I can't think of a better way to start this week off than by sharing with you my addiction. "Your what?" you ask. My addiction. That's right I am confessing that I am truly addicted to genealogy. I eat, sleep, breathe and dream about genealogy. I dream about finding my ancestors and having tea with them. I have had dreams where I have actually lectured about Loyalist ancestors while I was sleeping. I have spent countless hours researching not only my own ancestors but those of my friends as well. I don't often read books anymore, instead I read blogs and magazines about family history.
Randy Seaver at Genea-Musings has posted his weekly Saturday Night Fun this past week-end wanting to know the answers to these questions about your genealogy life.
1. When did you start genealogy research? 1998.
2. Why did you start doing research? I was a Pathfinder (Girl Guides of Canada) leader at the time, and one of the challenges for the girls to do was about heritage. I thought what a great idea it would be to have them do a family tree. I figured I had better do mine so that I could show them what to do. Since I started way back then, I have not been able to stop.
3. What was your first big success in research? Finding my great-grandparents is the 1881 England Census. The dates of birth on their gravestone markers are incorrect. It made finding them in that census a bit challenging. I was thrilled when I actually found them. They were both children in that census and I was able to add another generation to my family tree by discovering the names of their parents.
4. What is your biggest genealogy regret? Not asking my mom how she met my dad before she passed away.
5. What are you best known for in the genealogy world? I hope it is with people associating me with my business LOOKING4ANCESTORS ( by reading my blog and attending my sessions at expos, conferences and workshops).
6. What is your professional status in genealogy? I am currently working on my Professional Certificate in Genealogical Studies (PLCGS) in English and Canadian research. I plan to graduate in 2010.
7. What is your biggest genealogy achievement? Being recognized as the family historian in my family.
8. What is the most FUN you've had doing genealogy? I'd have to say it is interacting with like-minded people at expos, conferences and workshops.
9. What is your favourite genealogy how-to book? Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Also I need to mention Parish & Registration Districts in England & Wales by Dr. Penelope Christensen. It is not a how-to book, but I would not have been able to get as far in my English & Welsh research without it.
10. What notable genealogist would you like to meet someday? - I have to pick just one? Alright. That person would have to be Lorine McGinnis Schulze of Olive Tree Genealogy blog. Ever since I read her book about our Van Slyke ancestors and discovered we are (distantly) related, I have wanted to meet Lorine. Perhaps one day we can meet in Toronto for a coffee or a tea.
Are you a Genealogy Junkie? Share your True Confessions by leaving me a comment and letting me know.
