap operas, talk shows, and re-runs of Law and Order. Since the before mentioned programs don't appeal to me, I found alternative things to do that are more productive than being a couch potato and to tell you the truth more fulfilling. The following is a list of activities I take part in that don't involve the boob-tube.

-Reading. This is what people did before the television was invented. Curling up with a book is just as exciting as watching anything found on TV. I don't know about you, but when I read my imagination creates pictures that not even the best production company could reproduce. As great a job as Peter Jackson did in bringing the Lord of the Rings trilogy to the big screen, it didn't come close to what my mind's eye saw while reading it. If you're not as big of a nerd as I am and don't enjoy fantasy titles, you could read a book that helps you in one way or another. Your local library should have rows of books dedicated to self improvement. How to shoot a crossbow, build a boat, and organize your closet are just a few things you can learn if you turn off the TV and say "let's work on me."

-Exercise. If you've already read everything you own and the library doesn't appeal to you, exercising is an excellent way to burn a few hours along with burning a few hundred calories. I'm one of these people that can't exercise unless I'm at a gym. But if you have more discipline than me, you could set up a home gym. If pumping iron isn't what you're looking for, you can take a walk in the park, hike a trail, or if you have children play with them. You will not only build up your endurance but build strong relationships with your kids.

-Other. For the most of you reading this, the first two suggestions will help pass the time, but if you don't think these two activities are for you, let me make one final suggestion.

Get a camera, call up some friends, and become the next Internet sensation! Heck if you don't want to read a good book, or you are one of the very few Americans that aren't obese, it will be a piece of cake to become the next Chocolate Rain/Star Wars kid/numa numa guy. With your high level of intellect, coming up with an idea should be simple. Oh and make sure to show off you Greek god physique, you lean mean you-tubing machine!

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