When I took this job at the newspaper back in 1987, I began collecting mementos because I had a feeling I might be here awhile. I used to have an old Bostitch stapler that could fit in the palm of my hand and an antique letter opener, but somehow they have disappeared from my desk. I think the stapler finally broke a few years back but the letter opener was on my desk at least six months ago. Time to go searching.

I also collected photos (some were taken with an old Polaroid) of the first people I worked with during our birthday celebrations or our trips to the New England Press Association conferences in Boston. We don't do those events anymore.

I also collected or copied some of the old sayings that were tacked to bulletin boards around the office — Advice for a new editor, Say it in a minute, etc.

The other day I was going through one of my old files and I came across a weathered, yellow piece of paper that I had saved (it was weathered and yellow before I tucked it away).  The paper was a list entitled "Golden Rules For Living." Now, many of you have probably seen it somewhere (what haven't we seen since the advent of the internet), or your parents may have repeated these 12 rules to you one time or another. But it is always nice to review these "tidbits" for living so I thought I'd share them with you this week. Here goes (new parents out there, feel free to save this column):

1. If you open it, close it.

2. If you turn it on, turn it off.

3. If you unlock it, lock it up.

4. If you break it, admit it.

5. If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.

6. If you borrow it, return it.

7. If you value it, take care of it.

8. If you make a mess, clean it up.

9. If you move it, put it back.

10. If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.

11. If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.

12. If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.

I’m wondering if someone in the office isn’t adhering to rule #6 in regards to my antique letter opener?