Monday, March 1, 2010

Winter 2010 GeneaBlogger Games

I missed the Winter GeneaBlogger Games.

I could use the excuse that my blog was too new to participate but that would just be, well......an excuse. The truth is I was intimidated by the competition categories. And I was intimidated because I knew, deep inside I knew, that I'm failing in most of the areas covered. So, after reading everyones blogs and celebrating with them as they earned their medals I have become inspired to tackle my own version of the Games.

Over the past week I have accomplished the following in each catagory:

1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources!

- As a birthday present for myself I ordered the book Evidence Explained from Amazon. I got an email notifying me that it shipped today so I should receive it soon!
- I started a new family tree. For the last 10 years I have been researching my husband's family. It's my turn now! I've started with myself and am sourcing everything correctly. I haven't gotten very far yet but I can tell you it is a thing of beauty already!

2. Organize Your Research!

- Following Lisa Louise Cooke's Tutorial in the May 2010 issue of Family Tree Magazine, I spent last night organizing my hard drive. It was easy and I feel an incredible sense of relief knowing that enormous task is accomplished!

3. Expand Your Knowledge!

- Again, using a Tutorial in the May 2010 issue of Family Tree Magazine, I did some research in the Daughters of the American Revolution Databases. And I found two ancestors! Today I ordered the latest long form applications on each name and will also explore Footnote to view the Pension File on one of them.

4. Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!

- As a volunteer for RAOGK I have many opportunities to give back the kindness others have extended to me. This week I will be pulling obits here in Indiana for a family researcher in Oregon.

The two catagories I haven't tackled yet are Back Up Your Data! and Write! Write! Write! My goal is to cover both in the next few days.

Let the games begin!

5 comments:

  1. Hi Lisa,
    I didn't participate, and I've been blogging 3 months now! I also felt intimidated and overwhelmed by it all.
    You sure did accomplish quite a bit, and I enjoyed reading your list.
    Good luck on your own family tree, it should be fun. Also, if you are interested, I wrote a lot about the DAR on my blog.

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  2. We'll be cheering you on! I think everyone was intimidated by at least a couple of the tasks (different ones for different people), but many of the tasks were a lot of fun, even the ones I had trouble with (hey, at least it provides some fodder for laughter!).

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  3. Barbara: I'll be heading over to your blog right now! I need to learn more about the DAR!
    Greta: Thanks for cheering me on....I'll need it!

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  4. Don't feel intimidated! We all have to start somewhere. You've got yourself organized, and it sounds as if you will accomplish an amazing amount soon. (Just don't forget the Back Up part.)

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  5. Lisa - Good for you organizing your hard drive!!

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