What is this 16 Thing, thing?

For 26 years I have always considered myself to be "in touch" with modern day society. Even if I didn't have the funds to buy the designer labels, I still knew how to put together fashionably acceptable outfits. I stayed up to date with the hottest music, celeb gossip, current events and new gadgets the way everyone else did; via television, magazine subscriptions or by surfing the web. Subconsciously I knew if I would actively tap into these media outlets, I would forever stay current which in turn will maintain my youth.....forever. This all came to a crashing halt when I heard the word "Blog". WTF is that? What does it mean?

Years since, I have heard the word and I would simply dress myself in a slight smile and nod my head as though I was familiar with the word "Blog". I knew it had something to do with the Internet, but what though? I stayed calm but I needed to know without unveiling to the rest of society that I wasn't as cool or as young as I thought myself to be.

Eventually I discovered it was a new form of communication. An instant opinion, thought or review that could be posted by your peers, celebrities and even politicians. Blogging, instantly grabbed my interest. I am a highly outspoken and opinionated person but no longer was I in situations that called for me to speak out or even appropriate for that matter. I work in the Culinary industry, who cares what chefs think? But I knew that I wasn't going to let that answer suppress my curiosity. I have been this way before I was ever interested in entering the Food and Beverage field.

I began to see a connection forming when my school sent me some ridiculously confusing emails about 16 Things. I had no clue what they were talking about. "Sign up!" They would say, "enhance your career....get connected." After I ignored the calling for an entire summer school quarter. I gave in. Fine. I will try it out. I am discovering what blogging is as we speak. Without the pressure of having someone read my blog, let me tell you now, (whoever my audience may end up being) this is quite a freeing experience. I am excited to start a new adventure that could potentially mold me into a strongly connected, young, professional chef!