Thing 1

Commit yourself to lifelong learning. 

The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.
Brian Tracy

The 7 and 1/2 habits is a really interesting slide presentation.  Because of my background, some of the habit come really easy, one I find extremely difficult is Habit 1.  To begin with the end in mind is the most difficult for me.  I don't find myself making long term plans, and then using backward planning to set milestones to ensure the learning journey goes smooth. I am more of a here's the goal, now go for it type of guy.  This process leads me right into one of my greatest strengths, Habit 2 - accept responsibility for your own learning. I get tired of hearing the younger members of the class saying nothing is their fault, everything from not turning in homework to not taking classes or showing up to classes.  Personal responsibility was drilled into me from day one of Basic training and it will be with me until I draw my last breath.  One of the other habits on the presentation that I find to be an equal strength as my first habit is Habit 3 - View problems as a challenge.  Some look at problems as insurmountable obstacles. I choose to look at them as a challenge, taunting me to try and best them.  These are crucial habits that I have found very worthwhile for life as well as learning.   

Thing 3

Knowledge is power.  Blogs are just words on a computer screen.  Meaningless and worthless unless they convey some knowledge or entertainment.  Blogs can be used by students in the education field for the exchange of knowledge both with instructors and classmates.  These blogs can also be used as a mentoring tool for lower level students and even young teachers by mentors.  One tidbit I learned in class was blogs can be used in conjunction with a resume in order to give a complete picture of the person. Once a teacher is hired, blogs can be used to give classroom information and share pictures of students with parents, and administration.  These blogs can be used as a proof of professional development and as an example of what the teacher is capable of.  Future teachers, new teachers and fellow teachers can use the blog to get information and ideas from one another, as well as sharing their own ideas with others. I think I am beginning to understand the popularity of these blogs. 

Thing 2

This was my first attempt at creating a blog.  I never did it because who wants to listen to the rants of an old man?  When choosing the name of the blog, I used my nickname and added the blogging.  I tried to name my blog Captain's blog, but it was already taken. I really think that this website made the whole setting up a blog very easy.  The hardest part was making the avatar and using the different sites to create the blog.  My avatar is a mixture of who I am.  The chef hat or toque, represents my love of cooking and my families involvement in the food service business. The camouflage shirt represents the military tradition in my family, and honors those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. I made the avatar as close to my likeness as possible, but there wasn't any Fu Manchu mustaches.  I decided to make my avatar as close to my likeness because people should know who they are talking to. The internet is a very anonymous place where people misrepresent themselves everyday, but I am saying here I am, and I'm really me.