Genealogy Chat

I must admit that my family tree has become a bit of an obsession. Have even started spending my days off from work sitting in the local library going through the parish records (sometimes doing look ups for other people!). When my hubby gives me grief about spending hours in front of the computer or in the library, I politely point out how many hours he spends in front of the television! Maggy

Completely! When I first started this, with having 2 tiny children and a job, I set myself a time limit on the computer each evening. After several evenings of thinking 'I'll just look up X, Y and Z', finding them, realising there was a twist and sticking with it till 2am, I gave up timing myself cos it just wasn't happening. I'm well and truly hooked! Ali

Hey come on we're no worse than people who play golf (I hasten to add that's just an example before I get hit on the head by a club by a member of Golfers Reunited), watch people kicking a ball around or buy photography equipment - and how much does that cost as I often say to my husband (the cameras that is) when he occasionally mutters about the expense when another certificate arrives in the post. I also tell him that I've discovered how much Scottish blood is running in his veins - that usually shuts him up. And the kids are getting really good at cooking. Another advantage is that I spend more time chatting to my mum on the phone about dead relatives than live ones these days - and they're a lot less trouble :-) So let's hold our heads high - we have nothing to be ashamed of.

Absolutely! When I started this new hobby in April, I never dreamt for one minute that I would get so addicted. Of course, GR is an added bonus because there are so many friends on here. I can't wait for Christmas - because I'm desperate to get my hands on the new Family Tree Maker software, how sad!! Mandy :)

I wonder what they'd think if they knew we spent our time trying to find out about them instead of living our lives!! But then watching TV is a worse waste of time. Jacquie

What about the night times, unable to sleep, thinking about the dead rellies - always hoping one will "come through" one night! That could solve a few problems. I couldn't imagine life without genealogy. I am really that sad!!

Hi Deborah, absolutley, I spent yesterday afternoon in a graveyard in the rain! If thats not bad enought, I roped 3 relatives into it too! I have booked today and tomorrow of work, today to catch up and search for more rellies, and tomorrow to go the Greater Manchester County Records office open day! I have forgotten how to cook - so my son tells me! The poor lad has lived out of tins and the freezer for weeks! Bev:)

Hobby, sometimes it is more like a full time occupation. Only difference is that I pay out instead of getting paid.

It is too addictive, and expensive, a hobby!! I've had to cut down on my certificate spending. Jacquie

Read on here recently - there's a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness" Thought that summed it up perfectly! lol Jeanette x

You know it's got bad when you go on a family holiday and make your family hunt all the graveyards for related headstones ...... Yes I really did that! Genealogists don't die ..... They just lose their Census ! Sioux

A seriously addictive hobby - all else gets neglected - sacrificed on the altar of genealogy! The only trouble is - "genealogists anonymous" wouldn't get very far, would they?! ;-) Christine

Count me in. Not content with looking for my lot I've started the addictive habit of wandering round graveyards looking for other peoples dead rellies. Can't wait till I retire and can do this full time!

Deborah But without family history we would have no life! I find if I get stuck I move to another bit of the family tree. Often when you come back you see the problem in a different light, or you've found another place to look, etc. Give us your nan's details, you never know! nell

welll i have been doing this for years and im finding im neglecting everything to try and find my lost nan but keep going everyone