Lessons in Motherhood

After the TV was safely (and straightly) hung above the fireplace and the new speakers were purchased, there was much additional work to be done to properly connect the various and sundry electronic devices that we “need” in our living room. For the most part, those were all quickly connected and life in the digital household got back to normal, at least temporarily.

Within days something with the system began to go horribly horribly wrong. Our receiver (that’s the thing that controls the speaker volume and through which all other electronics must flow) began to randomly shut itself off. You’d be watching a movie and boom everything was gone. Not exactly ideal for our viewing which, of course, is already impaired by the fact that the TV is above the fireplace (I just don’t think he’ll ever get over that).

So, the receiver was randomly shutting down for no reason whatsoever, and over a period of many months (yes, I said months), Luke determines that the new speakers that we had to buy to fit this new setup do not play nicely with the receiver. Why we didn’t know this when we bought said electronics and why two seemingly normal pieces of equipment can’t get along is beyond me. Perhaps, the receiver had a thing for the old speakers and is now just lashing out at the new speakers because they prefer Metallica to his Hootie and the Blowfish (not that we listen to either). That’s my explanation anyway.

I know that you’ll be shocked by what I’m about to say next because you never would have guessed it in your whole life, but are you ready for this. The Solution = We have to buy a new receiver. I know…you’re shocked. You’re thinking, “Alisa, how could you possibly need a new piece of equipment? Don’t you guys hold on to your electronics for decades until they spontaneously combust?” Yeah, tell that to our new speakers, computer, universal remote, and laptop, right?

Anywho, so we need a new receiver. Wait. Let me rephrase that. We have NEEDED a new receiver now for…ummm…hmmm…how long has it been now? Months, years, decades – I don’t know. A long freakin’ time in our world, and do you know how we have been surviving all of this time without a receiver? By listening to the sound that comes out of the TV. What?!?!?!? You heard me. Sound comes out of the TV. Who knew? You can actually listen to the TV right out of the TV. It’s amazing.

Of course, the new speakers are lonely because they’re all like “Dude, why did you bring us here if you aren’t going to feed us some amazing sound. All we’ve gotten to do is fight with your grumpy receiver” But it’s cool because I’ve figured out how to change the volume on the TV using the universal remote. Yeah. I don’t even have to get off of my ass and push the button on the TV (which is what I did for a long time before I gave in and learned how to use the remote. Just like Modern Family). So, I’m cool. No need for a new receiver. We can just continue to use the old receiver as a drink coaster until we move and have to purchase all new equipment for our new living room.