1. I screen all my calls. (My wired "land line" phone is listed, and I don't have voice mail on it, thankfully. When it rings I look at the Caller ID. If it is someone I know, I answer. So 98 percent of those calls go unanswered. My cell has voice mail and I let some calls ring through. I NEVER answer 800, 900 or "Unknown" "Private Number" "Unavailable" etc. calls.

2. I NEVER talk on my cell in the company of others, in my car, in a restaurant, etc. I usually turn off the power when I am visiting someone, on a date, or in a restaurant. Using it in those places is pure bad etiquette.

3. I have cats. I like cats because they are good company for a divorced single man. They are not too messy and don't need to be walked. I also enjoy their very varied personalities.

4. I always pay bills at the very last moment. If I get a bill on the first and it is due on the 18th, I take the check and envelope to the post office three days before it is due... just enough time to get it there before they charge me the late payment.

5. I eat a lot of rice. Every other day I have a rice-based meal.

6. I read fast. I cannot read slow. I don't skim or speed read but I can tackle a novel in two nights. I usually read a book a week now, but used to do two. If it is an exceptionally good book, I will slow down to savor parts of it.

7. I moan and groan during the first hour of the morning. I have arthritis and it takes a while for the Ketoprofen to kick-in. It is in my back and ribs.

8. I detest cleaning this house. It requires frequent cleaning. The dust is incredible. I will dust a surface and two hours later it needs it again.

9. I have a very tough time managing cash. If I get twenty dollars from the ATM, it will be gone by dark. So I avoid the ATM.

10. I love coupons. My refrigerator door has several magnets and clips chock full of coupons for items I buy. Most of them will expire before I use them.

11. Early mornings I sometimes have a tough time remembering... (Not Alzheimer's!) This morning I put sugar in my mug before, during and after I poured the coffee. When I tasted it I nearly gagged!

12. I always buy only "Manager's Specials" from the meat case. Those items have to be sold because they expire that evening and will be tossed away. They are usually below half-price. I bring them home and freeze them. I always age fresh meat anyway - if I buy it.

13. I never buy or eat dry cereal (I do eat oatmeal.) It is not nutritious and costs more than steak.

14. When I am having a conversation, I try to listen more than I speak, and I always look right into the eyes of whomever is talking to me. It puts some people off, and that is a sign that they may be lying as they speak.

15. I trust nobody. I am aware of human failings and have experienced what can happen when I give myself up to trusting someone. I tended to repeat that mistake many times until I learned better.

16. I have far too many books. I am considering donating a large part of my library. When I went to the local library they did not seem interested, so screw them. I will talk to the Principal of my old high school about it.

17. I never, ever like my finished paintings after they have been finished for a couple months. I could paint over most of them, but I resist doing that.

18. I am a charter member of the "I'll do it later" club.

19. I am more impressed with talent than beauty, awards or wealth.

20. I don't really believe in talent, either. I think it is more a result of energy, education and desire than genetics.