Today’s the last day of January. Does it feel like the month lasted forever? Oh my gosh, January 1 seems like eons ago. In any case, it’s also the end of the 30 x 30 challenge. How did you do? Were you able to do genealogy research or organizing (or whatever your goal was) every day for 30 days?
My month started off GREAT! But then my research screeched to a halt on January 19. I traveled to Walla Walla on the 18th to settle my father’s estate (and I actually processed some documents on the plane) but, unfortunately, I picked up a virus of some sort while traveling. (I tested negative for COVID consistently on home tests and once I got home I went to urgent care and got a negative PCR test for COVID and a negative flu test.) While I was in Walla Walla it took all my energy to do what I was there to do and I was able to do virtually nothing else. So I did no genealogy research at all. By the time I got home to St. Louis last week I was really sick and barely able to function. I started feeling better yesterday and today my energy levels are almost normal.
What I think I want to do for myself and for my research is pick up where I left off and try to do another 11 days in a row to get back in the swing of the things. (I’m going to try to do the same thing with yoga, since my 30-day yoga journey also went off the rails.)
I sincerely hope those of you who did the 30 x 30 with me had a better time of it! I look forward to hearing about it in the comments.
actually got in at least 30 minutes a day or more. Doing a complete check of my family tree file. Fixing all the errors before doing any more research
Billy, that’s fantastic! Keep up the great work!
I wondered why you didn’t have your mid month check in. Glad you’re on the mend. Your trip was emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s no wonder you got sick.
I’ve created as many new research questions as I’ve answered working on DAR Supplemental Applications. I’m making steady progress. I’ve even received a crash course in unfamiliar religious affiliations. Brethren, River Brethren, Brinserites which are also know as United Zion. I even have a Dunkard, which I haven’t explored yet.
My January 30×30 success screams keep going.
I actually did manage a mid-month check-in–I linked to it in this post. It was right after mid-month that the wheels fell off the bus. Thanks for your kind words.
Congrats on your great progress! Keep it going! I’ll be trying to channel you over the next 11 days.
Glad you are on the mend and back to normal. I averaged between 30 min and an hour a day. Did some file management and entered some obits and cemetery data into my genealogy program. I had a great find that found me. I have been looking for a copy of the original marriage record for my GrGrParents (1859 – Terr. of Utah) but could only find a transcription of it. On a face book page dealing with my ancestors someone had posted a copy of the original marriage record. The individual shared that her grandfather had the copy in some loose papers.
Jerry, what an exciting find! So glad that you had such a productive month.
Janine, I’m so sorry you had to deal with this terrible illness while taking care of emotional family business. I think it’s a good idea to give yourself some extra days to get back on track.
I have the post on my great grandparents ready to go except giving some kind of source citations. I have always found it frustrating to read family histories without any sources. Now I understand why many haven’t included them…it’s a pain! I originally thought I’d just link my documents saved from Ancestry and FamilySearch then realized (after finishing) they are useless if one doesn’t have a subscription to either. I tried creating a chart on google docs but that didn’t work either. I’m just listing the sources with any specifics I have. At least there will be ‘clues’ as to where I found my information. I’m including the link in my website listed in the box below, if you want to peruse and give any suggestions. Again, hope you continue to mend and get back on track! Z
Thanks so much for your kind words, Zenda. Thank you for linking your website to your name. I enjoyed reading your post about your great grandparents! It was especially interesting to me since I live in St. Louis (minutes from The Hill!) and my grandparents grew up in western Missouri. Source citations can be such a challenge in a narrative. I think what you did is great, providing links when easy and offering to provide the documents to anyone who asks for it. What you’ve provided absolutely gives validity to your stories.
Oh wow, Janine, what a month for you. I hope you continue to feel stronger and stronger each day.
I was happy with the progress I made in January. I averaged 30 minutes a day, sometimes more. About mid-month, I had one of those A ha! moments where organizing shared matches in a spreadsheet made sense to me. [I watched a FamilyTreeWebinar.com recording from early January 2023 with Diahan Southard where she shared this idea.] Basically, when trying to identify who the shared matches are in a particular line, I’m putting in each cell the name of the test taker, known relationship such as 1C2R, and shared cMs. This makes it visually easier to grasp the connections. I’m hoping this helps me make new connections too.
That’s terrific, Mary! I’m so glad you had such a good month. And how wonderful to have organized shared DNA matches!
I started a new job so unfortunately didn’t quite make the 30 mins each day. I didn’t make much progress in breaking down the brick wall I have, however, I have a list of documents to have a look through when I make a trip to Wellington to the National Archives.
So sorry to hear about your tough month, I hope you are feeling better and can manage to get back in the swing of things with your genealogy (and yoga).
Thanks, Missy. I am feeling better! I hope you are enjoying your new job!