True or False?

I am one of those weird people who loved tests in school. When I was in journalism school, we were required to read five newspapers a day and on any given day, there would be a pop quiz. I still read the newspaper as if there might be a quiz.

Here's a little true or false quiz for the day:

I don't take people for granted.

I don't treat strangers with more kindness than my own family.

I apologize easily and sincerely.

I abide by my moral code.

I say "I love you" often.

I don't raise my voice in anger.

I laugh with abandon.

I pay my bills on time.

I treasure my friends and make sure that they know it.

I'm not afraid to bargain.

I'm not afraid to don a swimsuit.

I treat my health and my body with respect.

I do not let bad experiences harden my heart.

I try to learn something new every day.

I treasure tradition and am also open to new adventures.

I speak, or am learning, a second language.

I cry when I feel like it.

I wish I could tell you I answered "true" to all of these. That would be false. For instance, I speak a mean version of Pig Spanish -- a combination of Spanish, Portuguese and English.

Now I'm not sure if this is a quiz or a guide to things I want to do better.

Move to Town and Take the Paper

This phrase is one of the husband's favorites. It's applicable in many situations and conversations.

Very little shocks me anymore but I am blown away by the number of people who have recently told me that they don't take the paper. Yes, I realize that many people choose to get their news from television or the Internet. I do too. Yes, I know that many people do not share my compulsion for the printed word. But, I'm talking about people of my own generation and older.

Few people have endless hours of free time. What's going on in your school system? What issues are before the city/county council? Did your team win? The answers about local issues should be found in your local paper.

A hot cup of coffee and reading the paper is my favorite part of the day.