In wanting a consistent look across all the pages, I'm building a navigation element across the top of all pages.
This introduced me to the <header> and <nav> tags.
I completely understand that this isn't the most ideal way to code it acoss multiple pages, and then making manual updates across many pages However I'm taking the approach of a complete beginner (not too far from the truth, anymore) and avoid bringing in any CSS code this early into my re-learning process.
<header>
<nav>
<a href="index.html">Home</a>
<a href="thoughts.html">Thoughts</a>
<a href="contact.html">Contact</a>
</nav>
</header>
That is the whole code driving the navigation element on the top of the page. I like the idea of consistency across all of the pages. Down the line I would like to create a new logo, background change that sets the panel apart, and replacing the navigation text with icons.
I do realize in the age of AI coding assistants, going all the way back to HTML basics as a starting point in 2026 is absurd or paradoxical. Some parts of this is an exercise in going back to the basics of problem solving. I started down the path of coding, computer science, finance, six sigma black belt, MBA in Engineering Management, and other certifications along the way cause I like the overall idea of finding problems and getting to a solution. Regardless of the expansion of AI assistants, new tools, and unlimited integrations between systems - there will always be problems and there will always been a need to come up with solutions.
The more I get my mindset to being an operator and problem solver, the better for my long-term mental, physical, and emotional well-being.