There was a time when I would fetch a good book to while away the hours (From Bucks Free Press)

There was a time when I would fetch a good book to while away the hours

12:41pm Friday 27th August 2010 in

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LAST week, as we sat toying with our high-tech mobiles in the newsroom – you know the ones that do everything except make the tea – we started chatting about how our lives have changed significantly with modern technology, writes Deputy Editor Victoria MacFarlaine.

But, even as I called it that, ‘modern technology’ I felt like an oldie – despite the fact I’m only 31.

Because, unlike most youngsters who never knew life before the internet, I remember queuing up with the other reporters to use the only computer in the office that had the web.

And we reminisced how we used to use such things called books for research and would have to squirrel away newspaper cuttings and printed photographs in folders to keep a firm grasp of the issues.

Yet later on that day, when browsing through my bank statement I realised how this ‘new age technology’ (I’ve done it again) is in fact making me skint.

Because there was a time when on a rainy Sunday afternoon, or if I was feeling a bit bored, I would fetch a good book and sit with a cuppa and while away the hours.

Now I make a beeline for the laptop and take a look around my favourite shopping website.

Despite having good intentions that I won’t buy, I end up telling myself (as many women around the world do, no doubt) ‘I work hard, I deserve to have that.’ So a few days on I have a gorgeous bag, or a fabulous dress, (or both) sent to me in the post and I feel very pleased with myself.

But it doesn’t stop there.

No, a few weeks ago I popped into Wycombe as I’d just been paid and fancied some shoeboots. However, the sales weren’t as good as I anticipated and I left empty handed. Now, there is nothing worse than leaving a shopping trip empty handed and so I made that one last tour around a shop in a desperate attempt to find something that would change my life.

Then a light bulb flashed above my head; I’d seen something the previous week online that I fancied. Excellent, my mission was accomplished and I left happy.

But the other problem with online shopping, particularly when using an auction site, is it is hard to know when to stop bidding. I once paid double for a jumper dress as it told me they were sold out in the shop (I checked and they were right). But a couple of weeks later I was having a mooch through the said shop and found hundreds of the things, mocking me on the rails, and of course they were half the price.

So, I have made a pact with myself to hide the laptop away on those rainy days and get a good book.

However, I have run out of novels. I might just have to pop online first and see what’s on offer.