GRIP 2014 Monday Summary

Well, I checked in at GRIP Sunday night with no problems.  Met lots of people including Wendy.  She's from the Phoenix area, but the west side.   It no longer seems strange to me to travel about 2500 miles just to meet someone who lives about 30 miles from me.  Michelle from  The Turning of Generations blog is also here. 

Ethernet didn't work  but everything else seemed normal. After dinner, with lots of socializing, I sat down to index for FamilySearch.  Unfortunately, after about an hour of not being able to get on the indexing site, I signed off and went back to my dorm room.  I decided to try something I do periodically at home with our cable box.  I unplugged the box, waited 10 seconds and plugged it in again.  Hurray;  it worked. 

I  knew the answers to about half of the questions, but I still have lots to learn.  And I'm going to have to spend some time thinking about and reviewing what was shown today before I feel that I really understand it.  Oh, yes.  I was able to log into the FamilySearch indexing site during the afternoon break and completed two batches.  So, I did my part in the effort to reach 50,000 indexers in 24 hours. 

I thought I understood y-DNA.  Unfortunately the homework assignment, which I had a chance to work on with three other great ladies, turned out to be a real challenge.  I had looked at it before dinner.  Because our classroom was warm all day, and my head was filled with "stuff", I needed dinner first.  Then back to the homework.  We missed the that Pam Eagleson made on Divorce Records.

So, the y-DNA part was finished and we moved on to mtDNA.  For me that was easier, I think.  We'll see if we have the correct answers this afternoon, I believe.  Or perhaps I'll have a flash of inspiration during the day and learn that my answers are either right or wrong earlier.  We'll see how the day goes. 

Thank you Dana for the mention in your blog, The Enthusiastic Genealogist.  One of the nice extras of a genealogy get-together of any time is the chance to meet those we only know from their on-line presence.

GRIP 2014 - I'm in Pittsburgh

I don't know how much I'll write during GRIP.  The flight arrived early.  I've checked into a hotel and had a light dinner at the restaurant next door.  The weather is a BIG change from Phoenix.  It's cooler, much more humid, drizzling, and a delightf change. 

I brought along the newest NGSQ because I wanted to read the article that Elizabeth Shown Mills wrote about the FAN principle and DNA.  Since it arrived in the mail Thursday I haven't had time to read it.  Michelle Roos Goodrum was on the same plane from Phoenix.  She read the article during the flight.  I'll try to read it tomorrow, since I don't feel that I can concentrate enough tonight. 

I look forward to meeting new GRIP students and seeing those who have attended in the past.  I hope you all arrive safely.

GRIP 2014 - I'm going to Pittsburgh

I can't sleep.  I was thinking about all of the things I don't want to forget to pack and all of the things I was going to TRY to accomplish before I fly Saturday morning from Phoenix to Pittsburgh.

I don't see any way of packing a desk lamp.  I've looked at Ott lights, and others.  Most are too heavy and bulky to go in luggage.  And the idea of my own pillow, special blanket, books, hangers, heavier towels, extra shoes (to change into in case the pair I'm wearing gets wet), snacks, wine?, door stop (2x4?).  Oh, do I wish I lived closer and could drive.  (Well, maybe not.  I really love Arizona and living here (Well, perhaps not the politics.)).  BUT none of these items that I'm going to miss is a good enough reason to miss GRIP. 

So, I have my list and it's long.  Tomorrow, well later today, I'm going to separate everything into two piles:  those things that I need/want for my time at GRIP and those things I just can't live without, even for one night, which will be Saturday night.  (I fly the day before to help me adjust to a 3-hour time difference.)  I wouldn't have as much difficulty if I was willing to bring an extra suitcase.  However, I prefer to travel very lightly.  I usually take one carry one and a roll-on for an international trip of 7-12 days.  So, I can't see bringing 2 suitcases, and a carry-on, for 6 days. 

What can't I live without?  Well, a change of underwear.  Meds, including allergy stuff.  Minimum makeup, including sunscreen.  A light jacket/sweater.  A change of shoes.  AND, technology.  I have to have 3 different power sources: computer, phone, Nook.  Then, of course, computer, phone, Nook.  And my MiFi card with its power source. 

I've gone to the grocery store to make sure that the refrigerator has food for my husband Walt: the necessities like milk, cream for coffee, cheese for snacks and ice cream.  I know he'll go out to some of our favorite restaurants and be treated royally.  And he has friends from wood-carving who he'll meet with, eat lunch with, and perhaps go to a movie with.  He's done this before: more than once.  And, fortunately for me, he is willing to do it again. And he really encourages me to travel for genealogy when I want to. 

The house is clean.  The clothes will be washed Friday, tomorrow today.  The packing has been started. 

Well, I guess I'm more organized than I thought.  No reason to stay up any longer. 

GRIP 2014 - Packing List

GRIP begins in 2 weeks and 1 day.  I'm excited!!!!

I am starting to plan for packing, because I'll have to do some shopping first.  I mentioned some of these things before, but I'm trying to consolidate my list, for me as well as for anyone else who may be attending.

ethernet cable - for the room (there's WIFI in the classrooms and the lounge area)
hair dryer - this isn't a hotel
body wash and hand soap - again this isn't a hotel
drinking glass
umbrella and/or rain jacket - the Pittsburgh weather is a little different from Phoenix weather
dressing in layers - who knows whether the classrooms will be hot or cold
business cards - an easy way of giving out your name and contact info to classmates as well as in dining room
computer power cord and extension cord
walking shoes - the LaRoche campus is beautiful

small bag to carry to and from class - for syllabus, computer, pens/pencils, etc. 

