As you know from other posts and podcasts, I do enjoy genealogy and the research that goes into unraveling my family tree. Last year, I came across a show on BBC Television in the UK called Who Do You Think You Are? I was able to watch most of the last (seventh) season and scattered other episodes from different seasons in the English and Australian versions via YouTube and other methods. (Since it’s only on British television and the DVDs are only Europe and UK region-coded, so I can’t watch them easily.) I have yet to watch an episode didn’t completely captivate me. Maybe it’s my love of Genealogy, or my love of hunting down a mystery, but the show grew on me.

Coming March 5 on NBC is the American version of this outstanding show. Here is the synopsis from the official NBC site:

“Who Do You Think You Are?” is an adaptation of the award-winning hit British television documentary series. The seven-episode program will lead celebrities on a journey of self-discovery as they unearth their family trees that reveal surprising, inspiring and even tragic stories that are often linked to crucial events in American history.

From the California Gold Rush to the Salem witch trials, from European aristocracy to the beaches of Africa, and from the Civil War to the Holocaust, “Who Do You Think You Are?” will reveal the fabric of humanity through everyone’s place in history. Each week, a different celebrity takes a journey into their family’s past, traveling all over the world. Viewers are given an in-depth look into their favorite stars’ family trees, and each episode will expose surprising facts and emotional encounters that will unlock people’s emotions — showing just how connected everyone is not only to the past, but to one another.

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We all know that Sideshow and I are avid gamers.  But did you know my parents are gamers too? About a year ago, Sideshow and I piqued their interest enough in WoW to get them playing.  They each have their own account and are still enjoying the game.  Sure, Sideshow and I had told them about WoW throughout our times playing and they’d be interested in knowing our progress.  Now, it’s a bit different having them play as well.  We get to talk with them in game, my mom is a loyal reader of the blog, and phone conversations and visits are full of WoW chatter.  I thought it might be fun for you, my readers, to hear a little more about them.

… except when I asked them to participate, my dad said, “You’ll have to find your parents first…” (continue reading…)

So Thanksgiving has come and gone.  For those that observe Thanksgiving, I hope you had a safe and happy holiday.  For those of you that don’t observe it, I still hope you were safe and happy over the past few days.

Since Sideshow and I started dating, and especially after getting married, we’ve had to develop a holiday rotation.  See, his side of the family lives about 20 minutes from us whereas my side of the family live 3 hours away.  I really don’t know how people can handle multiple family gatherings for large holidays, especially with several stops in one day.  I find it exhausting enough to travel (even though Sideshow does most of the driving!).

Usually when we go out of town, we stay as long as possible before returning to our normal routines.  This usually means staying at my parents’ house until late Sunday afternoon.  This year we were thankful not to be bombarded with snowy travel, but we decided to leave Saturday in the late afternoon in order to bypass the Sunday holiday traffic.  Plus, it seems that no matter where we go for a few days, I can always use a day of downtime back home before returning to the office grind. (continue reading…)

Today I shall be AFB (away from blog).  Most of the day will be spent with family and food…. LOTS of food.  From the moment we hit the road today after work, I had to remove the interwebz IV from my arm.  Sure, I’ll be on Twitter, email, blog, and feed reader here and there.  But, most of the time over the next few days will be pretty gaming free for me.

I can survive, no worries.

Anywho, let’s take a look at the forecast for today:

The morning will have 100% chance of mouthwatering aromas.

The afternoon will bring clouds of mashed potatoes, tender turkey, delicious stuffing, with a chance of a light drizzle of gravy.

There is also a 50% chance of napping.

The evening has a chance of sweets, particularly pies.

Thanks

I’d like to take a moment during this Thanksgiving holiday to share some things I am thankful for today:

My husband

My family

My friends

My health

My job

My readers

My hobbies/games

Enjoy the holiday and we’ll see if I can be awake enough after being filled to the brim with turkey to whip up a Friday post!

I originally did this post on my Genealogy site due to a weekly meme that another blogger creates on Saturdays, but I thought it was a good post to get people to think about their answers. I won’t make you go visit my site to read it, since it’s not that exciting unless you’re into family history research, though I’m not stopping you.

1. What is your all-time favorite song? Yep, number 1. It’s hard to choose sometimes. If you made your favorite all-time Top 40 music selections, what would be #1?

2. Tell us about it. Why is it a favorite? Do you have special memories attached to this song?

My favorite song of all-time is a pretty simple choice. It’s something I have thought about in the past. It seems I’m constantly trying to figure out my favorite musicians and songs. Overall, it’s a tough thing to choose, but my Top 1 or 2 are usually pretty well cemented. My taste in music is probably a lot heavier than most of the genealogy community, but even though my favorite band is pretty heavy, the song is not.

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Yep, that’s right.  It is now officially January 18th as I type.  (I’m a night owl, what can I say?)  When you are sooo close to dinging, it’s hard to go to bed at a “reasonable” hour.  So, Sideshow and I waited until midnight so that we could both ding.  He is, however, one level higher.  I don’t think I will ever catch up, but I’m ok with that because I’m still more powerful regardless. *smirk*

We are away for the weekend visiting my family in order to celebrate.  Perhaps we’ll have some Delicious Chocolate Cake, or maybe Tasty Cupcakes.

When I return home tomorrow, you will be treated to another fun NPC screenshot in this crazy World of Warcraft.  And, I think I’ll finally sit down and write out my 2009 gaming goals.  (Yes, goals, not resolutions!)

Now….

Let there be cake!

I’ve been doing Genealogy research for about 10 years now, since back when my grandfather passed away in 1999. I’ve always enjoyed mysteries and putting information together, so it fit me perfectly. Plus, it feels more personal since it has everything to do with me. It’s put a lot into perspective when you think that without any one of these people, I wouldn’t be here. (Deep, huh? I try.)

Well, I found some really interesting stuff this weekend when doing some research for Darcy’s family tree, so she gets all the fun this time. I posted all about it on my genealogy site. Take a gander.

We here at D&B certainly would like to wish you “Happy Holidays,” whatever they may consist of, and however you may choose to celebrate them.  Personally, I’m not what you’d call a huge “fan” of this time of year.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a scrooge or a bahumbug type per se.  I do enjoy shopping for others and seeing their enjoyment of what I have selected for them.  And I do enjoy sharing in good food, conversation, and laughs with family and friends.  But this time of year has had it’s many ups and many downs throughout my life, which is why I don’t call myself a fan.  Which may be why I got such a kick out of this machinima contest entry.  I mean, if Arthas – the Lich King himself has holiday spirit, why can’t I?!

Ahh, but I do! I love Winter Veil and will be playing Santa for my guild later on this evening.  (Although they don’t know it yet… unless they happen to read this post before their gifts are wrapped and delivered via mail!)  I’ve also been working diligently on the Winter Veil achievements so that I can earn the title “Merrymaker.”  I only have 2 achievements left, which should be doable before January 2nd.  I think the title will be fitting for when I organize guild social events, which I have done on occassion… and happen to have another “in the works.”

But to the take home message of today: No matter where, why, how – take a moment to hug your loved ones today and tomorrow.