My Rooted Technology Meme

I came across this meme here and decided to give it a whirl. Obviously I am a beginning genealogist and one that is not much more interested than in her own personal family story at this juncture. None the less its a great meme to go through since there is so much information in the original one that may lead to wonderful resources and ideas to further my search. So its clear I have NO genealogy tech cred but as you can see I now know some things to work on!

If you want to join in the fun and show off your own tech cred, here are the rules for the My Rooted Technology meme:

• Technology you already use: bold face type
• Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional)
• Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type
• Explain or give opinions in brackets [     ] at the end of each bullet point

1. I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy[not yet . . . toying with the idea though]
2. I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device.
3. I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media. [This may change once we are settled in one place but that is a ways off still].
4. I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved. [Are you kidding me? I'm a newbie] 
5. I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos.
6. I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website.
7. I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research.
8. I have used the FamilySearch Research Wiki. 
9. I have a Facebook account and use it regularly for genealogy.[I need to check in to how people are using fb for genealogy.]
10. I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research. 
11. I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device. 
12. I use a genealogy database program (Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic etc.)
13. I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data.
14. I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
15. I have attended a genealogy webinar.
16. I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy.
17. I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research. 
18. I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy.
19. I have created and published a family history e-book. [Heritage album]
20. I have create a wiki related to my genealogy research.
21. I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter. 
22. I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
23. I have one or more genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
24. I have a Twitter account and use it regularly for genealogy.
25. I have one or more genealogy-related websites which I run and administer. 
26. I have created a screencast or video related to genealogy and posted it at a video sharing site (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.). 
27. I use one or more digital tools to capture and record my family history.

Already Using My Logbook

Last night I was inspired to gather ALL my bits and pieces of stories I have sitting around in way too many various places and find a system that works to organize them. At first it was a bit over whelming to see everything piled up including notebooks, binders, scraps, backs of envelopes, etc. The binders are from writing classes and workshops I have completed but story ideas and beginnings were scattered throughout them so I pulled them from the binders. I did the same thing with the remaining pile of stuff. I ended up with a pile of papers that seemed far more manageable. I then began to divide them into categories which for me ended up being only three; story telling methods, ideas of stories I want to tell, and stories I had already begun to write.

For "storytelling methods" I have, over time, compiled a variety of interviews, questions, memory sparkers, and techniques to invite either myself or someone else to tell a story I want to bring to mind and eventually record in my scrapbooks or family history books. I guess you could say this is the HOW of my storytelling.
Due to the classes and workshops I've done, I had a nice little pile of "stories I had already begun to write" out but either had not yet finished, or still needing polishing or a place to store them long term until I was ready to add them to the books. These were all hand written stories versus those that are stored in my laptop. I have yet to develop a good system of "stream of consciousness writing" on the computer so I often prefer to hand write memories as it allows me to doodle and let more memories come to the surface.
Under "ideas of stories I want to tell" was more a listing of incomplete thoughts that are meant to trigger my memory when I sit down to write.  You know those brainstorming moments when you recall random things from childhood that you want to expound on but don't have the time to record right then? Or the little comments you hear at a family gathering that you know will need more added to it to become an actual story? Sadly I had no way to track these great but random ideas other than this messy pile of scraps and bits.
I decided to use the "STORY LIST" that came with my LogYourMemory logbook and recorded all the topics I hope to cover and tossed all the tiny scraps and bits of paper away. On a day where I am focused on writing it should be easy to grab my logbook, review the topic ideas and choose one or add a topic to the list as they come to mind. The stories that are more complete are now stored in my genealogy binders until needed. And all the ideas for collecting stories are in their own folder. I think I am set!
I would love to know how you organize your stories before they are ready for printing. Do you have a system or idea that might help me? Please share!

TA-DA!

FINALLY got my wireless printer set up so that we can both print from it wirelessly!!! A seemingly small accomplishment but HUGE from my perspective! Already printed a pedigree chart and family group sheet for R's genealogy! This also means the scanner is now located next to my work table so its easier to scan old photos and new art work.

Another small task I accomplished today was getting my Log Your Memory logbook ready for 2012. Much simpler this year since I used it in 2011 and had the tabs and dividers all done. And this time I opted to get the printed version instead of printing it myself.