So, what am I forgetting?
Oh, yes.  A list of books I already have so I can shop at Maia's books
the normal clothes, toiletries, etc.
cell phone charger

Yes, the hotel provides sheets and towels, but a fitted twin sheet is helpful because the mattress covers are slippery and fitted twin sheets don't stay tucked in very well. 

GRIP 2014 - Planning #1

GRIP, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, doesn't begin for over a month.  I always like to do some planning in advance, and with my schedule for the next three weeks, I need to do even a little more advanced planning. 

I received an email from Elissa and Debbie, the GRIP co-directors, regarding schedules, etc.  Since I'm flying and won't have a car, parking isn't an issue.  But making sure that I have everything packed that I will need is more important because I won't be able to just run out and pick something up. 

With over 200 students enrolled in GRIP this year, there are going to be two lines for lunches and breaks.  It appears that breakfast and dinner will be all together, which is great, since I'd like to be able to see some of the students in other sessions.

I have completed my reading for the Practical Genetic Genealogy class, but I'm going to reread some of the material since I feel I will understand it better after my DNA day at Jamboree.  I also may do some other reading (if I can fit it in).

So, what do I really need to remember?  I'll probably update this list and post it again in a couple of weeks.

Alarm clock
Drinking glass
Hair dryer
Fitted bottom sheet (those mattress covers are slippery and the flat sheets just don't stay tucked in)

That's all for now.  These are items that we often have in hotel rooms that aren't in dorm rooms.  Hope this helps you all get started.  See you in a month.

California: Here I Come (2 Weeks Until Jamboree 2014)

Two weeks from today - I'll be in California.  Last week I talked about the process of actually getting there.  Well, there is a lot of work to do here first.

I have printed off new "business" cards, to share with new friends.  And I put surnames on the back.  Hopefully, I'll run into some cousins and we can work together on some of these problems.  Son and daughter-in-law know that we'll be arriving in Anza on Tuesday, the 2nd, but that Walt will drive me to Burbank on Wednesday.  But then, after Jamboree, we'll have more time to visit and watch the last week of youth baseball. 

I still need to do all of the usual things like stopping the newspaper, scheduling the mail vacation hold, etc.  BUT, more importantly in my mind right now, is getting up to speed on my DNA stuff.  And, oh, do I need help!!!

Last year I attended the DNA day.  I was overwhelmed.  Well, this year I'm a little better prepared.  I've sent in all of the DNA tests and received some of the results.  But I'm very confused about what they are and what to do with them.  So, I'm getting them ready.

I bought or borrowed many of the books regarding DNA that were on last years SCGS Jamboree DNA Day syllabus, and I've been reading them.  Some are fairly straightforward.  Some are still very much over-my-head.  I'm also fortunate to be going to GRIP and I am in the DNA Course there.  So, I have the recommended books for GRIP and I'm trying to read them.  Again, some are fairly easy and entertaining; some are a real challenge.  Anyway, I'm preparing and I know I have two weeks to read/skim them, write down questions, get my DNA numbers organized so that I can, hopefully, understand how to make comparisons before the end of Thursday, June 5.

As I said, there is a lot of work to do here before I leave, but most of it is my preparation for DNA day.  I hope to see you there.  And perhaps we'll find out that we're cousins. 

GRIP - Here I Come!

I don't want to brag.  Well, maybe I do. 

I just finished registering for my third visit to LaRoche College in Pittsburgh for GRIP.  Yes, I'm very excited. 

I'm going to be in the Practical Genetic Genealogy course.  The recommended books have been ordered.  So, next week I can start reading. 

I wish all of you who registered got your first choice.  Unfortunately I'm sure that some of you didn't because there are already two waiting lists, and it's just 30 minutes into registration.  Still, I hope to see all of you in Pittsburgh in July.

By the way, I sort of yelled at my husband about 10 am MST.  Here I am, getting ready to hit the registration button when it shows.  And what does he do?  He wants to talk to be about coffee.  Yes.  Coffee.  And this is even after I talked about 10 am Wednesday for the past week.  And, yes.  Before I began writing this I went and apologized and we laughed about it.  After all, we're retired.  And we don't "clock watch" any more.

GRIP 2013 - The 2014 Classes

Last night I promised that I'd post the 2014 GRIP classes as soon as I had accurate info.  Well, here it is.  And.  OH.  How difficult it's going to be to make a choice.

Intermediate Genealogy:  Tools for Digging Deeper - Paula Stuart-Warren. CG, FMGS, FUGA 

Determining Kinship with the Genealogical Proof Standard - Thomas W Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS.

Becoming an Online Expert:  Mastering Search Engines and Digital Archives - D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

Finding and Documenting African-American Families - J. Mark Lowe, CG, and Dr. Deborah Abbott

Practical Genetic Genealogy - Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL;  CeCe Moore, and Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., JD

Law School for Genealogists - Judy G Russell, JD, CG, CGL and Richard G "Rick" Sayre, CG, CGL

I didn't write detailed course descriptions.  This info will be in the GRIP website in the near future.  But aren't these wonderful?  So, which one will you be taking?

Oh, yes.  The dates are July 20-25, 2014 and REGISTRATION opens on 12 February 2014.

See you in Pittsburgh a year from now.