This may sound completely off the wall, but is it possible for you to spend as much time as possible outside your house? I don't mean going anywhere, just outside, around your house? Make yourself a comfortable spot (close enough to still get wireless!)

The reason I suggest this, besides the calming effects of just hearing birds, etc, is that I wonder if your mother wouldn't scream at you outside. I know my mother wouldn't have--it was too public, and she was all about keeping up appearances. Do you have any neighbors within earshot?